My little babies, CoCo and Taterbug!

Love On The Winds Of Peace

Christmas Eve was a very special night at Rainbow Bridge.
Was the night that each had a chance to whisper Merry Christmas
to the hearts of their loved ones. The keeper Of The Winds would
lift all on the Winds Of Peace and bring them to their Families sides.
There they would spend this time of reunion sitting by the sides of their
Mommas and Daddy's.

Some would visit the dreams of their loved ones and let them know
that all was well. Together they would remember all the wonderful times.
The Fur Angels were able to let their parents know that they waited for them
that when it was time they would be together again for always.
Others would sit at their families' side and lay their heads on the hearts
of these special ones and whisper I am here. By having been taught
true love by the Angels Of The Rainbow these special ones had
opened their hearts and could hear the words of love. They felt the
gentle touches of Angel Wings. They heard the sweetest music. A
heavenly choir. Each felt the warmth of healing return to their souls.
Each knew when was it time, there would be reunion. It was only a
heart beat away.

On this special night of rebirth each was able to touch again in their
own way. Each was able to bring comfort to the ones who had given
them so much joy just by letting them in. For the bond shared was so
strong that nothing could break it. It only grew stronger with each
memory of love shared. The silver thread joined them and would
guide them together.

The SilverWolf would watch over the new ones who had arrived at the
Bridge just before was time to glide to their loved ones' side. Just as his Daddy
did he would reach out to them and show them how to speak to their families
hearts. Each new Angel could see and hear the warm wisdom in the gentle
voice of the silver one. He knew how they felt when given this gift. He too
had special words he would whisper to his Daddy. He would bring these
words to him in the blue of a Morning Glory.

Just before the sun was to rise on a new day of healing for the ones
who waited to join the Angels. The Keeper of the Winds cradled the
Angels in his arms and brought them back to the bridge. When all
arrived they all gathered together and watched the sun rise.
On each Christmas morning they said a special prayer and the Keeper Of
The Winds of Peace brought their voices to the ones Who Cared.

'We are always by your side, each step you take we take it with you. Each silver
tear that falls we are there to help them dry. Each tear helps wash the pain away.
On this Christmas Morning we wish peace of heart and healing. You who have opened
your hearts to love and gave so much in a gentle touch or a loving look.
Stars above hear our prayer watch over these special ones for us till we can.'

The Silver one whispered' heart of my heart I love you always and forever.'
This path of healing you are on will guide you to me when is time. Till then we are
always by your side.

  A Christmas Story   

      December is the best month of the year at the Rainbow Bridge. For the dogs there is snow to romp in and the angels always have time to toss snowballs for them to chase. The cats enjoy patting at the snowflakes as they fall, and then curling up near the fireplace for a nice winter's nap.

      But it is the lights that make this time so special. Winter on the Earth, their former home, is a time of lengthening darkness, and in December candles glow all around the globe beginning with Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, and continuing on right through the New Year's festivities. At the Bridge the glow of these candles is reflected in all of the trees, and in the hearts of every Bridgekid as they observe the month in their own special way; with memories of the lives, and the loved ones they left behind.

      For most it is a time of quiet joy, but each year there are always a few who draw apart..
Near to midnight, "home time" on December 24 Charlie realized someone was missing from the Hale gathering. "I'll be right back," he told his siblings. He passed many similar groupings as he hurried down the well worn path, many friends called out to him, but he only acknowledge the greetings with a wave and continued on. The path ended at the Rainbow, and there he found a small group of newcomers, each sitting quietly, alone. One of these, the missing Sandifur, was crouched at the very edge, his stumpy tail twitching rapidly, as he stared at the scene below.

      "You are missing the party, little brother," Charlie said.
"I don't care," replied Sandifur, "I don't like Christmas anyway. "

     Charlie only smiled. "I felt the same way my first year. Do you remember your very first Christmas with Mom and Dad? Remember the new scratching tree they gave us that year, and the catnip mice? And remember all the good things we got to eat? That was a great time, wasn't it?" Sandifur nodded, still gazing intently below. "I want to go back."
"I did too, " Charlie said, licking gently at his brother's ear. "But we can't, baby brother. This is our place now." "But it's Christmas, and Mom and Dad miss us so much. Look, mom is lighting a candle right now, just for us and she is crying."

     "Christmas Eve is her time to remember, little one, but tomorrow she will pass out the presents to all of our brothers and sisters, and she will be happy again. I want to show you something. Come with me."
      Together the two kiddens climbed the arch of the Rainbow, and at the very top Charlie stopped. "Do you see that big silver cloud over there? Watch closely."

     As Sandifur gazed the cloud began to swirl and gradually an image came into view. The clearing where he had left his family, and a larger gathering around the big, glowing pine tree. He could see the dogs, many more of them than when he had left, playing fetch and tug of war, and the kiddens, so many kiddens, sleeping in a heap, their soggy catnip mice forgotten in the grass.

      Suddenly the kiddens all woke up, and the dogs ceased their play and stared into the darkness beyond the clearing, tails wagging in greeting.
And then, much to Sandifur's amazement, two humans stepped into the light."
"Hurry, Charlie, we have to go back," he said. " Mom and Dad, they're here!"
"Not just yet, Sandy. That cloud is our Window into Tomorrow.
Come back with me now, and join the others. The reunion will come. We have been promised."

