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.

Winter Reminders

Well, here we are again in December. A lot of us are experiencing cold weather and many have had snow. My dogs love the cold and are wishing for snow, but we humans need to be aware of some of the dangers that winter present to our pets. We were reminded of the dangers this week when a friend, Barney, was poisoned by ingesting anti-freeze.

Barney is an outdoor cat, as his name would imply. Although his owners are careful about poisons, Barney traveled to a neighboring property where the people weren't so careful. Anti-freeze contains ethylene glycol which is extremely deadly for animals. To make things worse, anti-freeze has a sweet taste that is attractive to animals. Make sure you store anti-freeze carefully and that your vehicle doesn't leak. Better yet, use a safer product that doesn't contain ethylene glycol. There are several on the market and though they cost a little more, think of the vet bill and tragedy you could be avoiding.

Fortunately for Barney, his human Mom is a vet and knew the symptoms. She got him immediate care and it looks as though Barney will live, though he may have some physical damage.

Anti-freeze isn't the only winter concern. The salt used on steps, sidewalks and streets can not only irritate cat and dog feet, but when they lick their feet to clean them they can suffer stomach and intestinal irritation, too. There are several ways to avoid the problem. There are products on the market designed to melt snow that won't make your pets sick. We can use those for steps and sidewalks, but the street salt remains. Some dogs will wear boots, but the easiest way to avoid problems is to rinse their feet when they come in.

While we're talking about outdoor hazards, let's consider dogs and cats that live mostly outdoors. In rural areas this can be more common. Be sure that your pet has shelter from the wind, snow and ice. A sturdy dog house with some form of bedding will help. Animals all need a supply of fresh water. Check water bowls frequently to be sure they're not frozen.

Cats like to climb onto cars to stay warm. Before you start your car, knock on the motor hood to warn Kitty that it's time to get out of there. Look at wheel wells and under the vehicle to be sure no one is sleeping there.

There are dangers lurking inside the house, too. This is a time of year when there are lots of good things to eat. Some of the things we enjoy most can be deadly to our pets. We're all aware that chocolate is a no no.

Raisins and grapes are also toxic to some dogs.

Did you know that the artificial sweetener Xylitol is deadly to dogs and cats? Xylitol is found in sugar free gum and some candies. Check labels carefully.

Some plants that we find around the holidays can be toxic or irritants to dogs and cats. Holly berries and mistletoe can be deadly.

Poinsettia  plants produce an irritating liquid that can burn an animal's mouth and throat and cause stomach distress. Who wants any of that around the holidays?

Tinsel is another holiday item that is very attractive to animals, especially cats. It sparkles when it moves and can lure an otherwise well behaved pet. Chewing tinsel, which is metallic, can cut up the esophagus and intestinal walls of pets.

Candles can be dangerous. Never leave candles unattended. Keep candles high enough so curious dogs can't reach them and if you have cats, remember they can go almost anywhere to check out an interesting item. Keep candles away from curtains, and other flammables. A slight nudge from a curious kitty can cause disaster, not only for the cat, but for the entire family.

Space heaters are in the same category as candles, except that dogs also can reach them. They can not only cause a burn to a pet that gets too close, but if knocked over or moved slightly can cause house fires.

Finally, remember that young animals, pups and kittens, as well as older animals, have more trouble maintaining their body heat. They feel the cold more than others. A warm blanket in their bed and a sweater when they go outside will be appreciated. The same is true for animals with arthritis. Keep outings short and be sure they have a warm spot to rest when they come back in.

Keep safe this winter so we can all enjoy the holidays and look forward to spring.

Remembering

Hi everybody. The year is coming to a close and we want to remember those pets who crossed the Rainbow Bridge. As we did last year, we'll devote the week between Christmas and New Years to them. If there is an animal you want to pay tribute to, please send me a picture, the animal's name and dates of birth and death, if you know them. Tell me what you'd like to say, and I'll post some each day during that week.

If you'd like to check out last years Rainbow Week posts, scroll back. Any animal that you loved may be included. We don't limit the post to dogs and cats.

Therapy Jacket

Years ago when my first PWD, Bentley was about six years old, he developed a pinched nerve in his back. At first it just slowed him down a bit, but as he aged, it caused him more problems. The muscles in his back legs began to atrophy and then arthritis set in and the poor boy had trouble getting up and down. He also needed help on stairs. He never complained and I adored him  and tried everything I could to help him. In his final years I would roll a towel lengthwise and put it under his hips to give him some support.

This would have been a very helpful item giving me more control and giving Bentley more security.

With the active pack I have now, we often have a muscle pull or a sore leg from some excessive racing around together. Morgan has arthritis an her back legs and sometimes feels stiff and sore.

Last week I ordered this item. I used to ice Bentley's legs and hips every night and I could tell it felt good. He lay very still and got a dreamy look on his face. This therapy jacket has hot and cold packs and the little leg strips are fastened on with velcro. I think the next time anyone has a sore leg, this should provide some real relief.

I found the therapy jacket at In The Company Of Dogs.

We Are The Cure

November is Canine Cancer Awareness Month.

Cancer affects one out of every three dogs. Of those, over half of them will die of cancer.

Any of us who have lived with dogs for any amount of time have experienced losing a furry friend to cancer. We lost Pylon and Monty to cancer. Monty was only nine years old.


Check out the National Canine Cancer Foundation's blog. It lists 7 important things you should know about canine cancer.

You can also read about the National Dog Wash   sponsored by John Paul Pets. It's a company owned by Paul Mitchell Hair Products. For a donation of $5 to the National Canine Cancer Foundation you will receive a package containing:
Tea Tree Shampoo
Pet Oatmeal Shampoo
a pink paw " We Are The Cure" decal
for every dog wash packet sold, Freekibble.com will donate a meal to shelter pets
30 day free trial of Trupanion Pet Insurance

They depend on us. Be aware of the signs.

Beginner Agility Equipment

I know a lot of you do agility with your dogs both for competition and just for fun.

This little lady is Lyric and she loves agility.

A couple years ago I found a special deal on some beginner agility equipment. I'm not into agility, but I thought my dogs might enjoy playing with it and I was right.

 Sky demonstrates his tunnel technique.

 The deal is back and I thought I'd share it with you. If anyone is looking for some basic equipment, you might check this out. The set includes two jumps, weave poles, a tunnel and a chute.

 Norma Jean backs up thru the tunnel.

 Starting on November 27 and running thru December 12, Jeffers Pet has a special each day. The item of the day is for that day only and supplies are limited so you need to get online early because the items sell out fast. This year on November 29th the special item is the agility set. There are only 150 sets available and the price is $70. The regular price is $140. If you want to take a closer look at the set go here.

 I have no relationship to Jeffers Pet except as a satisfied customer for many years.  Some of the other daily specials include dogs beds, toys, a grooming table and Swarovski crystal dog collars. There's also a great small dog or cat house. If you have any questions, drop me an e-mail.

We Forgot Someone

Sorry everyone, we forgot a very important new member of the blogging dog family.

 This is Toby.

  Toby lives in South Africa with King Toffee....

 .......and Tammy Girl.

 He's helping his new Mom fill the hole in her heart left by Max.