Rainbow Bridge





Last year  7,743 dogs in the Uk were destroyed in pounds.
Through No Fault of their own
Run Free




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



Unlike most days at Rainbow Bridge,

This day dawned cold and gray, damp
as a swamp and as dismal as could be imagined.
All of the recent arrivals had no idea what to think,
as they had never experienced a day like this before.

But the animals who had been waiting for their beloved people
 knew exactly what was going on and started to gather at the pathway
leading to The Bridge to watch.


It wasn't long before an elderly animal came into view,
head hung low and tail dragging.
The other animals, the ones who had been there for a while,
knew what his story was right away,
for they had seen this happen far too often.

He approached slowly, obviously in great emotional pain,
but with no sign of injury or illness.
Unlike all of the other animals waiting at The Bridge,
 this animal had not been restored to youth
and made healthy and vigorous again.


As he walked toward The Bridge,
he watched all of the other animals watching him.
He knew he was out of place here and the sooner he could cross over,
the happier he would be. But, alas, as he approached The Bridge,
his way was barred by the appearance of an Angel who apologized,
 but told him that he would not be able to pass.
Only those animals who were with their people
could pass over Rainbow Bridge.


With no place else to turn to,
 the elderly animal turned towards the fields before The Bridge
and saw a group of other animals like himself, also elderly and infirm.
They weren't playing, but rather simply lying on the green grass,
forlornly staring out at the pathway leading to The Bridge.
And so, he took his place among them,
watching the pathway and waiting.


One of the newest arrivals at The Bridge
didn't understand what he had just witnessed
and asked one of the animals that had been there
for awhile to explain it to him.


"You see, that poor animal was a rescue.
He was turned in to rescue just as you see him now,
an older animal with his fur graying and his eyes clouding.
 He never made it out of rescue and passed on
with only the love of his rescuer to comfort him
as he left his earthly existence.
 Because he had no family to give his love to,
he has no one to escort him across The Bridge."


The first animal thought about this for a minute and then asked,
 "So what will happen now?"
As he was about to receive his answer, the clouds
suddenly parted and the gloom lifted. Approaching The Bridge
could be seen a single person,
and among the older animals,
a whole group was suddenly bathed in a golden light
and they were all young and healthy again,
just as they were in the prime of life.


"Watch, and see," said the second animal.
A second group of animals from those waiting came to the pathway
and bowed low as the person neared.
At each bowed head, the person offered a pat on the head
or a scratch behind the ears.
The newly restored animals fell into line and followed her towards
The Bridge.
They all crossed The Bridge together.
"What happened?"


"That was a rescuer.
The animals you saw bowing in respect
 were those who found new homes because of her work.
They will cross when their new families arrive.
Those you saw restored were those who never found homes.
When a rescuer arrives, they are allowed to perform one, final act of rescue.
They are allowed to escort those poor animals that they couldn't place on earth
across The Rainbow Bridge."

"I think I like rescuers", said the first animal.

"So does GOD", was the reply.



A Letter From Your Pet In Heaven

To my dearest family,some things I'd like to say.
But first of all, to let you know,that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from the Bridge.Here I dwell with God above.
Here there's no more tears of sadness.Here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I am with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,

God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you.
It's good to have you back again,you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family,They'll be here later on."

God gave me a list of things,that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list,was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night the day's chores put to flight,
God and I are closest to you...in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth,and all those loving years,
because you are only human,they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry:it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers,unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
If I were to tell you,you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain,though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now,than I ever was before.

There are rocky roads ahead of you
and many hills to climb;But together we can do it
by taking one day at a time.It was always my philosophy
and I'd like it for you too;That as you give unto the world,
the world will give to you.If you can help somebody
who's in sorrow and pain;Then you can say to God at night...

