Rainbow Bridge

[gkbutler]

Does anyone have a copy of "The Rainbow Bridge"? We had to have our 15 year old Lab/Retreiver mix put down yesterday. He had been diagnosed with cancer last month and the disease finally caught up with him.

He was the first "camping" dog we ever had. Every Friday he would lay at the front door waiting for us. If he saw the cooler, he would patiently wait until the garage door opened then head straight to the truck. He would sleep in the back seat of the truck until we turned off the highway onto the gravel road of the campground. Then he would sit up and start wiggling all over. He loved to go wading in the lakes (never would swim) every chance he got. On Sunday he would hop back into the truck to wait until next Friday.

If anyone needs a good vet when the time comes and you are in SW Florida, we would highly recommend Chiquita Animal Hospital in Cape Coral. They were very understanding and extremely helpful. They had a room ready for us with a blanket for Pepsi to lay on. They didn't rush us and gave us all the time we needed to say good bye to him. Afterwards, they escorted us through the back door so we didn't have to go through the waiting room through all of the other patients and their families. They were very professional through the entire experience and I noticed that the vet was even crying when he passed. We were very pleased with them even though they had only seen him once before.

[win]

Click here: The Rainbow Bridge (http://www.petloss.com/poems/maingrp/rainbowb.htm)

Hope this works

[Mrs. CountryGuy]

Al and I and the yorkie kids send our hugs. So sorry to hear about your loss.

Sounds like a great vet cared for you in your time of need. They get extra pats on the back for such caring for people and pet they did not know.

[Ozzie]

Your pain is felt from our home too...it sure is a tough time to go through no matter how well you try to prepare. The Rainbow Bridge is a wonderful piece.

[Ozz]

Sorry for your loss, it is always painful to lose our furry pals.

[exav8tr]

My thoughts go out to you. We had to send our Sam to his maker earlier and no amount of words can describe the feelings we have for our extended family. I know Sam is waiting patiently at the Rainbow Bridge for us to come home and Pepsi will be there for you also.

[Les and Julie]

Sorry to hear of your loss --- our thoughts are with you. Les and Julie

[krtam]

Gary and Karen,
Sorry to hear about Pepsi, so glad you found a caring vet. It makes it easier when they are treated with dignity and love. Hold on to those memories. After the passing of our golden retriever and our black lab(mother to our two sisters), I did a small photo/scrap book of each of them, it helped with the grieving process.
Sharon

[Parrothead]

We know your pain. Our thoughts are with you.
Sue

[Icehouse]

I am so sorry for your loss. I have never known your pain. The pets I have now are my first two. And I am dreading the day I have to say goodbye.
Tammy

[slewis]

Karen and Gary, I am so sorry for your loss. Pets become such loving family members and I am so sorry that you have lost yours.
Sandy

[Waynem]

I have had dogs since I was a young child. It is always so difficult to loose a loved one. They become our children and are so very missed when they pass into doggy heaven. It is comforting to know that you had a veterinary staff that cared.

We are both so sorry for your lose.

[gkbutler]

Thank you all for the kind words and expressions of sympathy. It is amazing how attached we get to our animals. Pepsi was brought home by the kids who told us they would faithfully take care of him. We all know how that goes.

He absolutely the best dog we ever owned. He never snapped at anyone, never bit, loved the kids and grandkids. Didn't like door bells though. He would go nuts any time someone would come to the door.

Anyway, again thanks for your kind words of sympathy and support. They are all really appreciated.

[illapah]

A Letter from Rainbow Bridge

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say,
But first of all, to let you know that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from the Rainbow Bridge. Here I dwell with God above,
Here there is no more tears of sadness; there is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight,
Remember that I am with you every morning, noon and night.

That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you.

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone,
As for your dearest family they'll be here later on.

I need you badly, you are part of My plan,
There's so much we have to do To help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things that He wished for me to do,
And foremost on the list was to watch and care for you,

And when you lie in bed at night the days chores put to flight,
God and I are close to you in the middle of the night.

When you think of life on earth and all those loving years,
Because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears,

But do not be afraid to cry, it does relieve the pain,
Remember there could be no flowers, unless there could be some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned,
If I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.

But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth in over,
Now, more than ever before my life to you is closer.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb,
But together we can do it by taking one day at a time.

It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too,
That as you give the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
Then you can say to God at night and "my day was not in vain."

And now I am contented that my life was worth while,
Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
Lend a hand to pick him up as on your way you go.

When you are walking down the street and you've got me on your mind,
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go, from your body to be free,
Remember you're not going. You're coming here to me.
Author Unknown

[rames14]

Gary and Karen -
My condolensces on the loss of your faithful companion, Pepsi. I just had to do the same with Magnum. Unfortunately, he had a heart that was much larger than his legs. The Sunday before, I had the opportunity to take him on a last hunt. He crawled with his front legs through the snow to get to the birds, dragging his rear legs. I knew it was the right time, as you evidently did for your friend. I like to think that instead of hunting with me, he's hunting with my dad and brother.

[Mac]

Gary and Karen,

We too feel your pain. I'm so sorry for what you're going through, I've felt it too many times but always come back for more, I can't live without a dog in my life.

mac

[Kimmrg]

So sorry for your loss. God=dog backwards.

[catsR4me]

I'm so sorry for your loss. Your experience with Pepsi brought back the painful memories of our decision to put down our Sam several months ago. Here is a poem I ran across to share:

"IF IT SHOULD BE" (Anonymous)

If it should be that I grow weak,
And the pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then you must do what must be done,
For this last battle cannot be won.
You will be sad, I understand,
Don't let your grief then stay your hand,
For this day more than all the rest,
Your love for me must stand the test.
We've had so many happy years,
What is to come can hold no fears,
You'd not want me to suffer so,
The time has come, please let me go.
Take me where my need they'll tend,
And stay with me until the end,
Hold me firm and speak to me,
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time that you'll see,
The kindness that you did for me,
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I've been saved.
Please do not grieve, it must be you,
Who had this painful thing to do,
We've been so close, we two, these years,
Don't let your heart hold back its tears.

[illapah]

A Dogs Prayer

Treat me kindly, my beloved master, 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 the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.

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 footstep falls upon my ear.

When it is cold and wet, please take me inside for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements and I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth. Though you had no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land for you are my god and I am your devoted worshipper.

Keep my pan filled with fresh water for although I should not reproach you were it dry, 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 beloved master, should the Great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather, hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest, and I will leave you knowing with the last breath that I draw, my fate was ever safest in your hands.

- Anonymous