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Just this side of heaven is a place
called the 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 that 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
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If it should be that I grow frail and weak, And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then you must do what must be done - For this last battle can't be won.
You will be sad, I understand; Don't let your grief then stay your hand.
For this day more than all the rest, Your love and friendship stand the test.
We've had so many happy years, What is to come can hold no fears.
Would you want me to suffer so? When the time comes, let me go!
Take me where my needs they'll tend. Only stay with me until the end.
And hold me firm and speak to me, until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time that you will see it is a kindness that you do for me.
Although my tail its last has waved, From pain and suffering I've been saved.
Do not grieve. It has to be you who must decide this thing to do.
We’ve been so close, we two, these years. Don’t let your heart hold any tears.
Author unknown
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A tribute for Maddie & Boo Bear
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Maddie |
Sammy "Boo Bear"
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The
promise of a thousand tomorrows is gone.
One journey ended and another begun
This one just for you
For a lifetime my companion and best friend
Now you travel alone
I was left behind
A heart heavy with sadness
A mind full of memories
At times clouded by tears
I never wanted for you to take that journey alone
Or at least a journey without me
We were soul mates
Few words needed to be spoken
In order for our love for each other to be expressed
Knowing glances, loving touches
Conveyed all that words could not
We understood each other
Loved and respected
Trusted, honored and revered
I never wanted to say goodbye
I always thought there would be a thousand tomorrows and then some
Forever and one extra day
One lifetime together would never be enough
Not enough hours in any given day
I wanted my forevers to all be with youI was
not ready to say goodbye
I do no think it is possible to ever be ready or prepared.
I never thought I could let you go
But even in your final moments you taught me one last lesson.
That
when a love is as great and true as ours was
When you love someone more than you love yourself.
Then
you can let them go
When staying isn’t fair or right
I wanted you to stay for me
I loved you too much to make you do that.
There were more angels in that room when we said goodbye
More angels than in those thousands of tomorrows and then some.
And then you were gone.
At first it seemed gone forever – no part of what we shared
Recoverable. But in
time I found your lasting gift
Your love remained in my heart.
Your legacy of life and love now intertwined with mine
You were never really gone.
You are the sunshine that peeks through the clouds on my darkest days
You are the warmth the surrounds me in the chill of the night
You accompany the smile that creeps across my face as the leaves crunch beneath
my feet on a late Fall day. You
walk with me – sometimes sitting atop my shoulder, sometimes following in the
shadows cast by the late day sun.
I find comfort in that
And I will love you forever and for always
written by Maddie & Boo Bear's family
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KEISHA - Although only with us for a short time, she will live forever in our hearts.
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In loving memory of Schuyler, "Sky" 8/24/1997 - 9/8/2006
We just lost our Yellow Lab on 9/8/2006. I would like to submit a photo of Sky and a little guy we found at our new home when we moved to Gainesville. His right front leg was shattered when I found him. He now has a new home and a loving family to care for him.
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WILL - A short life but lived to the fullest. You will always be in our hearts.
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FARLEY - a dog loved by all who had the privilege to be a part of his life.
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ABBY - a wonderful girl who is truly missed.
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JENNY'S TAZZIE GIRL
10/25/99 to 4/2/07
Tazzie was a true fighter to the end, finally losing her battle with cancer at age 7. She was Jenny's girl, and an inspiration to all of us at Labrador Friends. Tazzie will always live in our hearts through the rescue work that we do. Every time we place a dog in a forever home, we know that in some special way, Tazzie helped them find each other.
She will be greatly missed by Jenny, Rob, Fred, Cloe, Jake, and Homer, and all the volunteers of LFS.
Rest in peace, Tazzie. We will always love you!
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"William" - February 1996 - March 22, 2007
William was the loving "fur" brother of the four Greenwood girls for 11 years. Our oldest daughter, Caroline ,picked him out of the "unwanted" litter when she was only 6 weeks old. We brought him home when the youngest daughter was only 11 weeks old. William grew up with all the girls. He was there for first lost tooth, first date, first day at school, braces on, braces off, summer beach vacations...He was a gentle giant...all 125lbs of him! He loved lounging on the leather sofa, and nudging your arm so you would pet him. He would not stop nudging until you did!! We was a wonderful mentor to Jeb, our 6 year old chocolate lab. We so miss our sweet William but feel very blessed and thankful for the 11 wonderful years we had with him. William will be in our hearts forever!
