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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....
~
Paul C. Dahm
More Rainbow
Bridge Poems |
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Snoopy
A chance meeting at an adoption event
at Petsmart brought Snoopy into our lives. He had been
abandoned by his owner and taken in by Foothills Animal
Rescue. For 6 months, every weekend he came to the
Petsmart adoption event and every weekend he was passed
over. By the time we meet Snoopy, he had decided not to
give his love to anyone because it would just end in
heartache for him. The first 3 months at our house, I
kept saying, “He does not even like us”. He did not
engage with us or even want to be by us. When Snoopy
decided that we were going to be his family for life,
the transformation was amazing. He was the most loyal
dog, I have ever known. Although he had multiple
orthopedic problems, he always found the strength to
greet me at the door with his tail wagging. He taught
me how to walk slower and enjoy all the things that
needed to be snooped. He taught me to be selfless as he
would lay by me when I had a migraine and forego supper
because he did not want to leave my side. He did not
give kisses or demand to be petted but he demonstrated
his love in quiet, simple ways. In January when his pal,
Daisy, passed over the Rainbow Bridge, Snoopy developed
this need to see me whenever I was home. He would
muster all his strength to get up and be in the same
room I was in. On his last day, he could no longer get
up by himself so I stayed by his side like he had done
all those years for me. His spirit was still willing
but his body had given out. My final gift to the dog
that had given me so many gifts was for him to be
looking in my eyes when he peacefully passed over the
Rainbow Bridge. I miss you so much, Snoopy. You will
always be in my heart.
Crossed the Bridge August 2010
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Haylie
About 8
years ago we went to pick out a golden retriever puppy
and the second we laid eyes on Haylie we knew she was
meant to be part of our family. She was so sweet and
loving and made our lives complete and wonderful. Haylie
loved playing with her stuffed animals (the louder the
squeaker the better!) and chewing on rawhide bones, and
she lived for going on walks and riding in the car to go
to Dairy Queen. For a couple years Haylie had to share
her family with a rat, Lucy, and they became best of
friends. They would hang out together and even share ice
cream out of the same dish; and Haylie went looking for
her friend months after she was gone. Haylie was so
sensitive and sweet and won the hearts of everyone that
came to our house.
Getting up every morning
to spend time with Haylie and coming home to her every
night was the highlight of our day. Walking in and
seeing her smiling happy face just made everything
okay. She made us laugh and taught us the true meaning
of unconditional love. She brought more joy and
happiness to my life than I could ever express and I
would not be the person I am today without having her to
love.
Unfortunately, about one
week before Haylie's 8th birthday she just didn't seem
herself and we knew something was wrong. After much
testing, we found out Haylie had advanced cancer that
would take her from our lives far too soon. We spent
our last 5 days together doing all the things she loved
and remembering all the great times we shared together.
She knew she was loved so much and will remain in our
hearts forever.
Hayliebug, we will love
you always and forever! Thank you for allowing us to
love you and making our lives complete.
Love,
Mom (April Crow) and Dad
(Greg Smith)
Crossed Rainbow Bridge
August 16, 2010
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Sandy
Adopted 2003
Sandy (Mama Dog) left us August 17,
2010. She was 13 years old. We called her Mama Dog
because she came to us along with her daughter,
Savannah. She also had the ability to give Dave the
same looks HIS mother gave him when he was a child. We
were sure Sandy was channeling. That always brought a
laugh. She loved to roll around on her back and she
loved to hold hands. If you squeezed her paw she
squeezed right back. More than anything, though, she
loved to swim. Even the past few months as her hind
legs weren't supporting her as they should, she was able
to motor around the pool. Mama will always hold a
special place in our hearts and we will miss her so very
much. Goodbye Mama Dog. You were loved and you are
missed.
The Fraser Family - Dave, Diana, Derek,
Anna, Savannah (Sandy's daughter), and Sabrina (the
wacky Lab)
Crossed the Bridge August 2010 |
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Maggie Newton
Rescued
March 2005
Maggie came
to AZGRC in March of 2005 at the age of 7 years. Her
owners did not want her and she was living outside. She
was fostered by Karen but not for long because her
forever Mom and Dad, Pam and Craig fell in love with
her. She was a Golden Retriever through and through.
She loved to be petted, ride in the car and was very
talkative when she would retrieve something. Maggie’s
walks became shorter and shorter as she started to get
older but she never quit wanting to go for them. On
August 4th, Maggie’s legs just gave out. She
was given a bunch of yummy treats and was crossed over
the Rainbow Bridge with her head in my lap. Maggie, you
were one of my first intakes for rescue so you will
always hold a special place in my heart. Godspeed Sweet
Girl.
Candy
Crossed the Bridge August 2010 |
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Arlow
Rescued November 2008
Arlow was relinquished to AZGRC because his
owner’s had a new baby and had moved into an
apartment. He was fostered by Joy, Bobbie and
Hollie where from day one he fit right into the
pack. He loved playing with toys especially the
squeakers and the stuffing. He found the perfect
forever home with another dog and a small child
that he absolutely adored. Arlow was the epitome
of the “perfect” Golden Retriever. Unfortunately
cancer took him from us too soon.
Arlow, you were a special boy. We will miss you.
Candy
Crossed the Bridge October 2009 |
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Buddy
(Wanderer)
Rescued April
2009
Buddy was found wandering the streets and taken
in by a caring family that searched and searched
for his family but no one came forward. Buddy
was estimated to be about 14 years old when
AZGRC rescued him in April of 2009.
Mary and Jo, long time fosters for AZGRC, agreed
to foster this older gentleman without
hesitation. Buddy had knee problems that limited
his mobility but he still loved to play with
toys. He eventually came to an understanding
with the cat and they were able to live in
harmony. By June, Buddy had limped his way into
Mary and Jo’s heart and they decided to become
his forever home. Buddy was given love and
attention that he soaked up like a sponge. His
Golden years were now truly Golden. On July 7th,
Buddy crossed the Rainbow Bridge, where he is
running pain free.
Thank you to Mary and Jo for giving Buddy love
and attention for more than a year and for
giving him the most altruistic gift at the end,
peace.
Candy
Crossed the
Bridge July 2010 |
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