"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 and 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 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. The bright eyes are intent; the eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to break away 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 ~Anonymous*

THE MOST PAINFUL DECISION

The death of a pet is a painful experience, but becoming the instrument of that death is probably even more distressing than the actual loss.  Even though this is the most traumatic decision, inevitably the case is that this is the greatest act of LOVE we can perform for our pet.  It is the ultimate sacrifice to be giving up your most loyal, loving companion and removing them from your life... and you do this for their own sake.  No words can make this decision any easier.

I have had to make this decision on two occasions so far... and it doesn't get any easier or less painful.  One of these decisions was to ease the suffering of my pet, the other was a decision to euthanize due to the mental instability of my pet, "Cider."  The latter, I'm afraid, will probably leave me tainted for life.

But the fact still remains, at least for me, no matter how many times I have to make this difficult decision (and I will be forced to make this decision again in the future) or how painful it is, I will continue to have a dog in my life because I know without one, my life would not be as full.

Whether you have experienced having to make the most difficult and painful decision to put your pet to rest, or you lost your pet due to some tragedy, or your pet passed gracefully on it's own, losing a beloved pet causes deep and painful sorrow.  The grieving process may be hard to bear at times, so it is important to remind one's self that there will come a time when you will be
joined together again.

I have dedicated this page, and some of the preceding pages, to all of us who have suffered the loss of a beloved pet, and to all the departed pets in our lives.  In my menu on the right, you will find some links to other web sites that you may find helpful.  There are also a couple of memorial pages created in honor of my dogs that have passed away.

My sincere condolences go out to all of you who have lost a beloved pet.