Rainbow Bridge

Rainbow Image

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, someone who was 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 begins to quiver. Suddenly, he breaks from the group, flying over the green grass, 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 those trusting eyes, so long gone from your life, but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together...
*Author Unknown*

Gizmo

When I first saw him, I felt...a sense of recognition. I looked into his eyes and fell in love. I thought he was the Epitome of Akita: appearance, personality, intelligence. Family and Friends would tease, saying "he walks on water", calling him "St. Gizmo" or "Mr. Perfect". To me, it was true. A constant and comforting presence, never intrusive, he licked away my tears, celebrated my joys with "Palomino puppy" hops. My traveling companion, he went with me everywhere. Through the years, we grew gray together. He was my canine soulmate. Now he's gone. I have memories,pictures, stories... and ... a huge, empty space in my life, a space he used to fill. He is free, no longer shackled by a tired, worn out body. He is happy, healthy, and strong. I know he is waiting for me. I'll meet you at the bridge, Gizzy, my love.

Owned and loved by Jodi and Charlie Marcus

Chance
I took a chance, taking you. An adult Akita, fresh from a life unfit for a trusting soul, a male too large to lift should you need it, and me still in love with my now-departed girls. I said no more than once, more than thrice, before I laid eyes on you, but you stepped as a foster from the truck and into my heart. Intelligent, curious, confident you, so proud, so unbowed, so handsomely endowed with a spirit that looked life in the face and smiled! My sweet, funny boy, my tears follow you, look for you, maybe find you when they fade into air. You are and will always be loved, Chance, a YES in my heart irreparably part of all time.

Owned and Loved by Charlotte Swann

Dinah
For Betty

Abandoned, "a stray", taken to a shelter,
Bounced from home to home,
You took me in and gave me a place all of my own.

Everyday you showed me love.
For that I thank the powers above.
You showed me how good life could be
With someone who loved me for me.

Our time together was short but sweet
You are what made my life complete.
You stayed with me until the end
For this I thank you, beloved friend.

I'm gone from you now; this is true.
But I'll be waiting at the bridge for you
with happy ears and wagging tail.
We'll cross over together.

Written by Jodi Marcus, April 2004

Dinah was loved by Betty McDade with whom she spent her happiest year

BooBoo
September 1996- May 11, 2004
Booboo, with his eyes so black
Never suffered from the lack
Of normal, straight, front legs.

Not for him to be a lump,
He loved to run and play and jump
With all the other dogs.

Although to them never a danger,
He was fearful and suspicious of strangers,
He kept a watchful eye.

But with us, his family,
He would play so joyfully
And shower us with affection.

Through the years as he aged
Arthritis started to rage
Through his crooked joints.

He never let it slow him down
He still remained our silly clown
Our little Boody bear.

We came home to find him dead.
Something we will always dread.
A nightmare come to life.

That wonderfully expressive face
Will forever hold a place
In our memories.

He is sorely missed.

Jodi Marcus May 2004