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*

Duke
"Duke" 1/9/99-3/29/11 Duke, Dukey Duke, Dukemeister, Big D, Dukey Bears….it didn’t matter what I called you, you knew who you were and when to answer. When you came through our door 11 years ago, in no way was I expecting the joy you would bring. You came to us so timid and scared, stuffed jack in mouth, wanting nothing to do with us. “Just put me in my crate and leave me be”. As the months passed, I eventually got you out of the crate and you started to trust me. "Hey maybe, she’s not too bad and she’s gonna let me stay!" We bonded in the years to follow and you became my shadow, protector and guardian. I felt safe knowing you were in the house to watch over me. You blossomed into a handsome Akita who I was very proud to take on walks. Everywhere we went, you always seem to get the compliments. Life was good…..until the day your tail uncurled and incontinence set in. I remember the vet telling me you would eventually lose the feeling in your back legs. I thought to myself, not Duke, he’s too proud. Duke, my buddy, you fought this hard and long. You never let it hold you back and always wanted to go on those walks. Sure, you may have had to get up easier or walk a little slower but you never lost the heart or the will to try. I promised myself that I would do everything I could to prolong this disease and make you comfortable and happy, but I knew when you lost the functions in your rear legs that my options were up and I dreaded having to make the decision that lay ahead. I knew you still had life left in you but I didn’t want to see you suffer. Please know it was a very difficult decision for us to make. As you crossed over to Rainbow Bridge, I hope you felt the same love that you shared with me since coming into my life. When you left, you took a piece of my heart with you, one that will never be filled until we meet again on Rainbow Bridge. Run free, my friend! I will miss you. Bear Hugs! Love Mom