rainbowbridge

L M Crane

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 ...

LASSIE ... the one who started it all. Long before I got into the hobby of dog showing, Lassie came to me as a stray. She was a sable and white sheltie who was picked up by a relative while she was trotting alongside a highway. Ever since I had read the book LASSIE COME HOME, and fallen in love with the collie breed, I had begged my parents for a collie, but alas that wasn't to be.

So, many years down the track and married with two very young daughters, when I set eyes on this smaller version of a collie, I fell head over heels in love with her, even though she was as thin as a waif, with pricked ears and rather on the large side for a sheltie.

Unfortunately, she had been very badly treated, and cringed, cowered and wet herself whenever a broom was produced, so obviously had been beaten with brooms by some cowardly ignoramus in the past.

She was my special girl until she passed over the Rainbow Bridge.

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KINTY (Shelbrae Kintyre)...Kinty came to live with us in February 1978. He was a tricolour with a huge coat and the most glorious temperament, but unfortunately his size was against him as were a couple of faults that made it hard for us to show him. He was started in obedience training with my daughter, Donna, who at that stage was about 10 years old, and together they made a formidible team, with Kinty gaining his C.D. & C.D.X. plus 2 High In Trials, one of these being the 1st Sheltie Open Show plus Obedience Trial at the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds.

Kinty lived to the ripe old age of 17+ years and was truly missed by Donna & the rest of his family. He planted the seed for the tricolours she has today. Gone but never forgotten. A true friend.

...OUR SHELTIE ANGELS...

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Ardvasar Janene (Nina)...Nina came to me at 6 weeks of age from Scotty & Helen Clinton's Ardvasar Kennels in Victoria in September 1978. She was sired by Ch. Ardvasar Jindivick, who was sired by the wonderful Eng/Aust.Ch. Riverhill Rampion (Imp.UK). She eventually became the foundation of Shelbronze Kennels

She matured into a beautifully marked and well constructed sable & white, with a lovely coat, head, ears and expression. She also had the longest tail, something I have treasured in my line, as some of the tails today are far too short.

Nina left us to go to Rainbow Bridge at 16+ years of age. A very pretty, smart and wonderful friend who is still very sadly missed.