The Bill Foundation Rainbow Bridge

"We who choose to surround ourselves with lives even more temporary than our own, live within a fragile circle, easily and often breached. Unable to accept its awful gaps, we still would live no other way. We cherish memory as the only certain immortality, never fully understanding the necessary plan."                                                

                                                             Irving Townsend

Another life that begins today.
A life in which you no longer need to feel threatened.
A life where you can share the love you had of people with other canines like yourself.
Sometimes the best efforts of us humans is not enough, no matter how hard we try.

I got to the gate of heaven yesterday
after we said good-bye.
I began to miss you terribly
because i heard you cry.
Suddenly there was an Angel and she asked me
to enter heaven's gate.
I asked he if I could stay outside
for someone who'd be late.
I wouldn't make much noise you see,
I wouldn't bark or howl.
I'll only wait here patiently
and play with my tennis ball.
The Angel said I could stay right here
and wait for you to come
Because Heaven just wouldn't be Heaven
If I went in alone.
So I'll wait right here, you take your time
but keep me in your heart.
Because heaven just wouldn't be heaven
without you to warm my heart.

A Light Lost

You were frightened,
but you wanted to love.
You distrusted,
but there were moments when - almost - you would rest your head.
You were always on guard,
but you dreamed of learning to play.
You knew no one would protect you,
but there were thoughts, or memories, of having a friend.

And we wanted to rescue you, to let you know you were safe.
If we had stroked your lovely coat just one more time.....
If we had whispered just the right words in your ear.....
If we had run with you just a little faster, or more often, in the grass.....
Then maybe you would have been able to believe.

We will never know if we failed you,
or if life had failed you too harshly before we met.
We will not know if you heard us and couldn't answer,
or if you had lost the power to hear before we spoke.
We cannot know if you will forgive and wait for us at the Bridge,
But we know that we will look for you.
You, also, are one of ours -- and we loved you as best we could.

By Elizabeth Sommers

Dogs take your heart, and cherish it... they walk with it, and sleep with it, and they will never let it out of their sight... and when it's their time, they will take a little piece of it with them to remember you by.... And leave a piece for you to remember them by....

Author Unknown