A Gift

We got an appointment at the Vet's at 11:30 this morning. I took my lunch, recess and planning time to go with my husband for Sweep Pea's final visit. We got there after a wonderful drive over that Sweet Pea loved, I'm sure. She loves riding on your lap in the car and the sunshine...both were hers today. My husband went into the office to tell them we were there. I stayed in the car with Sweet Pea. Soon after he went inside she gave a couple of coughs, straightened out, curled right back up on my lap and breathed her last. I was talking to her the whole time. I told her to run fast to the bridge. (If you don't know about the bridge, I will post it at the bottom of this.) I think she had been glimpsing the bridge on the way over. One of her little paws kept reaching out.
It was a gift to hold her and talk to her as she left this life.
We planted her and prayed over her out at Shangri La Ti Da.
When Don got home and I went back to work, the two dog girls both whined and Mercy went right in to check the last place she had seen Sweet Pea. My furry family is a fine thing!
Like my brother said, we know this day is coming on the very day we bring them into our lives...
I am happy that she is not sick or tired any more.
Today was a day of tears, but the joy of her life with us will stay with us forever.

***Here is the story of the Rainbow Bridge:
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....