becka

WELCOME AT RAINBOW BRIDGE by AlexanderTheodore, Bouvier, Fourth Year Resident On the morning of September 11, 2001, there was an unprecedented amount of activity at the Rainbow Bridge. Decisions had to be made. They had to be made quickly. And, they were. An issue, not often addressed here, is the fact that many residents really have no loved one for whom to wait. Think of the pups who lived and died in hideous puppy mills. No one on earth loved or protected them. What about the many who spent unhappy lives tied in backyards? And, the ones who were abused. Who are they to wait for? We don't talk about that much up here. We share our loved ones as they arrive, happy to do so. But we all know there is nothing like having your very own person who thinks you are the most special pup in the Heavens. Last Tuesday morning a request rang out for pups not waiting for specific persons to volunteer for special assignment.. An eager, curious crowd surged excitedly forward, each pup wondering what the assignment would be. They were told by a solemn voice that unexpectedly, all at once, over 4,000 loving people had left Earth long before they were ready. All the pups, as all pups do, felt the humans' pain deep in their own hearts. Without hearing more, there was a clamoring among them - "May I have one to comfort?" "I'll take two, I have a big heart." "I have been saving kisses forever." One after another they came forward begging for assignment. One cozy-looking fluffy pup hesitantly asked, "Are there any children coming? I would be very comforting for a child 'cause I'm soft and squishy and I always wanted to be hugged." A group of Dalmatians came forward asking to meet the Firemen and be their friends. The larger working breeds offered to greet the Police Officers and make them feel at home. Little dogs volunteered to do what they do best, cuddle and kiss. Dogs who on Earth had never had a kind word or a pat on the head, stepped forward and said, "I will love any human who needs love." Then all the dogs, wherever on Earth they originally came from, rushed to the Rainbow Bridge and stood waiting, overflowing with love to share - each tail wagging an American Flag.

Rainbow Bridge for Rescuers Unlike most days at Rainbow Bridge, this day dawned cold and gray, damp as a swamp and as dismal as could be imagined. All of the recent arrivals had no idea what to think, as they had never experienced a day like this before. But the animals who had been waiting for their beloved people knew exactly what was going on and started to gather at the pathway leading to The Bridge to watch. It wasn't long before an elderly animal came into view, head hung low and tail dragging. The other animals, the ones who had been there for a while, knew what his story was right away, for they had seen this happen far too often. He approached slowly, obviously in great emotional pain, but with no sign of injury or illness. Unlike all of the other animals waiting at The Bridge, this animal had not been restored to youth and made healthy and vigorous again. As he walked toward The Bridge, he watched all of the other animals watching him. He knew he was out of place here and the sooner he could cross over, the happier he would be. But, alas, as he approached The Bridge, his way was barred by the appearance of an Angel who apologized, but told him that he would not be able to pass. Only those animals who were with their people could pass over Rainbow Bridge. With no place else to turn to, the elderly animal turned towards the fields before The Bridge and saw a group of other animals like himself, also elderly and infirm. They weren't playing, but rather simply lying on the green grass, forlornly staring out at the pathway leading to The Bridge. And so, he took his place among them, watching the pathway and waiting. One of the newest arrivals at The Bridge didn't understand what he had just witnessed and asked one of the animals that had been there for a while to explain it to him. "You see, that poor animal was a rescue. He was turned in to rescue just as you see him now, an older animal with his fur graying and his eyes clouding. He never made it out of rescue and passed on with only the love of his rescuer to comfort him as he left his earthly existance. Because he had no family to give his love to, he has no one to escort him across The Bridge." The first animal thought about this for a minute and then asked, "So what will happen now?" As he was about to receive his answer, the clouds suddenly parted and the gloom lifted. Approaching The Bridge could be seen a single person and among the older animals, a whole group was suddenly bathed in a golden light and they were all young and healthy again, just as they were in the prime of life. "Watch, and see.", said the second animal. A second group of animals from those waiting came to the pathway and bowed low as the person neared. At each bowed head, the person offered a pat on the head or a scratch behind the ears. The newly restored animals fell into line and followed him towards The Bridge. They all crossed The Bridge together. "What happened?" "That was a rescuer. The animals you saw bowing in respect were those who found new homes because of his work. They will cross when their new families arrive. Those you saw restored were those who never found homes. When a rescuer arrives, they are allowed to perform one, final act of rescue. They are allowed to escort those poor animals that they couldn't place on earth across The Rainbow Bridge." -Author Unknown

Thanks. As luck would have it, I will be fostering again sooner than I thought. A guy that has several dogs and fosters several more died earlier this week. He had a total of 15 dogs. When I got the email, I volunteered to take 2 of the pups to foster them. I think Spade is up to his old tricks! He didn't much care for snow, so on Monday he sent me 8 inches of snow, Tues sent me another 2 inches and Wed sent me ice. I took the day off work Tues and Wed. And now he has decided it is too quite in my house and sent me these pups. They are in Kaufman TX and I am not sure if I will even be needed just yet. So many people have stepped up to help.

