Dog: Tammy (Border Collie) – Devon England (1993 – 12/2009)

For the past 16 years, Tammy you brought happiness to our lives. Tammy was always trying to please, giving your love so freely.

Now you are gone but we will never forget you. Tammy, sleep well my “Bubsy”.

Love Mum & Dad xxxxxxx

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…

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 ….

Dog: Sweetie (Yorkshire Terrier) – U.K. (Died 10/27/2009)

We spotted this darling little old lady – Sweetie a Yorkshire Terrier, at a rescue in June 2008.

Despite the shocking state she was in our hearts were immediately lost to her. We had to have her.

With much love and perseverance we helped her regain her strength and before long, she was once again a bonny little lass and, of course, “daddy’s girl”.

Sadly, sixteen months later, on 27th October 2009, and while in her daddy’s arms, she slipped away and journeyed to the Rainbow Bridge.

Sweetie, you were special and so very precious to us. Losing you has broken our hearts.

We miss you dearly and thank you, sweet angel for the joy you brought into our lives.

A Dog for Jesus
(Where dogs go when they die)

I wish someone had given Jesus a dog.
As loyal and loving as mine.
To sleep by His manger and gaze in His eyes
And adore Him for being divine.

As our Lord grew to manhood His faithful dog,
Would have followed Him all through the day.
While He preached to the crowds and made the sick well
And knelt in the garden to pray.
It is sad to remember that Christ went away.
To face death alone and apart.

With no tender dog following close behind,
To comfort its Master’s Heart.
And when Jesus rose on that Easter morn,
How happy He would have been,
As His dog kissed His hand and barked it’s delight,
For The One who died for all men.

Well, the Lord has a dog now, I just sent Him mine,
The old pal so dear to me.
And I smile through my tears on this first day alone,
Knowing they’re in eternity.
Day after day, the whole day through,
Wherever my road inclined,
Four feet said, “Wait, I’m coming with you!”
And trotted along behind.

by: Rudyard Kipling

Cat: Katrina – Sacramento, CA (1989 – 12/31/2008)

My Beloved Katrina, a domestic short hair, was the most intelligent, wise, special cat I could have ever hoped to know.

And I had earnestly hoped and wished for a gray cat for exactly one year prior to rescuing Katrina. I would soon learn that such wishes can be unexpectedly granted. Thank God!

My sister and I rescued her on a hot night in May 1990, she had been abandoned at a gas station, locked inside a small carrier and set next to the dumpster. I had no idea how long she’d been there.

She was around six-seven months old and very pregnant. Once I got her home I could not believe the sight of her stepping out of her carrier for the first time. It was like the first time we looked in each others eyes we said, “Hello, I love you.”

She ate and drank ravenously. I made her a bed in my bedroom and she chose the linen closet in my bathroom to have her kittens the next week.

Katrina’s favorite place to be was riding around the house on my left shoulder wherever I went, keeping me company whatever I was doing. She had a funny habit of sleeping in the curve made by my side (on my ribs and hip) at night, and later on my pillow.

She was so smart she understood everything I said to her. The years began to fly by, and always Katrina was there making my life a comfort with her presence. I could feel her love and attachment to me. She loved to purr as I held her like a baby in my arms. She loved her toys and her adopted brother PC.

She always sat like the Sphynx and I would call her ‘Sphynx kitty’, which she would take as a sincere compliment. When I had homework to do, she always came to sit on the table and quietly contemplate with me. She’d gently grab at my pencil and lounge in my open books and look up at me calmly.

Whenever I called her name she would answer me with her special ‘maow’. She was dainty and petite with a serene dignity, always in place. And she had such a sweet disposition, affectionate and devoted to me. There is a lifetime of memories so long I could fill a book.

Her kidneys began to fail in 2008. I did not know how I’d live without her. The vet assured me that Katrina was not in pain, so we worked at having more time. More precious time. I gave her fluids under her skin daily and fed her every few hours by hand. She was so strong and fought so hard to stay.

When the day came we both knew. It was one of the saddest days of my life, I knew I had to let her go. I had envisioned celebrating New Year’s with her, but it was not to be. She needed to be set free, it was time for her to fly.

The days since have been very sad, home is not home without Katrina to come home to. I sit and think about the pain and joy life has to offer, the love and loss. It seems you cannot have one without the other. For the blessings Katrina brought to me, I am eternally grateful.

While others were out celebrating the new year, I was at home tearfully praying for Katrina’s soul to transition quickly and easily. I gave thanks for being the one to love her.

She was so very wise, my soul mate Katrina. The best cat in the world. She was so easy to love. She has enriched my life and I have beautiful memories of her to cherish.

I know she has earned her wings and is flying in Heaven. When I die, I believe our souls will meet again, and the souls of all the animals I have loved will gather with us, and we will all fly together forever.

My Darling Katrina, I love you always and forever.