     Sandy reluctantly pulled his gaze away from the vision of the future, and followed Charlie. They found the others waiting for them at the base of the rainbow. "Is it time?" Charlie asked.
Terrie nodded, "They are waiting."
All of the Hale Bridgekids drew together, and looked over the edge, and along the entire length of the rainbow similar groups were gathered, all looking down at their former homes.

Suddenly the light of a million candles from the Earth met the glow from the Rainbow Bridge. "Now," Charlie whispered.

      In unison three words were repeated again and again, and as they were spoken they merged with the bridge of light, flowing from the rainbow to the earth, and back again in ever increasing brilliance, and the colors of the rainbow merged with the light. "I love you," they all said, and the love entered every heart of the pet parents on earth, and the hearts of those who gathered at the rainbow.

      "Merry Christmas, Mom and Dad," Sandifur whispered again, watching the lights slowly fade. "I love you. I will be waiting."

"I will look ahead for there is our tomorrow."

Taterbug and CoCo...first Christmas in Heaven

My First Christmas in Heaven


     I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below
     With tiny lights, like Heaven's star, reflecting on the snow.

     The sight is spectacular, please wipe away the tear.
     For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

     I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear,
     But the sounds of music can't compare with the Christmas Choir up here.

     I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring,
     For it is beyond description, to hear the angels sing.

     I know how much you miss me, I see the pain inside your heart,
     But I am not so far away, we really aren't apart

     So be happy for me, dear ones, you know I hold you dear
     And be glad I'm spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

     I sent you each a special gift, from my heavenly home above.
     I sent you each a memory of my undying love.

     After all, love is a gift more precious than pure gold.
     It was always most important in the stories Jesus told.

     Please love and keep each other, as my Father said to do,
     For I can't count the blessings of love he has for each of you.

     So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear,
     Remember I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

For my two little lost dogs, CoCo and Taterbug

I put away your favorite toys
...the ones you never shared
When any dog did dare try
you met them with teeth bared
I see them every now and then
in a drawer, tucked safe away
I touch them softly and recall
you always shared with me to play

I also put away your bed, your collar,
leash, and dish.
To see you use them just once more
yes... it's my secret wish
I even wiped away all those little stains
you always left behind
But to see one now would make me smile
...oh, to find just one tiny sign

All those dirty little footprints
you tracked across the floor
Have long ago been mopped away
when at the time seemed such a daily chore
Just as the ones out on the porch
I watched them slowly fade
'till one day they were there no more
Now only faded memories of when by you were made

All your hair is long gone now too, you see
vacuumed, swept, or wiped away
Perhaps there's still one in the car
your favorite place to be
Where never was I lonely,'cause you always rode with me
Anyone else would surely say your seat is now so bare
But, sometimes when no one's looking,  I say "hello"
...just like you were still there

But, oh,  those dear little tracks
you tread across my heart
Will stay always and forever true
...as they have right from the start
For nothing can erase these pawprints
you made for me with love
You never need doubt, I'll never forget, should you look down from above
With each beat echos our love...this one everlasting sign from you
will never wipe away or fade
My every gentle reminder... that my best friend ever made

For Taterbug and CoCo

We Remember Them

In the rising of the sun and in its going down,

We remember them.

In the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter,

We remember them.

In the opening of buds and in the rebirth of spring,

We remember them.

In the blueness of the sky and in the warmth of summer,

We remember them.

In the rustling of leaves and in the beauty of autumn,

We remember them.

In the beginning of the year and when it ends,

We remember them.

When we are weary and in need of strength,

We remember them.

When we are lost and sick at heart,

We remember them.

When we have joys we yearn to share,

We remember them.

So long as we live, they too shall live,

For they are now a part of us, as
We remember them.

For my two little dogs, Taterbug and CoCo

"Gentlemen of the jury: the best friend a man has in the world may turn against him and become his worst enemy. His son or daughter that he has reared with loving care may prove ungrateful. Those who are nearest and dearest to us, those whom we trust with our happiness and our good name, may become traitors to their faith. The money that man has, he may lose. It flies away from him, perhaps when he needs it the most. A man's reputation may be sacrificed in a moment of ill-considered action. The people who are prone to fall on their knees to do us honor when success is with us may be the first to throw the stone of malice when failure settles its cloud upon our heads.




The one absolutely unselfish friend that a man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him and the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous... is his dog.



Gentlemen of the Jury: a man's dog stands by him in prosperity and in poverty, in health and in sickness. He will sleep on the cold ground, where the wintry winds blow and the snow drives fiercely, if only he may be near his master's side. He will kiss the hand that has no food to offer, he will lick the wounds and sores that come in encounters with the roughness of the world. He guards the sleep of his pauper master as if he were a prince. When all other friends desert he remains. When riches take wings and reputation falls to pieces, he is as constant in his love as the sun in its journey through the heavens. If fortune drives the master forth an outcast in the world, friendless and homeless, the faithful dog asks no higher privilege than that of accompanying him to guard against danger, to fight against his enemies, and when the last scene of all comes, and death takes the master in its embrace and his body is laid away in the cold ground, no matter if all other friends pursue their way, there by his graveside will the noble dog be found, his head between his paws, his eyes sad but open in alert watchfulness, faithful and true even to death."

