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Rainbow BridgeJust 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, someone who was 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 begins to quiver. Suddenly, he breaks from the group, flying over the green grass, 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 those trusting eyes, so long gone from your life, but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together.. |
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Dog PeopleDog people are a special breed not usually recognized by the CKC/AKC/UKC. They usually have crates in their living rooms. They keep messy houses, but their kennels are spotless. They can always find a show catalog within an arm's reach. And they have kids who know more about the birds and bees when they are five than most people know at 40. Dog people will drive 400 miles, spend $100 on gas, $200 on a motel room and $150 on meals to bring home a 25 cent ribbon. Dog people drive trucks, vans, and motor homes equipped to haul crates. They can never be reached on weekends, unless you happen to be at the same show. They have trouble getting to work on time but can be at ringside by 8:00 a.m. Dog people will give up a $150,000 home in the suburbs to move to a shack on 10 acres so they can have a $150,000 dog kennel. Dog people have children who grow up believing "Bitch" is just another household word. Dog people have lush green yards and never buy fertilizer. Dog people pay the mortgage ten days late but NEVER miss a closing date for entries. Dog people would rather be audited by the IRS than investigated by the AKC. Dog people use dog food bags for trash and trash cans for dog food. Dog people talk on the phone for hours to another dog person in a language known only to dog people. Dog people have parents and family who think they've lost their minds, neighbors who think they're strange and doggy friends who think they're terrific.
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Grow Old With Dogs
When I am old... I will wear soft grey sweatshirts, and a bandana over my silver hair, and I will spend my social security cheques on wine and my dogs. I will sit in my house on my well-worn chair and listen to my dogs' breathing. I will sneak out in the middle of a warm summer night and take my dogs for a run, if my old bones will allow... When people come to call, I will smile and nod as I show them my dogs, and talk of them and about them... ...the ones so beloved of the past and the ones so beloved of today. I will still work hard cleaning after them, mopping and feeding them and whispering their names in a soft loving way. I will wear the gleaming sweat on my throat, like a jewel, and I will be an embarrassment to all, especially my family... who have not yet found the peace in being free to have dogs as your best friends. These friends who always wait, at any hour, for your footfall, and eagerly jump to their feet out of a sound sleep, to greet you as if you are a god, With warm eyes full of adoring love and hope that you will always stay. I'll hug their big strong necks, I'll kiss their dear sweet heads, and whisper in their very special company. I look in the mirror...and see I am getting old. this is the kind of person I am, and have always been. Loving dogs is easy, they are part of me. Please accept me for who I am. My dogs appreciate my presence in their lives, they love my presence in their lives. When I am old this will be important to me. You will understand when you are old.... if you have dogs to love too. - Anonymous |