The Rainbow Bridge

It's taken me a while to post here because I haven't wanted to accept the reality of the news I have to share. Just several weeks after writing my previous post about my dear Jessie, she left this world quite unexpectedly. Although I am thankful her departure was quick and peaceful, without any pain or suffering, the suddenness of this loss has made it difficult to accept. Jessie was a very special dog who touched so many lives. She never met a stranger but considered everyone a friend she just hadn't met yet. After retiring as my service dog, she shared her love with kids and adults in a variety of volunteer settings, a job she loved and excelled at. She was an "aunt" for many pups in training that passed through our house, tolerant of their silliness while also teaching them to respect her boundaries. For all of her sweetness, she could be very expressive and dramatic at times, earning nicknames such as "The Queen" or "diva". Our home and our lives will not be the same without Miss Jessie! I am looking forward to seeing my Jessie girl again at the Rainbow Bridge! In the meantime she will always hold a special place in my heart. 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. Her bright eyes are intent. Her eager body quivers. Suddenly her begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, Her 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...