CoCo 4/3/2010-Taterbug 6-10-2010

Words Overheard Near a Rainbow




I couldn't keep you young forever
I couldn't keep you from growing old
Though I tried to forever keep you healthy
Keep you safe and warm from the cold

I couldn't save you from that illness
I couldn't save you from that plight
I tried to save you, oh how I tried
But I could just not make it right

I couldn't save you from that water
I couldn't save you from that fire
I tried to protect you from everything
To keep you safe was my only desire

I couldn't save you from that accident
I couldn't save you from being attacked
I would if I could, change everything
If it could only bring you back

I couldn't find you when you went missing
I couldn't find you anywhere
My heart in pieces, I searched for you
Please don't think that I didn't care

I left the room for your final breath
Oh how that haunts me so
I love you more than words can say
I couldn't bear to watch you go

I couldn't see the bad things coming
How could I miss so many signs
If love could keep you alive forever
You'd be here, you'd be just fine

I wasn't with you when you slipped away
I was miles away when you died
I had no idea that you were going to be gone
So many tears now I have cried

It hurt my heart to see you suffer
It tore my soul to see you in pain
The look in my eyes, I didn't want goodbyes
I just wanted you home again

Forgive me for not saving you
Forgive me for letting go
Please forgive me for so many things
I love you more than you know

I sit now and stare at memories
Of loss and disbelief
Not a single thing is sheltered from
This complete and tearing grief

I think of every moment
I think of all the years
The years we shared, or could have shared
I just can't stop these tears

I absolutely love you
It is absolute this pain
How I absolutely miss you
Not a thing here feels the same

Your presence was my sunshine
Your voice my favorite song
Oh so alive, the very essence of life
How in the world can you be gone

I thought I saw you in a shadow there
I think I hear you in the occasional sound
Sometimes at night, when all is still
I could swear that you're still around

I walk this world without you now
If I were to walk it everywhere
Every thought, every step, every beat of my heart
You'll be always with me there

If I were to stand on the edge of a mountain
If I were to gaze out over the sea
Don't you know that you're there, deep in my soul
Absolutely everywhere with me

I try to put it all back together
My life, my soul, my heart
But to live this life without you now
I just don't know how to start

~ ~
Do you remember the day that you found me
Do you remember the day that we met
You saved me then from so many fates
That you cannot realize yet

You couldn't save me from that illness
You couldn't save me from that plight
But I was safe so long from so many things
And I was happy day and night

You couldn't keep me young forever
I couldn't keep from growing old
But every moment with you was a lifetime of love
To let the truth be told

You would have saved me from that water
You would have saved me from my fate
You would if you could, I know you would
So please love yourself , don't hate

You couldn't save me from the accident
You couldn't save me from that foe
Think of the life that we shared, all the magical times
Oh how I dearly love you so

You couldn't find me when I went missing
Of course I know how hard you tried
But your love it warmed me wherever I went
It warmed me far and wide

You couldn't bear to watch my passing
You had to stand outside the door
Please don't despair, I could feel your love there
As strongly as ever before

It hurt you to watch me suffer
It hurt your heart to see me in pain
You loved me so much, and I know it was hard
But there is sunshine here past that rain

I wasn't alone in my passing
Even though you were miles away
I was never alone, as your love filled my heart
From the first moment of our very first day

I know how you so tried to mend me
And with your life you would protect me so
We couldn't see the bad things coming
But it's alright, I want you to know

I can't forgive you in any way
Not in rhyme, not in thought, or in song
Don't ask forgiveness, as there's nothing to forgive
You loved me, so how is that wrong

Oh why oh why are you weeping
Oh why has your face gone blank
I had a beautiful life beyond my wildest of dreams
And for that it's you that I thank

Smile with me and warm in the memories
See me here beyond your tears
The bond that we share is a wonderous thing
Not measured in hours, or in months or in years

With you, I had all that I wanted
I needed no fortunes of kings and queens
You gave me love, gave me warmth and happiness
I was rich beyond my wildest dreams

Please smile now and walk strong, I ask you
Gain your strength once again, please start
I wanted to tell you, from the moment we met
You are the absolute beat of my heart

Do you know that I very much love you
How I so absolutely do
If I had a thousand lifetimes, to be with one soul
I would spend every moment with you

I'm glad that you hear me near you
And see my shadow both night and day
Though it seems that I'm gone, as I'm no longer there
But I am never all that far away

When you see a rainbow near in the sky
It's a gift to your heart from mine
So many of us here, oh such love
Together we all make it shine

So sit now and smile at our moments
And know that our love knows no end
Cry tears of joy, I'm the love of your life
And you're mine, my very best friend

So if you feel empty on the top of the mountain
Or as you gaze to the far distant shores
Trust when you feel me, when to your heart I do whisper...
"We'll be together, forevermore."