Rainbow Bridge
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
I was so very blessed to pass the process for Shelby (age 3 months) to adopt me on September, 2 1994. We bonded instantly. Her precious doggie ways mimicked some human behaviors at times, which in time only deepened our love and connection towards each other. She was the first pet I've ever had solely. I learned to be a mom, at least to a canine but I also think that love broadened my love for others as well. She was smart, not just because she was mine but anyone that knew her would undoubtedly agree with that fact. Shelby was a quick study, if you will. She learned to play ball and fetch all on her own and was great at the skill. Sometimes too great, especially when her mother didn't want to participate any longer and she'd strategically place the ball or other object nearby, inevitably causing the reaction she desired. She learned tricks (sit, stay, roll over (with command and sign language form), lay down, lay down ‘all the way’ and to kick the ball with her feet or nudge with her nose. If she had been a human, I knew her calling – a soccer goalie. One of her favorite past times were not only playing with her ever-expansive collection of toys, ranging from balls to stuffed animals, but bundling up in as much fleece material as she could locate. No doubt she acquired that skill from her human mother. Shelby was precious beyond words. She loved unconditionally as most animals do - an attribute that humans find hard to conquer. She was a happy pup and loved most things, especially kids, her toys, her grand-dog parents and ME! My darling doxie, I will love you forever! Wait for me in Heaven. Jennifer
To whom it may concern, Enclosed is a donation to your wonderful dachshund rescue organization made in memory of my sweet 5 1/2 year old dachshund, Bennie, who left my life on June 4, 2011. Bennie was the joy of my life and he left it far too soon due to a terrible accident to his spine. An operation proved unsuccessful and so I had to say goodbye to my best friend. As you state on your website, "there is no better experience than owning a doxie!" Bennie was everything you describe, "loyal, comical, spunky, stubborn, smart and loving (especially!)." He certainly did possess a unique and special personality which I fell in love with and I miss him more than words can express. So in memory of my beloved, Bennie, please accept my donation to assist you in continuing your work in saving and giving these loving animals a good life which I know in my heart Bennie enjoyed. Regards, Christine Langlois Rumford, RI
We called her Miss Queen but her life wasn't always that way. A man bought Lady and her brother from a breeder when she was just a puppy. For the first year of her life, she and her brother spent their lives locked up in a small utility closet with little socialization. Thankfully, the man gave them rescue before they were a year old. Our family adopted Lady (her brother was very dominant and we decided it would be better if Lady had a chance to blossom on her own). That she did! She had to make up for lost time. Everyone called her Miss Queen Bee because it was her way or you would hear about it! She was all of 9 pounds but had no problem chasing the neighborhood mastiff along the fence line. I was only 12 when we adopted her and we were best friends. She was so loyal and always knew exactly how I was feeling. If i was having a bad day, she would come and just lay in my lap and give kisses and if I was having a good day, she would come bounding in with her "baby" (a stuffed penguin that she cleaned and tucked in at night). I remember one day I was riding my bike to work on a sidewalk next to a busy road when I was about 16 and miles down the road, I look back and there Lady was! Chasing after me with all of her might!! Of course, I quickly scooped her up and she had the biggest smile on her face as we road thru the wind back home. Lady went with me thru high school and told me which boyfriends she approved of. She moved with me to SC when I was married and eventually liked my husband although if anyone looked she would change her mind. Lady taught my current doxie Lincoln the rules of the house. This sweet girl was a constant throughout my entire life up until 2009 when she started to develop dimensia. We tried every medication and therapy but it continued to get worse. Eventually, she didn't know who any of us where and would scream in fear. She wouldn't sleep and would walk around in circles. The last time we took her to the vet, they said that her liver was starting to fail and it was time to let go. At 14 years old, Lady went to the rainbow bridge in my arms and will always have a special place in my heart. I love you sweet girl. I joined rescue because of you and think of you every time another one is saved. Jessica Wall