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 -
| In loving memory
of “Rufus” 2000 – 2003  Rufus was a little Bulldog who was rescued too late. It was a hot day in August when I picked Rufus up from underneath the home where he had been abandoned. Never had I seen such a horrific site as this little guy. Rufus was forced to live outside enduring the heat and cold for three long years and how he survived is a mystery. Little Rufus had not a hair on his broken down body and was dying from heartworms, liver and kidney failure and suffering with eye, ear, and wound infections.  I poured my heart into trying to save this little fellow as did hundreds of other people who read his story. Rufus passed away 4 weeks after arriving into rescue. All the love, medical treatment, prayers and hope were not enough to undo the years of neglect. Although Rufus died, he was a hero for Bulldog Rescue all over the country by shedding much needed light on the tragic fact that Bulldogs are not immune to the cruelty and suffering that unwanted, discarded pets endure. The only part of Rufus that had not been broken by man was his beautiful spirit, loyalty and desire to be loved and cuddled that is so typical of the breed. Rufus, though barely able to get on his feet, never missed an opportunity snuggle up to us, lick our hands and wag his tail. Even in his last moments of life, his big brown eyes were filled with kindness, love and appreciation and I am quiet certain he died a peaceful death filled with only the good memories we gave him. Kim Carpenter |