I am so sorry for your loss. Run free Boo!

I stood beside you bed last night I came to have a peek I could see that you were crying You found it hard to sleep I whined to you softly As you brushed away a tear "It's me, I haven't left you. I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here." I was close to you at breakfast I watched you pour your tea You were thinking of the many times Your hand reached down to me I was with you at the shops today Your arms were getting sore I longed to take your parcels I wish I could do more I was with you at my grave today You tend it with such care I want to reassure you though That I'm not lying there I walked with you toward the house As you fumbled for your key I gently put my paw on you I smiled and said "It's me." You looked so very tired As you rested in the chair I tried to let you know That I was standing there It's possible for me to be So near you everyday To say to you with certainty "I never went away" You sat there quietly Then you smiled, I think you knew In the stillness of that evening I was very close to you The day is over....Now I smile and watch you yawning And say "Good night, God Bless, I'll see you in the morning." And when the time is right For you to cross the brief divide I'll rush across to greet you And we'll stand side by side I have so many things to show you There is so much for you to see Be patient, live your journey out And then come to be with me. (I do now know who to credit this but I thought it was absolutely beautiful)

Thanks everyone. I have another one that I just read and started bawling. I'll post that one now. With a tissue warning this time!

thanks everyone. It really means a lot to hear from you all. I have compiled all these responses and going to put them in a book with Spade's pictures. you guys are awesome!

Tonight at 7:30p I let Spade cross over to the Rainbow Bridge. His lymphoma had progressed so far. Last night went I went to work his neck was swollen and he was still in good spirits. This morning when I got home from work I did not get my normal 'lets beat everything with my tail and feet to let mom know how happy I am' greeting. All I got was him walking up to me. No excitement. Sometime during the night one of the nodes in his neck ruptured and was causing him to have breathing problems and difficulty swallowing. I decided that all day with no good was a sign. I know I did the right thing and I know it was time. I made a promise to him that when the bad outweighed the good I would release him. My beloved heart dog is now running free and eating God knows what! I held his head in my lap as the vet gave him the medicine. Mom, dad and baby sis were all at the vets with me and it truly helped to have them there. Shortly after Spade was gone I came to realize he truly was my heart dog. His ear tatoo was 27A. I am 27 and I was the first born. I got him 2 days after my 27th birthday. He was an awesome dog and tolerated a lot. I knew that when he whimpered tonight he was in too much pain to bear and I couldn't stand it. I probably will disappear for a while and collect myself. I want to thank everyone for all their support and compassion. Becka and Spade at the Bridge

If Tomorrow Starts Without Me... If tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not there to see, If the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me; I wish so much you wouldn't cry the way you did today, While thinking of the many things we didn't get to say. I know how much you love me, as much as I love you, And each time that you think of me, I know you'll miss me too. But when tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand, That an angel came and called my name, and took me by the hand, And said my place was ready, in heaven far above, And that I'd have to leave behind all those I dearly love. But as I turned to walk away, a tear fell from my eye For all my life, I'd always thought, I didn't want to die. I had so much to live for, so much left yet to do, It seemed almost impossible, that I was leaving you. I thought of all the yesterdays, the good ones and the bad, The thought of all the love we shared, and all the fun we had. If I could relive yesterday, just even for a while, I'd say good-bye and kiss you, and maybe see you smile. But then I fully realized, that this could never be, For emptiness and memories would take the place of me. And when I thought of worldly things I might miss come tomorrow, I thought of you, and when I did, my heart was filled with sorrow. But when I walked through heaven's gate, I felt so much at home. When God looked down and smiled at me, from His great golden throne, He said, "This is eternity, and all I've promised you, Today your life on earth is past, but here life starts anew. I promise no tomorrow, but today will last and last, And since each day's the same way, there's no longing for the past. You have been so faithful, so trusting and so true. Though there were times you did some things you knew you shouldn't do. But you have been forgiven, and now at last you're free So won't you come and take my hand, and share my life with me?" So when tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart, For every time you think of me, I'm right here, in your heart. Tracy, and the "Crew" San Antonio Tx (received on Rottweiler Rescue BB)

hugs to you Deb... Run free Roo!!!

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CircleofGrey/ Is a good one for those whose greys are dying. Most of the people on the board are going thru greys with cancer, but there's lots of support and knowledge there. http://www.angelbluemist.com/memorywall.html Memory wall

I am terribly sorry to hear about your loss. Yes dear Justin was just with you a short time, but in that time he was loved. That is a very important thing to remember. He went to the bridge knowing a happy and loving home where he was able to run b/c he WANTED to not b/c someone made him. You allowed him to do that. Mine was running in my fenced back yard earlier tonight and I thought of you. you are in my thoughts and prayers. We are all grieving with you. In case you haven't noticed ().... there is a greyt bunch of folks on this board and we all feel your pain. hugs and soothing light your way........

OMG! you guys have me ROLLING!!! this is TOO funny! ducks under the paper... priceless!