"My day was not in vain."And now I am contented...
that my life was worthwhile.Knowing as I passed along
I made somebody smile.God says: "If you meet somebody
who is sad and feeling low;Just lend a hand to pick him up,
as on your way you go.When you're walking down the street
with me on your mind;I'm walking in your footsteps
only half a step behind.""And when it's time for you to go...
from that body to be free.Remember you're not going...
you're coming here to me."



listen with your heart.

As much as I loved the life we had and all the times we played,
I was so very tired and knew my time on earth would fade.
I saw a wondrous image then of a place that's trouble-free
Where all of us can meet again to spend eternity.

I saw the most beautiful Rainbow, and on the other side
Were meadows rich and beautiful -- lush and green and wide!
And running through the meadows as far as the eye could see
Were animals of every sort as healthy as could be!
My own tired, failing body was fresh and healed and new
And I wanted to go run with them, but I had something left to do.

I needed to reach out to you, to tell you I'm alright
That this place is truly wonderful, then a bright Glow pierced the night.
'Twas the Glow of many Candles shining bright and strong and bold
And I knew then that it held your love in its brilliant shades of gold.

For although we may not be together in the way we used to be,
We are still connected by a cord no eye can see.
So whenever you need to find me, we're never far apart
If you look beyond the Rainbow and listen with your heart.




Dog On Loan

"I'll lend you for a little time,

a dog of mine God said.
For you to love while she lives
and mourn when she is dead.
The years they may be six or ten
or even as few as three.
But will you, 'til I call her back,
take care of her for me?
She'll bring her charms to gladden you,
and shall her stay be brief,
You'll have her lovely memories as solace
for your grief.
I cannot promise she will stay,
since all from Earth return,
But there are lessons taught down there
I want this dog to learn.
I've looked the wide world over,
in my search for masters true,
And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes,
I have selected you.
Now will you give her your love,
nor think the labor vain,
Nor hate me when I come to call
to take her back again?
We answered in sincerity, Dear Lord, Thy will be done.
For all the joy this dog shall bring,
the risk of grief we'll run.
We'll shelter her with tenderness,
and love her while we may,
And for the happiness we will know,
we'll ever grateful stay.
But shall the angels call for her
much sooner than we planned,
We'll know the bitter grief that comes
and try to understand."




A special poem for you.....

From Friend To Friend
You're giving me a special gift,
So sorrowfully endowed,
And through these last few cherished days,
Your courage makes me proud.

But really, love is knowing
When your best friend is in pain,
And understanding earthly acts
Will only be in vain.

So looking deep into your eyes,
Beyond, into your soul,
I see in you the magic, that will
Once more make me whole.

The strength that you possess,
Is why I look to you today,
To do this thing that must be done,
For it's the only way.

That strength is why I've followed you,
And chose you as my friend,
And why I've loved you all these years...
My partner 'til the end.

Please, understand just what this gift,
You're giving, means to me,
It gives me back the strength I've lost,
And all my dignity.

You take a stand on my behalf,
For that is what friends do.
And know that what you do is right,
For I believe it too.

So one last time, I breathe your scent,
And through your hand I feel,
The courage that's within you,
To now grant me this appeal.

Cut the leash that holds me here,
Dear friend, and let me run,
Once more a strong and steady dog,
My pain and struggle done.

And don't despair my passing,
For I won't be far away,
Forever here, within your heart,
And memory I'll stay.

I'll be there watching over you,
Your ever faithful friend,
And in your memories I'll run,
....a young dog once again.



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 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 for 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.




WHEN TOMORROW STARTS WITHOUT ME
Author Unknown

When tomorrow starts without me,
And I'm not there to see;
The sun will rise and find your eyes
All filled with tears for me.

I wish so much you wouldn't cry
The way you did today,
Remembering how I'd lay my head
In your lap that special way.
I know how much you love me,
As much as I love you,
And each time that you think of me,
I know you'll miss me too.

But when tomorrow starts without me.
Please try to understand,
That an angel came and called my name
And petted me with her hand.
She said my place was ready,
In Heaven far above,
And that I'd have to leave behind
All those I dearly love.

