Lost an old friend last night.

[greenfshrmn]

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

 

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.

There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.

There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

 

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

 

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

 

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

 

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

[backbay]

It tears you up, please pardon the irony.

I've been there with my dogs, and have been seen my young sons through it with their pets.

It's hard to say goodbye; they give so much.

[Rich Clemens]

This was sent to me - and I just hung on to it.

 

 

TREAT ME KINDLY

 

Treat me kindly, my beloved friend,

For no heart in all the world is more

grateful for kindness than the loving

heart of me.

 

Do not break my spirit with a stick,

For though I should lick your hand

between blows, your patience and

understanding will more quickly

teach me the things you would

have me learn.

 

Speak to me often, For your voice is

the world's sweetest music, as you must

know by the fierce wagging of my tail

when your footsteps fall upon my ears.

 

Please take me inside when it is cold

and wet, For I am a domesticated

animal, no longer accustomed to the

bitter elements. I ask no greater glory

than the privilege of sitting at your

feet beside the hearth.

 

Keep my pan filled with water, for I

cannot tell you when I suffer thirst.

Feed me clean food that I may stay well,

to romp and play and do your bidding,

to walk by your side, and stand ready,

willing and able to protect you with

my life, should your life be in danger.

 

And, my friend, when I am very old, and

I no longer enjoy good health, hearing

and good sight, do not make heroic

efforts to keep me going.

 

I am not having fun. Please see that my

trusting life is taken gently. I shall

leave this earth knowing with the last

breath I drew, that my fate was always

safest in your hand.

 

--- By Beth Norman Harris 1968 ---

[lookinforwalleye]

Thanks guys the wife and I really appreciate the kind words!

[tightline]

I just had to put down my Shepard Tessa in February...I got her as a pup at 6 weeks and had 13 amazing years with her. She went coast to coast with me 2 trips both in the back of my truck(front when she decided the slider was a doggy door)..She had a stroke one night and couldn't lift her head anymore and as much as it pained me I couldn't live with myself to see her living like that.. I miss her everyday and haven't been able to bring myself to find another yet(maybe soon I need a boat buddy)

 

Sorry you had to go through that lookinforwalleye, its as hard for most as when a family member dies,

May he be surrounded by tennis balls and jerky treats til you see him again.

 

Here's a pic of my old girl just to tribute the fallen

[Rattletrap2]

Sorry to read this news Gord. Our condolences for sure.

 

Our own old guy is 14 this year and is showing some serious signs of decline. He stumbles on the stairs a lot and just tonight, he stumbled coming across the bridge and I thought his hind legs had given out completely. It is difficult to see this happen to him and I can't imagine the loss you are feeling over Baron.