Rainbow Bridge Memorials

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...}

Author Unknown

Dakota Dachshund Rescue dedicates this Rainbow Bridge Memorial Page in memory of Apollo…a 4 month Dachshund puppy.

On November 22, 2006, Apollo was brutally killed when he was thrown to the ground and his skull was smashed against another puppy because he wouldn’t stop barking. Apollo died later that day of suffocation due to massive internal injuries and bleeding. His caretaker, Marques Eason, is now going to trial in Sedgwick County, Kansas. This will be the first case of felony animal cruelty to be tried under ”Magnum’s Law” in Kansas.

Dakota Dachshund Rescue’s group of volunteers works tirelessly to help dachshunds, that have been the victims of cruelty, abuse or abandonment, find safe and loving ”Forever Homes”. We hope to make a difference one ”Weiner Dog” at a time. May the day come when there will be no more like Apollo.

RESCUE RAINBOW BRIDGE

Unlike most days at RainBow Bridge, this day dawned cold and gray, damp as a swamp and as dismal as could be imagined. All the recent arrivals were confused and concerned. They had no idea what to think for they had never experienced a day like this before. But the animals who had spent some time waiting for their beloved people knew exactly what was happening and began to gather at the pathway leading to the Bridge to watch. They knew this was something special.

It wasn't too long before an elderly animal came into view, head hung heavy and low with tail dragging along the ground. The other animals on the pathway...the ones who had been at RainBow Bridge for a while...knew the story of this sad creature immediately. They had seen it happen far too many times. Although it was obvious the animal's heart was leaden and he was totally overcome with emotional pain and hurt, there was no sign of injury or any illness. Unlike the pets waiting at the Bridge, this dog had not been restored to his prime. He was full of neither health nor vigor. He approached slowly and painfully, watching all the pets who were by now watching him. He knew he was out of place here. This was no resting place for him. He felt instinctively that the sooner he could cross over, the happier he would be.

But alas, as he came closer to the Bridge, his way was barred by the appearance of an Angel who spoke softly to the old dog and apologized sorrowfully, telling him that he would not be able to pass. Only those animals who were with their special people could pass over the RainBow Bridge. And he had no special beloved people...not here at the Bridge nor on Earth below.

With no place else to turn, the poor elderly dog looked toward the fields before the Bridge. There, in a separate area nearby, he spotted a group of other sad-eyed animals like himself...elderly and infirm. Unlike the pets waiting for their special people, these animals weren't playing, but simply lying on the green grass, forlornly and miserably staring out at the pathway leading to the Bridge. The recent arrival knew he had no choice but to join them. And so, he took his place among them, just watching the pathway and waiting.

One of the newest arrivals at the Bridge, who was waiting for his special people, could not understand what he had just witnessed and asked one of the pets who had been there for some time to explain it to him. "That poor dog was a rescue, sent to the pound when his owner grew tired of him. The way you see him now, with graying fur and sad, cloudy eyes, was exactly the way he was when he was put into the kennels. He never, ever made it out and passed on only with the love and comfort that the kennel workers could give him as he left his miserable and unloved existence on Earth for good. Because he had no family or special person to give his love, he has nobody to escort him across the Bridge."

The first animal thought about this for a minute and then asked, "So what will happen now?"

As he was about to receive his answer, the clouds suddenly parted and the all-invasive gloom lifted. Coming toward the Bridge could be seen a single figure...a person who, on Earth, had seemed quite ordinary...a person who, just like the elderly dog, had just left Earth forever. This figure turned toward a group of the sad animals and extended outstretched palms. The sweetest sounds they had ever heard echoed gently above them and all were bathed in a pure and golden light. Instantly, each was young and healthy again, just as they had been in the prime of life.

From within the gathering of pets waiting for their special people, a group of animals emerged and moved toward the pathway. As they came close to the passing figure, each bowed low and each received a tender pat on the head or a scratch behind the ears. Their eyes grew even brighter as the figure softly murmured each name. Then, the newly-restored pets fell into line behind the figure and quietly followed this person to the Bridge, where they all crossed together.

The recent arrival who had been watching, was amazed. "What happened?"

"That was a rescuer," came the answer. "That person spent a lifetime trying to help pets of all kinds. The ones you saw bowing in respect were those who found new homes because of such unselfish work. They will cross when their families arrive. Those you saw restored were ones who never found homes. When a rescuer arrives, they are permitted to perform one, final act of rescue. They are allowed to escort those poor pets that couldn't place on Earth across the Rainbow Bridge. You see, all animals are special to them...just as they are special to all animals."

"I think I like rescuers," said the recent arrival.

"So does God," was the reply.

--Benny Archuleta
The Dachshund Rescue Web Page
Retirement Home For Senior Wieners

Learn all lessons from children and animals:::

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their little boy, Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.

Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, 'I know why.' Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation.

He said, 'People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life! -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?' The six-year-old continued, 'Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long!’

Quote from James Thurber
"If I have any beliefs about immortality, it is certain dogs I have known will go to heaven, And very very, few persons." James Thurber

Links to Pet Loss Grief and Support:

Pet Loss

MEMORIALS TO PETS WAITING AT THE BRIDGE

If you have lost a pet and would like to remember them on our Memorial Page, please contact us.

BRUNO
5/22/92 to 2/23/09 Exactly 15yrs ago today, he came into my life.

I now know that Bruno was my first Rescue Doxie. I had been thru a divorce and Beth had kept the 2 doxies that we had at the time. When my Dad died, I took over his condo that included a small back yard; perfect for a Wiener Dog.