But, as I turned to heel away,
A tear fell from my eye,
For all my life I never thought
That I would have to die.
I had so much to live for,
So many sits and downs to do,
It seemed almost impossible,
That I was leaving you.

I thought about our lives together,
I know you must be sad,
I thought of all the love we shared,
And all the fun we had.

Remember how I'd nudge your hand,
And poke you with my nose?
The frisbee I would gladly chase,
The bad guy, I'd "bark and hold".

If I could relive yesterday,
Just even for awhile,
I'd wag my tail and kiss you,
Just so I could see you smile.

But, then I fully realized,
That this could never be;
For emptiness and memories
Will take the place of me.
And when I thought of treats and toys,
I might miss come tomorrow,
I thought of you and when I did,
My dog-heart filled with sorrow.

But then I walked through Heaven's gate,
And felt so much at home;
As God looked down and smiled at me,
From His beautiful golden throne.
He said, "This is eternity,
And now we welcome you,
Today your life on earth is past,
But here it starts anew.

I promise no tomorrow,
But today will always last;
For you see, each days's the same day,
There's no longing for the past.
Now you have been so faithful,
So trusting, loyal and true;
Though there were times you did things,
You knew you shouldn't do.

But good dogs are forgiven,
And now at last you're free;
So won't you sit here by my side,
And wait right here with me?"
So when tomorrow starts without me,
Don't think we're far apart.
For every time you think of me,
I'm right there, in your heart




The Legacy

When humans die, they make a will

To leave their homes and all they have
To those they love.
I, too, would make a will if I could write.

To some poor wistful lonely stray
I leave my happy home,
My dish, my cosy bed, my cushioned chair, my toy,
The well loved lap, the gently stroking hand,
The loving voice,
The place I made in someone’s heart,
The love, that at the last could help me to
A peaceful painless end
Held in loving arms.

If I should die Oh do not say,
"No more a pet I’ll have
To grieve me by it’s loss"
Seek out some lonely, unloved dog
And give my place to him.
This is my legacy I leave behind
‘Tis all I have to give.




Should you go First


Should you go first and I remain
to walk the road alone
I'll live in memory's garden,
with happy days we've known
in Spring I'll wait for roses red,
when fades the lilacs blue,
in early fall, when brown leaves call
I'll catch a glimpse of you

Should you go first, and I remain
for battles to be fought,
each thing you've touched along the way
will be a hallowed spot
I'll hear your bark;
I'll see your face,
though blindly I may grope
the memory of your helping paws
will buoy me on with hope

Should you go first and I remain
to finish with the scroll,
no length'ning shadows shall creep in
to make this life seem droll
We've known so much of happiness
we've had our cup of joy,
and memory is one gift of God
that death cannot destroy

Should you go first and I remain,
one thing I'd have you do;
walk slowly down that long, lonely path,
for soon I'll follow you
I'll want to know each step you took
that I may walk the same,
for some day down that lonely road
you'll hear me call your name;




To have loved and then said farewell,

is better than to have never loved at all.

For all of the times that you have stooped and touched my head, fed me my favorite treat
and returned the love that I so unconditionally gave to you.
For the care that you gave to me so unselfishly.
For all of these things I am grateful and thankful.

I ask that you not grieve for the loss,
but rejoice in the fact that we lived, loved and touched each others lives.
 My life was fuller because you were there, not as a master/owner, but as my FRIEND.

Today I am as I was in my youth.
The grass is always green,
butterflies flit among the flowers
and the Sun shines gently down upon all of God's creatures.
I can run, jump, play and do all of the things that I did in my youth.
There is no sickness, no aching joints and no regrets and no aging.

We await the arrival of our lifelong companions
and know that togetherness is forever.
You live in our hearts as we do in yours. Companions such as you are so rare and unique.
Don't hold the love that you have within yourself.
Give it to another like me and then I will live forever.
For love never really dies, and you are loved and missed as surely as we are.



We can all make a difference,

here is a very famous poem, which applies to rescue and to this particular thread.


