Bridge

Remember me always, but do not grieve for me too long. I have tried to comfort you in times of
sorrow and have made every effort to add joy to your life. I never wanted to cause you pain.

Peace for me is certain now and I suspect I will have eternal rest in the earth I have loved so well. Please, after your period of grieving for me, make room in your heart for another. You are the kind of person that should always have a friend like me to love.

Your kind and gentle heart should not be wasted on my memory for too long. Give your love to another. I know your new friend will never take my place because we had something very special. It may not be quite the same, but a new and loving companion will, in time, become special in their own way.

You loved me very much and I loved you. My spirit will always be with you. And no matter how deep my sleep, my grateful tail will always be wagging.

Author unknown

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

Brandywine CD
1/29/81 - 3/14/86

This is one of the last pictures I have of Brandy. Her ears were so expressive, standing up when she was alert, droopy when she was relaxed and pinned back when she was worried or scared.

Thank you, Brandy, for seeing me through so many rough times in college and for getting me started in this sport.

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 -- the 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 happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.

Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me till 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, we two, these years.
Don't let your heart hold any tears.

Author Unknown