I began to scan the Arizona Repulic Pet Classifed Section and one day the following ad jumped out at me:

"MALE DACHSHUND 22 MOS, IF NOT SOLD BY TOMORROW WILL BE KILLED $100 605-XXX-XXXX"

I was on the phone in a heartbeat and got directions. After work that evening, I drove 30 miles west of Phoenix to small little desert town. I found the address which was a run down corner house that had a 10ft high wooden fence surrounding the backyard. I found the gate and entered the backyard and stopped dead in my tracks! The yard was crammed full of about 10 to 15 rabbit caged each about 3 ft off the ground; surrounded on top and back and both sides with plywood while the floor and front were made out of heavy duty chicken wire. It was 90 degrees that day and there was no shade for these cages. I had never seen anything like this before!

The back door of the house opened and out came this man at about 5'7" and probably weighing 400 lbs. Shirt open, greasy black hair and a beer in hand. "You here about the dog?" and motioned me to follow him. I realized by this time, that each of 3'x4' cages had 5 or 6 dogs inside. He stopped in front of one of the cages and I could see at the back a dog crouched in the corner; a vacant look in his eyes!

The man opened the cage door, reached in and hauled this poor animal out by his choke chain! As he did this he simply said "His papers say mini but he is really a standard and throws big puppies and no one wants to buy them!" Without even taking a good look at the dog, I grabbed him from the man's arms, threw the $100 on the ground and literally ran for my car. I put Bruno on the passengers seat, directed all the ac vents on him, stopped at a Circle K and bought 6 bottled waters and a cheap bowl, and as I headed back toward the interstate, Bruno was lapping up the water as fast as I could open the bottle.

I drove 90 miles an hour back to Phoenix straight to my Vet! Bruno had fleas, ticks and was about 5 lbs under weight. Over the next 6 weeks, we took care of his physical problems. But, no matter what I tried, I couldn't reach him emotionally. He wanted no interaction of any kind. He would lie in the far corner of any room I was in and watch me! At night, I lifted him up on the bed and he would lie down at the foot in the corner with his back to me!

After 6 months of this, I had just about given up the thoughts of ever having a lap and cuddle buddy. I took comfort in knowing that at least he had good food, clean water, an air conditioned home, regular medical care, walks in the park and car rides. But, the 2 years of neglect coupled with the unspeakable horrors of cruelty and abuse had destroyed his spirit and his ability to trust and love.

Then... one bright sunny morning, I woke up with a 16 lb weight on my chest and nearly choking on the wet sloppy kisses from a long dachsie tongue! Somehow, Bruno had found the emotional energy and courage and had decided maybe he could trust me. He had learned what love was and and that he could trust in that love! From that moment until today, he has never left my side. He was my shadow, my protector and loving companion. He only tolerated any other human in the house. At night he would growl when my partner came to bed! He had assumed the role of protector and if his warning growl didn't work, his next move was to nip.

He,also, was our resident Alpha Dog. When Willie came to live with us, Bruno let him know who was boss! Willie was a dedicated couch potato and didn't want the Alpha job anyway so he crawled up on the couch and ignored Bruno for the next 10 years. Every morning, I would lift Bruno down from the bed and put him outside. When he came in, he would gallop through every room the house loudly announcing to the world that he was once again in charge!

About 4 years ago, I began to notice that when I gave him a treat, he would sometimes nip a finger which got worse over time. About that same time, he would start to run for the door to go potty and wouldn't make it; leaving a trail in his wake. At his next Vet checkup I told our Vet what was going on? Her answer was "Bob, Bruno is going blind"! He can't see the treat so he nips at your fingers. He can't see the door but instinct points him in the general direction ...but is afraid to run too fast and running into something. And, as a senior gent, when he has to go...he has to go right now! At the same visit, during his dental, he lost all but 4 teeth! Up until early 2008, each morning, after "going outside", he still did his morning gallop, growl at Willie and Scooby, eat his breakfast and then a single loud bark was the signal to me that he needed to be lifted onto the couch for the first of his 12 daily naps!

Over this last year, with tears in my eyes, I watched him growing more and more frail. He had become incontinent in his sleep and each morning his bed would be soaked. I learned to cover his bed pad with plastic shopping bags and then slide them into an old pillow case. That way, I didn't have to wash his complete bed 3 or 4 times at day! He began sleeping 23 1/2 hours out of every day. The other half hour he would be awake for meal times. I knew in my heart that we were coming to the end of our Journey together. But, I put off that one final act of love that all animal guardians commit to when the take a Fur-Baby into their lives.

Until this morning, as I took him out of his soaked bed, put him in the sink for a bath so the his skin wouldn't be burned by from his urine. I discovered that he had a "bed sore" hidden under a clump of hair. I called All City and made an appointment to have this sore tended too. As I fed him his breakfast, I watched him struggle to chew his canned food which I had mashed to a pulp. And...suddenly a waive of guilt washed over me as I realized that my Beloved Friend was suffering because of my selfishness! When I got to All City, I showed Dr Heitman his sore. In a gentle voice Dr Heitman asked "And how is he doing otherwise"? Thru tears, I said "It is time to send him to the Bridge". And, 20 minutes later, I held him in my arms and told him what a good boy he was and that I was so sorry I hadn't helped him on his journey last year". And then, without a sound, he began his journey to wait for me at The Bridge". He will be welcomed there by the 14 other Dachsies that have passed thru my life since 1946! He will always be my special one...My First Rescue... My Protector...My devoted and loving Friend. Run and play with all the others, Bruno while you wait for me!

Your Loving Daddy Bob