The Starfish

There was a young man walking down a deserted beach just before dawn.
In the distance he saw a frail old man. As he approached the old man,
he saw him picking up stranded starfish and throwing them back into the sea.
The young man gazed in wonder
as the old man again and again threw the small starfish from the sand into the water.

He asked, "Old man, why do you spend so much energy doing what seems to be a waste of time?"

The old man explained that the stranded starfish would die if left in the morning sun.

"But there must be thousands of beaches and millions of starfish!" exclaimed the young man.
"How can you make any difference?"

The old man looked down at the small starfish in his hand
and as he threw it to the safety of the sea, he said,

"I make a difference to this one




NOBODY'S DOG


Today is the death day of nobody's dog
Nothing will mark it but a note in the log
I'm faceless and nameless and no tears will fall
For I know in your world I have no worth at all

To you, my sweet someone, I'm a friend and a dear
We ran the wind daily and you held me so near
But the gate was left open - I chanced a walk on my own
I'd have cowered in fear if only I'd known

I know how you cried on the night that I strayed
I know how you searched, I know how you prayed
But I went to a pound far far from our home
Where I crouched in despair in my kennel alone

I know that you phoned for I heard your dear voice
And I hoped you would hear me so I barked myself hoarse
Although I'm a Lab cross with stockings all white
On their form I'm a Staff cross - the description's not right

So they said I'm not here and I sank to my bed
My kennel cough's worse and I can't raise my head
The rescue came yesterday but they hadn't a place
For an un-neutered cross breed with his mucus-streaked face

If only you'd come to search for me here
You would have known me at once, you would have sensed I was near
You would have sorted my ills, you would have carried me home
And I promise our God no more would I roam

Now my eyes plead for mercy for my seven days are done
And I am waiting with dread for the final vet run
No arms will caress me as they inject me to death
No words will comfort me as I take my last breath

When the body man comes, it is fitting I'm found
In a bin bag in the freezer in the depths of the pound
Thrown away like the rubbish - no respect and no shame
Denied even the time to find you again

My loyalty and devotion they did cruelly betray
Without microchip or nametag, I am just a dispensable stray
Once waggy-tailed, once proud, beloved and free
Oh Dad look with pain at what mankind's done to me!


hope anyone that reads this and doesnt have their dog micro chipped
Thinks twice and anyone thinking of buying a puppy too,



My Last Goodbye

One by one they pass by my cage,

Too old,too worn,too broken..no way,
Way past his time..he cant run and play.
They shake their heads and go on their way.

A litle old man,arthritic and sore..
It seems I am not wanted anymore.
Now I sit in this cage,where day after day,
The younger dogs get adopted away.

I had come to the end of my rope,
When you came by to give me hope.
You saw through the gray and legs bent with age,
I felt I still had life beyond this cage.

I may have lived most of my life with another,
But you outshone them with a love much stronger,
I promised to return all the love I can give,
To YOU,my dear person as long as I live.

I may be with you for a week or for years,
We will share smiles and no doubt shed tears.
And when the time comes that God deems I must leave,
I know you will cry and in your heart will grieve,

But when I arrive at the bridge,all brand new,
My thoughts and my heart I will leave with you,
But I will brag to all who will hear,
Of the love of the person who made my last days so dear.




May I go now?

Do you think the time is right?
May I say goodbye to pain filled days
and endless lonely nights?

I've lived my life and done my best,
an example tried to be.
So can I take that step beyond
and set my spirit free?

I didn't want to go at first,
I fought with all my might.
But something seems to draw me now
to a warm and loving light.

I want to go. I really do.
It's difficult to stay.
But I will try as best I can
to live just one more day.

To give you time to care for me
and share your love and fears.
I know you're sad and afraid,
because I see your tears.

I'll not be far, I promise that,
and hope you'll always know
that my spirit will be close to you
wherever you may go.

Thank you so for loving me.
You know I love you, too.
That's why it's hard to say goodbye
and end this life with you.

