Rainbow Week - First Day

The 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 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 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

Chelsey, Sugar and Sandy


Chelsey was a beauty. She got caught on a fence when she was 11 and survived. We nursed her back to health, but unfortunately, she suffered from the effects of canine Alzheimers. She was such a beautiful pup and dog. We got her when my daughter was only a little girl, and she helped pick her out from the ASPCA ( she followed my daughter all around so she just had to go home with us!) They grew up together, along with Sugar, my daughter's dwarf bunny. My daughter would read to both of them - all three youngsters laying together with a book. I had Chelsey and Sugar for 13 years. Sugar used to ride in my daughter's Barbie car, too. Sugar finally went to rest after battling old age and  initially was only given 5 years to live. Amazing!

Sandy was my Shepherd mix from when I first got married. My husband's and my very first dog that we adopted from the ASPCA. He had such a chubby little belly that he just warmed our hearts. Eventually Sandy was the first dog for my baby daughter, too. Sandy eventually passed away when she was older, from a massive chest tumor, but she was a sweetheart right up until the very end.

There were so many beautiful pets from my years growing up - dogs, cats, horses, a fox, a bull, birds and I will remember them all. May they all be romping carefree in the meadow at the Rainbow Bridge.

Harry

This is my special Harry, my best friend for eight years, rescued from the streets of Copacabana, Brazil. What a great dog! I will never stop missing him. He was sensitive, playful, obedient, loyal, loving, protective, affectionate and well, just Harry.

Splash Kennedy
      Amigo's Seventh Wave 5/17/1997 - 12/23/2010

Splash was returned to his breeder by his original owner, but he was a very lucky dog. He was adopted by Senator Ted Kennedy and spent his days lounging around the Senate office building, chasing tennis balls on the Washington Mall and sailing off the Atlantic Coast. There is no better life for a Portuguese Water Dog, than to share his master's interests.

My Samba had an email correspondence with Splash after the publication of his book. I'm sorry they never had the opportunity to meet and swim together. He has gone to meet his Senator.

Callie
? - 3/22/2010

Callie lived most of her life in a puppy mill, but she was lucky. She was rescued and adopted into a loving home. For the first time in her life she had enough to eat, a warm, soft bed to sleep on, a doggy friend to play with and curl up with and a human family that loved her.

Trixie
12/23/2006 - 2/23/2010

We hope you've gone to a better place where you can run and play all day till your heart's content and not be hampered by physical limitations. Take care darling girl.