"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 and 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 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. Her bright eyes are intent; the eager body quivers. Suddenly she begins to break away from the group, flying over the green grass, her legs carrying her 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......."                              (~Anonymous) To my loving master... If it should be I grow frail and weak, and pain prevents my peaceful sleep. Then you must do what must be done, when this last battle can't be won. You will be sad, I understand. Selfishness might stay your hand. But on this day, more than the rest, your love and friendship take the test. We've had so many happy years, that what's to come can hold no fears. You'd not want me to suffer. So, when the time comes, please let me go. Take me where my needs they'll tend. Only -- stay with me until the end. Hold me firm and speak to me, until my eyes no longer see. I know, in time, you, too, will see, it is a kindness that you do for me. Although my tail it's last has waved, from pain and suffering I've been saved. Do not grieve it should 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) I STOOD BY YOUR BED LAST NIGHT - author unknown I stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peep. I could see that you were crying, you found it hard to sleep. I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear, "It's me, I haven't left you, I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here." I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea, You were thinking of the many times your hands reached down to me. I was with you at the shops today, your arms were getting sore. I longed to take your parcels, I wished I could do more. I was with you at my grave today, you tend it with such care. I want to reassure you that I'm not lying there. I walked with you towards the house as you fumbled for your key, I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said "It's me." You looked so very tired and sank into a chair, I tried so hard to let you know that I was standing there. It's possible for me to be so near you everyday, To say to you with certainty "I never went away". You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew... In the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you. The day is over....I smile and watch you yawning And say 'Good night, God bless, I'll see you in the morning." And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide, I'll rush across to greet you and we'll stand....side by side. I have so many things to show you, there is much for you to see, Be patient, live your journey out.... then come home to be with me R.I.P. Normandy's Little Bit of Love (L'il Bit Mathews) - September 19th 1989 -to- September 23 2001 - gone but never forgotten!