So hold me now just one more time
and let me hear you say,
because you care so much for me,
you'll let me go today



When I'm Gone

When I'm gone, don't cry for me.
Please smile each time you think of me.
I'm not beneath the ground you see.
Each breeze that blows is part of me.

I'm in the clouds so soft and white.
My eyes will shine in stars at night.
Don't think of me as gone for good.
I'll be around. You knew I would.

I'm watching everything you do.
I am still sharing life with you.
No need to look both far and near.
Just listen close. I am right here.

I'm here to listen every day
To all the things you want to say.
I've seen you cry so many tears.
Be glad we had so many years.

I'll wait until you come to me.
Our lives will be like they used to be.
We'll both be whole and free of pain,
My life with you will be back again.

Please take the love you gave to me
And give to more that are just like me.
So when I'm gone, don't cry for me.
But smile each time you think of me.




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.




FROM FRIEND TO FRIEND


You're giving me a special gift,
So sorrowfully endowed,
And through these last few cherished days,
Your courage makes me proud.

But really, love is knowing
When your best friend is in pain,
And understanding earthly acts
Will only be in vain.

So looking deep into your eyes,
Beyond, into your soul,
I see in you the magic, that will
Once more make me whole.

The strength that you possess,
Is why I look to you today,
To do this thing that must be done,
For it's the only way.

That strength is why I've followed you,
And chose you as my friend,
And why I've loved you all these years...
My partner 'til the end.

Please, understand just what this gift,
You're giving, means to me,
It gives me back the strength I've lost,
And all my dignity.

You take a stand on my behalf,
For that is what friends do.
And know that what you do is right,
For I believe it too.

So one last time, I breathe your scent,
And through your hand I feel,
The courage that's within you,
To now grant me this appeal.

Cut the leash that holds me here,
Dear friend, and let me run,
Once more a strong and steady dog,
My pain and struggle done.

And don't despair my passing,
For I won't be far away,
Forever here, within your heart,
And memory I'll stay.

I'll be there watching over you,
Your ever faithful friend,
And in your memories I'll run,

...a young dog once again.



YOU HAVE CHOSEN TEARS

The little girl stopped. Behind her,
 puppies were playing, chasing each other and
wrestling in the warm sunshine.
 It looked like so much fun, but in front of her, through the clear stillness of the pond water, she could see her mummy.
She was crying.
She pawed at the water, trying to get to her. When that didn't work, she jumped into the shallow water.
That just got her wet and Mummy's image danced away in the ripples.

"Mummy!...come back" she cried. "Something's wrong!"
The little girl turned around. A lady was standing at the edge of the pond.
Her gentle eyes
were filled with love and kindness.
 The little girl sighed, padded out of the water and walked up to her.
There's been a mistake," she said. "I'm not supposed to be here." She looked back at the water.

 It was becoming still again and her mummy's image was coming back.

"Mummy said it has to be a mistake. She said I wasn't supposed to come here yet," she howled.
The kind lady sighed and sat down in the grass. With some gentle coaxing, the little girl climbed into her lap.
It wasn't Mummy's lap, but, it was almost as good.

When she started to pet her and scratch behind her ear, the way she liked, she started to whine softly.
She hadn't wanted to, but she couldn't help it. She missed her mummy's touch.

"I'm afraid, there is no mistake. You are supposed to be here and your mummy knows it...deep down in her heart,
" the lady said. "She knew this would happen...it always does".

The little girl sighed and laid her head on the lady's leg.
"But she's so sad. It hurts me to see her cry and her human children too.”
But they knew right from the beginning this would happen.”

“Why? Because I was so sick?" she whimpered. This surprised the little girl.
No one had said anything like that and she had listened when they thought she was sleeping.
All she had heard them talk about was how cute she was or how smart she was or how big she was getting.
"No, not because you were sick," the lady said. "But, you see, they chose Tears."
"No, they didn't," the little girl argued. "Who would choose to cry?"
The lady gently brushed the top of her head with a kiss. It made her feel safe and loved and warm -
 but she still worried about her mummy.