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Marshall (also known as Maxie) - March 1998 - May 14, 2007
From his foster mom:
When I got Maxie I was still
trying to get over the loss of Lyza, my golden of 3 years. I was so afraid of
going through the pain of loss again with Max but I also knew he needed love and
a home. I loved him so much. I knew when I got him that God had sent him to me
for a reason. I never shared these things with you because I didn't think you
would understand. Max was a gift to me and filled a place in my heart that I
didn't think could be filled again. I can't tell you how overcome with sadness
I am. I know I will get through this in time but right now I feel as if my
heart is breaking and I can't stop crying. Maxie went everywhere with me. He
was my best friend. I don't think there was one moment in the day that I didn't
think about getting home to him so we could go on our walks or he could run
errands with me. He even slept with me. He was an angel, he was precious to
me. I would give anything to have last Friday back when we had our last long
walk together and he had a spring in step and tried to chase the squirrels like
he always did.
Thanks for your thoughtful email. And thanks for your support while he was in
my care. I wish I could have done more to keep him with me. I do believe he's
in heaven and knowing that I'll see him again is a great comfort to me.
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"Amber" - January 2001 - June 2007
Amber was a very sweet dog and she'll be dearly missed by our family.
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"Maverick" 12/6/02 - 8/3/07
In life, we
occasionally come across some special creatures who touch our hearts. Maverick
was one of them. He left a little mark in the heart of every person he met in
his short and difficult life. He was a brave dog who fought until the end
against something that was bigger than him and us. Rest in peace, Maverick,
knowing that neither LFS, nor all the people that met you, or followed your
story, will ever forget you.
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Ebony Caldwell - 1994 - 2007
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TAZMO
October 15, 1992 – November 9, 2007
Oh, little friend, do you recall, When you made my house your home?
You were not even half grown.
You learned to sit, and stay, and come, You learned to fetch and beg.
You loved to play outside, You’d fetch a ball or stick,
Your favorite was chasing the squirrels.
You sensed when I was sad, Or did not feel well,
You would put your head on my knee, You’d always seem to know.
You loved to go for rides, Sniffing the sniffs as we drove from place to place,
Going to work with me day after day, You never lost your pace.
Going to the vet for shots, I guess you dreaded the most.
You were afraid of lightening , too, And booming thunderstorms,
You’d curl up on the floor near me, Where it was safe and warm.
I never felt lonely, As long as you were here,
You have given to me many years of loyalty,
Love, and affection that no human is worthy of.
Oh, I am going to miss you, More than you know.
There will not be any thunderstorms, No trips to the vet, No leash.
The time has come that I must let you go, Your pain and suffering must end,
My heart will be heavy, But I know that this is best.
You will live in the hearts of those you have touched, And you were loved so much.
See you later my little friend, Until I see you again.
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DONNER
October 2007 – February 2008
Your life was short but you lived it with such fullness. You taught us how much compassion we really had. That sometimes being held really does make it all better. Perhaps most importantly how high a vertical leap can be and that dogs can go down the slide. Run free and safe until we see you again…. Mom, Dad, Colby, Chica and Hickory
Your hugs were the best – Owen
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COLE
October 2004 – November 2007
We truly miss our big buddy, Cole, who died of cancer at the very young age of three. He was a gentle, loving, shiny boy who stopped people in their tracks. We feel so fortunate to have had him in our family. His love kept us all connected.
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RHETT (RUSSELL)
June 2006 – July 2008
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JESSIE
July 2006 – August 17, 2008
When you get involved with rescue and fostering, you learn early on of the mixed emotions about letting a dog go to a home away from yours. In our case, our toughest was letting Ronde go after raising him from a six week old pup to a mature full of life make you laugh knuckle head six months later. We miss him every day, yet, he has a great life in a great home and is loved tremendously. However when one leaves you tragically "on your watch" it's a totally different pain. It makes you appreciate so much more the gift we give these special beings. Jessie was rescued in so many ways. I feel we at LFS were called upon to rescue her in a not so traditional way. Not to find her the perfect home, but to carry her lovingly to her "forever home." Had it not been for LFS her demise would have been so much more tragic. She is in her forever home pain free and unencumbered by her sickness. Further, her physical remains will reside on our shelf between Coach and Bailey who will look after her as long as needed. She couldn't have two better brothers. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your life Jessie. We are so much more blessed by it.
Rick and Trish Carpenter in loving memory of Jessie Carpenter
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SAVANNAH BOLTON
1994 - 2008
Happiness to
you was a walk, a back rub & a plastic water bottle to chew on; you made every
day count. Thanks for being such a part of our family for over 14 years.
