Remembering Friends...

Tavi, and many of her friends, are no longer with us. We will always remember them and keep them in our hearts.

And though we grieve and always feel their absence, we think about the joy and love they gave us ...
this is the best way to honor and remember our faithful and beloved companions.

tavipix.jpg
Tavi | 1985-2000
muffinbaby.jpg
Muffin | 1995-2002
myborzoi.jpg
big "Mac" Caravaggio
Khafret.jpg
Khafret | 1991 -2011
madison2.jpg
Madison | 1999-2011
Pictures/taz2.jpg
Taz | 1995-2011
Pictures/Monty.jpg
Monty | 1996-2012
Pictures/LilKit2012.jpg
Lil Kit | 2012-2012
Pictures/Crystal.jpg
Crystal | Madison & Bootsie's Mom
Pictures/Bootsie.jpg
Bootsie | 1999-2013
Pictures/Mittens.jpg
Mittens | 1995-2013
Pictures/Sabrina3.jpg
Sabrina | 1995-2013
Pictures/KatieChecks.jpg
Katie | 1997-2013
Pictures/Bubo_Young.jpg
Bubo | 1995-2013
Pictures/Peaches.jpg
Peaches | 1996-2014
Pictures/Charlie.jpg
Charlie | 2000-2015
Pictures/Personality.jpg
Daphne | 1999 - 2015
Pictures/Abigail1.jpg
Abigail | ? - 2016
Pictures/ChestnutDEC2013.jpg
Missy "Chestnut" | ? - 2016
 
         

The Legend of Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies who has been especially close to a person
here on earth that animal goes to Rainbow Bridge. 

There are lovely meadows and grassy hills
for all of our special friends to run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine,
and our friends are warm and comfortable. 
All of the animals who had been ill or old
are restored to health and vigor.
Those who were hurt of 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,
Someone 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.
He’s heard something.His bright eyes are intent.
Ears perked. His eager body quivers. 
Suddenly he breaks away from the group,
flying over the green grass,
little legs carrying him faster and faster. 

You have been spotted, and when you and
your special friend finally meet again,
You hug and cling together in joyous reunion.
The happy kisses rain upon your face;
your hands again caress the beloved head.
And you look once more into those trusting eyes,
so long gone from your life but never from your heart.
The process is repeated for every animal who shared your
life. Then with all your beloved pets by your side,
You joyously cross the Rainbow Bridge together,
never again to be parted. The Circle of Life is complete. 
_________________________________________________

The Last Battle
If it should be that I grow frail and weak,
     and pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
     for this last battle can't be won.
You will be sad I understand,
     but don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
     your love and friendship must stand the test.
We have had so many years;
     you wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, find the strength to let me go.

Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,
     only stay with me until the end.
And hold me firm and speak to me,
     until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree,
     it is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
     from pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don't grieve that it must be you,
     who has to decide this thing to do;
We've been so close these years,
     don't let your heart hold any tears.
 
Farewell until we meet again...  we'll wait for you
by
The Rainbow Bridge, dear friends.
_________________________________




Norse mythology also contains a Legend of the The Rainbow Bridge, as the way into Valhalla (heaven)
 
By the edge of a woods, at the foot of a hill, is a lush, green meadow where time stands still.
Where the friends of man and woman do run, when their time on earth is over and done.
 

For here, between this world and the next, is a place where each beloved creature finds rest.
On this golden land, they wait and they play, till the Rainbow Bridge they cross over one day.
 

No more do they suffer, in pain or in sadness, for here they are whole, their lives filled with gladness.
Their limbs are restored, their health renewed, their bodies have healed, with strength imbued.
 

They romp through the grass, without even a care, until one day they start, and sniff at the air.
All ears prick forward, eyes dart front and back, then all of a sudden, one breaks from the pack.
For just at that instant, their eyes have met; together again, both person and pet.
So they run to each other, these friends from long past, the time of their parting is over at last.
 

The sadness they felt while they were apart, h
as turned into joy once more in each heart. 
They embrace with a love that will last forever, and then, side-by-side,
they cross over the Rainbow Bridge… together.
 
© 1998 Steve and Diane Bodofsky. All Rights Reserved. Reposted by Permission.

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