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Rescuer's Rainbow Bridge

Discussion in 'Sheltie Angels' started by sheltiemom, Aug 20, 2008.

  1. sheltiemom

    sheltiemom Forums Enthusiast

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    Aug 20, 2008
    Az
    I run a rescue for older and medically needy shelties. I have a couple of poems that were sent to me on 2005 when I lost one of the first babies who came to my rescue.
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    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. They 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.

    --Author Unknown--
     
  2. sheltiemom

    sheltiemom Forums Enthusiast

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    Az
    For those who must make a very hard decision

    FROM FRIEND TO FRIEND

    You're giving me a special gift,
    So sorrowfully endowed,
    And through these last few cherished days,
    Your courage makes me proud.

    But really, love is knowing
    When your best friend is in pain,
    And understanding earthly acts
    Will only be in vain.

    So looking deep into your eyes,
    Beyond, into your soul,
    I see in you the magic, that will
    Once more make me whole.

    The strength that you possess,
    Is why I look to you today,
    To do this thing that must be done,
    For it's the only way.

    That strength is why I've followed you,
    And chose you as my friend,
    And why I've loved you all these years...
    My partner 'til the end.

    Please, understand just what this gift,
    You're giving, means to me,
    It gives me back the strength I've lost,
    And all my dignity.

    You take a stand on my behalf,
    For that is what friends do.
    And know that what you do is right,
    For I believe it too.

    So one last time, I breathe your scent,
    And through your hand I feel,
    The courage that's within you,
    To now grant me this appeal.

    Cut the leash that holds me here,
    Dear friend, and let me run,
    Once more a strong and steady dog,
    My pain and struggle done.

    And don't despair my passing,
    For I won't be far away,
    Forever here, within your heart,
    And memory I'll stay.

    I'll be there watching over you,
    Your ever faithful friend,
    And in your memories I'll run,
    ...a young dog once again.

    In Memory of Asta, Feb. 1997
    (c) Karen Clouston
     
  3. LaOsaLinda

    LaOsaLinda Forums Regular

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    Jul 22, 2008
    South Florida
    I loved those poems so much. Thank you for sharing them.
     
  4. mcguiregirl2248

    mcguiregirl2248 Forums Enthusiast

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    Britton, MI
    Yes, thank you for sharing them! I liked them both a lot. I guess I wasn't planning on crying at work at 8:00 in the morning! :winkgrin:
     
  5. Chris

    Chris Premium Member

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    Feb 25, 2008
    Thank you for this mighty gift!
     
  6. Shelletlover

    Shelletlover Forums Enthusiast

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    Grimes, Iowa
    Yes, thank you! I know I shouldn't read these things at work. That was at least 3 tissues, but I'll feel good the rest of the day.
     
  7. tehluhlah

    tehluhlah Forums Enthusiast

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    Feb 25, 2008
    Louisville, KY
    Those were wonderful, thanks!
     
  8. graydawntreader

    graydawntreader Forums Enthusiast

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    :sadsmile:
    I liked them too.
     
  9. SunChaser

    SunChaser Forums Enthusiast

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    May 16, 2008
    Central Florida
    That was just beautiful. Letting go is the last selfless act a human can do for a beloved pet... It's never easy but when it's done with love there should be no regret.

    Judy and the Rescue Squad
     
  10. sheltiemom

    sheltiemom Forums Enthusiast

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    Aug 20, 2008
    Az
    ok now it is my turn. In all honesty I only read these when I have lost a baby. They tear me apart. Each one of my babies who has passed was so special to me. As corny as it may sound...death does not scare me (since I am medically ill and awaiting a dual transplant right now) because I can read these things and know in my mind my beloved babies will be waiting for me. Even those who do not believe this stuff, can find some comfort in these poems. Thank you for lwetting me share them with you
     

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