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...

I had to have JJ put to sleep on Friday April 23, 2009. He's been with my family for 13 years, and the Vet believes that he was probably 2 or 3 years old when he came to live with us. About a week and a half ago, he had a minor stroke. He bounced back from it literally within 15 minutes. Then last Wednesday, he had another one, but that one was major. When I got home from work, he was lying in the back room, and would not get up on his own to walk. I finally got him to stand, but he couldn't make his left side do what he wanted it to do. We made an appointment at the Vet for him, but they couldn't see him until the next morning. We decided if he wasn't any better, that he would have to be put to sleep. The next morning he hadn't improved. He still bit at his favorite ball, and wagged his tail, but there was no will to get up, eat or drink any water. We kept the appointment, and my Mom said the Vet was really great with him. I couldn't stand to be there, so I went on to work. We had a little "ceremony" for him that evening, and he's resting beside the creek on my brothers property.

It's amazing how a pet can altar your life without even knowing it. It has been a very boring weekend. The house is quiet, and I have stopped what I'm doing a million times to glance down to see if JJ is under my feet! I know that we did the right thing for him, as I would never want him to spend one more second than he had to being scared, or hurting. He will be missed though.