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RUBY
1998 - 2008
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BUDDY
October 2008 - December 2008
48 hours with Buddy
Buddy was part of our family for only 2 days before Parvo took him. But in those 2 days he received and gave much Love. He got play in the sun with 3 children who adored him. He "ran with his pack" in the yard with Maddy, our 2 yr. old Yellow Lab. He chased a ball and practiced his "pouncing" technique on it! He even went for an unintentional swim in the pool, which as a Lab he loved. He enjoyed being part of our family and we were glad to bring joy and love to his brief life. We know he's over the Bridge now and in God's Good Hands.
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SARAH
October 8, 2004 (rescued) – February 2, 2009
Sad to announce my best buddy Sarah has passed away today. She will be missed by me, Sammy and all her friends.
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FRED
June 21, 2006 (rescued) - February 16, 2009
Our Mr. Fred that came into the program 6/21/06 from Fayette County animal control has past away. At that time we estimated him to be somewhere between 6 to 8 years old.
He was our boy....
I know everyone loved Fred... Even though he wouldn't fit into most of our homes since he wanted to be the only Lab in the house...
I know everyone loved him. He will be missed....
He was treated extra special from all the volunteers and anyone that ever met him. Rest in peace dear boy.
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SAMMY
December 22, 2006 (rescued) – April 2, 2009
Shockingly Sammy passed away today. I'm between very shocked and very sad. She was my best friend!
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Maggie
2000 - 2009
It’s with great sadness I share with you that our Sweet Magnolia (Maggie) passed away this morning from cancer. She was with us for about 7-8 short years, and brought incredible joy to our lives and hearts. We have so many sweet memories of how she made us laugh and how she showed us her love. She taught us a lot about how to love and be loved. Our hearts are so sad.
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Sadie
January 6, 2007 (rescued) - May 5, 2009
"Our Dear Sadie...Thank you for all the wonderful memories and for being such a great doggie...you will always be in our hearts and you will always be missed!"
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Cheri
Some souls are too good for this world; such was the soul of Cheri who was with us all too briefly. In her eclipsed life, Cheri saw much of the ugliness that this world can present. Yet, through all of this and her physical discomforts from a less than blessed life, Cheri continued to be a loving and, more importantly, a forgiving and trusting soul.
Once again, LFS was there to provide a peaceful and loving transition for her to her forever home. I have no doubts that she was called home for greater things as no creature could have given so much while asking for so little. From the time I pulled from the shelter until her demise she was full of love and life due to her commitment to serve. After leaving our home she spent several blessed days with Matt and Christa where I know she felt safe and loved. There can be no greater gift.
So Cheri, thanks for stopping by to tell us that love overcomes all and bless you in your new life which is far more important than what we could offer you. For I know you were called home to serve a more important purpose; sharing your love of all things to those who will appreciate it.
We love you and thank you for showing us what love and forgiveness truly are.
Rick and Trish Carpenter in loving memory of Cheri
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Trapper
Some time our bodies give up on us before our souls, this was the case for our Mr. Trapper who crossed the rainbow bridge on Sunday. He left happy and content after 8 wonderful months of fetching, snuggling, and swimming with Lauren and Woody. Keep running Mr. Trapper!
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Sequoia
"Sequoia", she lived only a short life of one year, and that time on this earth was dealt with a disability. However, she brought more joy and happiness to our family's life before she ever even thought about her own pain. She was a true friend and will forever be remembered in our hearts. We love you Sequoia!
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Sequoia
In Loving Memory of : RIVERS HENDERSON (Jan. 24, 2000-May 25, 2010)
For all of you who knew Rivers and for all of you who didn't, but sent prayers her way:
THANK YOU for sharing a part of your lives with us.. Rivers lost her battle with cancer today and went on to be with God in "doggie heaven". She was my best friend, my protector, and my soulmate for the past ten years.. I cannot imagine life without her. But I will find peace in knowing that she is no longer sick and in pain. And I know that we will find each other again one day. So remember that each day is a blessing with our canine best friends and let them know how special they are.
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Sam
In memory of Sam 2/19/98-5/27/10.
The world's friendliest lab. No dog ever swam in more streams, chased more squirrels, chewed more sticks, and took more naps in the sunshine than Sam did. He had an incredibly big heart, and he never had a bad day in his life. He was the best dog anyone ever had, and he was my best friend.
If you would like to post a tribute to your beloved pet, please send an email to Labrador Friends of the South at labfriendinfo@gmail.com.