Rainbow Bridge

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…

Author unknown…

Annabelle:

Sadly, as happens to so many shelter dogs, especially the large breed ones, no one offered to adopt the wonderful girl except one person and by then our most beloved of dogs, Annabelle, had grown too old for a big girl for most to consider her “adoptable” (hate that word). But, we couldn’t bear for her to end her days as as shelter dog, so she was adopted after all—by our Director and her husband. And so when she left this life the lovely Annabelle had her very own people, her very own bed, her very own home, and now she has gone to the best of all possible Forever Homes. We miss her terribly, as we knew we would, but rejoice in the knowledge that she is again strong, healthy, happy, and patiently waiting at the Rainbow Bridge to greet those of us who loved her so dearly.

Following are excerpts from the story of this most beloved of dogs, Annabelle, from the time that she first became a shelter dog in early 1999 and moving forward through the passing years to the present (July of 2008). She is now approximately 12, possibly 13, years of age. Admittedly, we selfishly hope her story with us will continue for quite some time to come as we will miss her terribly when she leaves us, whether by miraculously being adopted or to move directly on from Noah’s to the Rainbow Bridge. Annabelle was a strong, highly energetic, knock-your-socks-off gorgeous, happy girl of 3 or perhaps 4 years of age when she entered the shelter system and sadly, now that she is a senior with waning eyesight that much prefers naps over play time she is not likely to ever find her very own Forever Home in this life. She does have a wonderful sponsor though, Noah’s dear friend, Janice, who has a very special place in her heart for the seniors (Janice sponsored our precious elder, Beebo, and dear old man Willow, until they each in turn left us earlier this year for the Rainbow Bridge).

Jasmine:

And this is Jasmine, whose life work was to make every creature: human, canine, feline, equine, et al., feel comfortable and lovely. Rescued from the streets of South Central, LA, Jazzy came to us via English Springer Rescue of America.

Thanks, Kay!

Holly:

This is Holly, whose life started on the streets of Simi and ended on as close to Easy Street as we could manage. Her rescue was a gift to us from New Leash On Life.

Peggy Sue:

Our Beloved Peggy Sue,

We were so very blessed to have had you in our life, though for only a short time. We knew from the moment that we saw you on the adoptable doggy page you were the baby girl for us! It was our surprise and pleasure when asked by Noahs to foster you until you found a forever home. But truth be told, we never wanted you to leave, we were so touched by you, your story, and your sweet gentle spirit. I am almost positive we drove poor Mamma Kay crazy trying to get you once we were told we could. So when asked if we would like to be your Mommy and Daddy, we were so overjoyed to add you to our furry family, even though we knew that your time on this earth would be short.

We loved your satiny freckly ears and your silly tootsie foots swiping our cheeks when we came in to smooch that piggy face, the way you snorted when we rubbed your tummy. Mommy loved the way you would smile at me during our mamma – piggy snuggles, I would caress your face, brushing over those beautiful eyes that could no longer see and smooch those chubby cheekies. Daddy will miss the way you would hug him when he laid next to you, and the way you would drape your head on his shoulder and wiggle your tail when he would carry you outside. We were so encouraged by you and so impressed by your undying strength and courage. Watching you carefully and graciously maneuver the house without bumping into a single doorway and finding Mommy in the back office easily, though you had never been there, you found me, always following the sound of my voice. You just brought such joy to us Peggy Sue. We wish that we would have been able to take you sooner, and showed you all the love of a forever family, but the Lord brought you to us when he thought we needed you.

Lil Peggy Sue, we promise to continue doing what we can to help other shelter dogs find a forever home, and promise to treat all our furry babies like one of our family without discrimination, young – old – big – small - sick or well. We promise to teach people how to love and care for their animals as they deserve to be loved and cared for without abuse or neglect and most of all we promise we will never ever forget the time we spent with you Little Piggers....There is no pain and suffering for you anymore, you are with the Lord now, resting at His feet. What a beautiful place to be.

And when He takes your Mommy and Daddy, Peggy Sue, please come for us. We will be beyond delighted to see you again.

You will be missed sweet baby girl, more than you could ever know.

See you at the Rainbow bridge....Love you......Your Momma and Daddy.

P.S. Your man servant (Daddy) says he is gonna miss you something awful, I will be sure to push him around for ya.

Ru:

Ode to the Black Dog

How could I have ever known what was missing in my life?

It felt complete

It seemed right

It wasn't.

You came from a shelter as a fuzzy little speckled footed pup. You and your littermates were abandoned, unwanted, unappreciated and unloved. Some pet store employee gave you a little extra time and I will be forever thankful.

You have taught me to love, to open my heart and to have fun. You taught me to laugh at myself, to laugh at you and to visit with strangers, to give back to the world through rescue and to believe in not just you, but in me too.

Thank you for your courage. Thank you for your love. Thank you for your patience both on the agility field and off.

May you roam the agility fields of the heaven taking Q's whenever you want.

May you chase cats and bunnies and have all the fun you deserve.

May you eat all the cookies and jerky you want and never have a care and may you please greet me at the bridge when I cross.

I'll miss you till the day I die.

Sadie:

Oh how I miss your loving sweet face. I hope you are running in a field of flowers. You will always and forever be my "sweet baby girl." I love you and miss you terribly. Until we meet again.....