"Let me tell you a story," the lady said.
The little girl looked up and saw other animals gathering around.
Cats, kittens, hamsters, birds, a lizard, several dogs, puppies and some animals she didn't even recognize,
all came to be nearer, so they could hear too.
 They all lay down near the kind lady and looked up at her, waiting. She smiled at them and began:


A long, long, time ago, the Loving Ones went to the Angel in Charge.
They were lonesome and asked the Angel to help them.
The Angel took them to a wall of windows. They peered out the first window at all sorts of things; dolls, toys,
clothes and many other things to hold or use.

"Here are things you can love," the Angel said.
"They will keep you from being lonesome."
"Oh, thank you," the Loving Ones said. "These are just what we need."
"You have chosen Pleasure," the Angel told them.

But, after a time, the Loving Ones came back to the Angel in Charge.
"Things are okay to love," they said. "But, they don't care that we love them."
The Angel in Charge led them over to the second window.

It looked out at all sorts of wild animals.
"Here are animals to love," he said. "They will know you love them."
So, the Loving Ones nodded, hurrying out to care for the wild
animals. "You have chosen Satisfaction," the Angel said.

The Loving Ones worked at taming some of the wild animals.
Many learned to serve the Loving Ones in their daily tasks. Some were just enjoyed and watched,
like the birds that came into their yards to be fed. But, after a time, they all came back to the Angel in Charge.

"They know we love them," they told the Angel. "But they don't love us back. We would like to be loved in return."
So the Angel took them to the third window and showed
them lots of people walking around or hurrying to places.
"Here are people for you to love," the Angel told them.
So, the Loving Ones hurried off to find other people to love.
"You have chosen Commitment," the Angel said.

But, after a time, many of Loving Ones came back to the
Angel in Charge. "People are okay to love," they said.
 "But sometimes they stopped loving us or left us. They broke our hearts."

The Angel just shook his head. "I cannot help you," he said.
"You will have to be satisfied with the choices I gave you."

As the Loving Ones turned to leave one saw the last window
far off to the side and slowly walked up to look out of it.

Through it she could see puppies, kittens and dogs, cats and lizards, hamsters and well, some she didn't recognize.
The other Loving Ones hurried over to see. "What about these?" they asked.
But the Angel just tried to shoo them away.
"Those are Personal Empathy Trainers," he said.
"But, there's a problem with their system operations."
"Would they know that we love them?" someone asked.

"Yes," the Angel said.
"Would they love us back?" another asked.
"Yes," the Angel said.
"Will they ever stop loving us?" someone else asked.
"No," the Angel admitted. "They will love you forever."
"Then THESE are what we want," the Loving Ones said.
But the Angel seemed upset.
"You don't understand," he told them.
 "You will have to
feed these animals."
"That's all right," the Loving Ones said.
"You will have to clean up after them and take care of them forever.
You will have to love them unconditionally, as you would want them to love you."

"We don't mind," they protested.
The Loving Ones did not listen.
They went down to where
the Pets were and picked them up.
 They could see the love in their own hearts reflected in the animals' eyes.

"They were not programmed right," the Angel said. "We can't offer a warranty.
We don't know how durable they are. Some of their systems malfunction very quickly while others last a long time."

But the Loving Ones did not seem to care or want to listen.
They were holding the warm little bodies and finding
their hearts so filled with love that they thought they would burst.
"We will take our chances," they said.
"You do not understand." The Angel tried one more time.
"They are so dependent on you and even the most well-made of them is not designed to out-live you.
You are destined to suffer their loss."

The Loving Ones looked at the sweetness in their arms, and nodded to one another.
"That is how it should be. It is a fair trade for the
love they will offer. We'll worry about the rest later,"
as they each walked away with a new little pet in their arms.

The Angel just watched them all go, shaking his head.
"You have chosen Tears," he whispered.


