I lost a friend Friday afternoon. Her name was Sophie. I like to rescue senior dogs…they are so often overlooked and forgotten. Sophie and her sister Durango were taken in by our SPCA after their owner died suddenly. Durango suffered a stroke and didn’t make it, but I was able to adopt Sophie and bring her home to our pack.

She went back to the vet for care early last week, but it wasn’t looking good. Her passing wasn’t unexpected, but it’s never a fun way to start the weekend. There were some medical reasons for it, but I think time and circumstance just caught up with her. She was in our lives for about six weeks. I truly believe there are no coincidences in the universe…she was a sweetheart. I will miss her.

“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 the 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 the Rainbow Bridge together…”

Author unknown…

“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, And wisdom to know the difference.”