"So it is," the kind lady told the little girl. "
 Each mummy and daddy knows when they take a new pet into their heart...
 that one day it will leave them and they will cry."

The little girl sat up. "So why do they take us then!?!" she asked. "Why would they do it...if they know?"
"Because even a moment of your love is worth years of pain later," she quietly replied.
"Oh....." the animals all agreed in unison, including the little girl and quietly nodded to each other.
The little girl got off the lady's lap and went back to the edge of the pond.
Her mummy was still there... and still crying.
"Will she ever stop crying?" she asked the kind lady.
She nodded. "You see, the Angel felt sorry for the
Loving Ones, knowing how much they would suffer.
 He couldn't take their tears away, but he did make them special."

She dipped her hand into the pond and let the water trickle off her fingers.
"He made them healing tears, formed by the special water here.
 
Each tear holds a bit of all the happy times of barking, purring, petting, playing...and shared love.
All flowing together with the promise to love once again.

As your mummy cries, she is healing. It may take a long while, but the tears will help her feel better.
 In time she will be less sad and she will begin to smile when she thinks of you.

Then, she may open her heart again, to another little baby."

"But then she will cry again one day," the little girl said, sadly.
The lady just smiled at her as she got to her feet.
"No. She will love again. That is all she will think about.
She will worry about the rest later...as so many already have before her."

She bent down and gave the little girl a pat on her head and smiled up at the others who had been listening.
They all lowered their heads and nodded silently back.

"Look," she said. "The butterflies have come.
Shall we all
go over to play?"

The other animals all ran ahead, but the little girl wasn't ready to leave the sight of her mummy.
"Will I ever get to be with her again?" she asked solemnly.
The kind lady nodded. "You'll be in the eyes of every puppy she looks at.
You'll be in the bark of every dog she pets. Late at night, when she's fast asleep,
the spirit of your memory will snuggle up close to her and you both will feel at peace.

One day soon you can even send her a rainbow, to let her know you're safe and waiting here...
for when it's time for her to come."

"I would like that," as the little girl took one last, long look at her mummy.
She saw her smile slightly through her tears and she knew she had just recalled a happy memory of her.
"I love you, Mummy," she whispered. "It's okay if you cry, I understand now."
She glanced over at the other pets, all running, playing and laughing, chasing the butterflies.
"Mummy? I’ve got to go and play now,...okay? But I'll be around, I promise.
Remember me and I'll always be with you.

Hey!...You lot, wait for me!!!....."
Then she turned and raced happily after the others.

Author Unknown




PLEASE SPARE A THOUGHT FOR THE DOG BEING DESTROYED TOMORROW



Did you know that lost and abandoned dogs picked up by dog wardens
 and the police and placed in council pounds
May only have ONE WEEK TO LIVE!

The pounds are only required to hold lost and abandoned dogs for SEVEN DAYS
And on the EIGHTH DAY
are entitled to destroy them if they are not reclaimed by owners or taken by rescues.

Dogs end up in pounds through no fault of their own.
Some are  much loved lost pets or their owners have sadly died;
but many are the innocent victims of an uncaring and throwaway society. 
They are abandoned because they need medical treatment, have been abused,
are no longer the cute puppy purchased at Christmas, are victims of marriage break-downs etc etc.
Sadly with so many strays being brought in every day, many of these lovely dogs lose their lives
Simply because there is no kennel space to hold them.

Bye Baby

No more lonely cold nights or hearing that I'm bad
No more growling belly from the meals I never had
No more scorching sunshine with a water bowl thats dry
No more complaining neighbours about the noise when I cry
No more hearing 'shut up', 'get down' 'get out of here'
No more feeling disliked only peace is in the air
Euthanasia is a blessing, though some still can't see
Why I was ever born, if I weren't meant to be
My last day of living was the best I ever had
Someone held me very close, I could see she was so sad
I kissed the lady's face and she hugged me as she cried
I wagged my tail to thank her, then I closed my eyes and.....
died.