In memorium

Mary Kay emailed a sad update today from Hawaii. Here's her message:

Dear Family and Friends,  We had to take Bravo for her next adventure last Saturday. She lived a good long life, and she filled so much space in our home and our hearts; especially after Sean and Blaine moved to CA over six years ago.  Our home is truly feeling empty without her vivacious personality evident everywhere we go.  We've lost our shadow and our source of unconditional love and support all at once.  Figaro is the same age as Bravo, but since she is a cat, she has a few more years.  She now has some big shoes to fill as the sole pet.  We will not rush out to get another dog just yet.  Figaro deserves to be the queen for a while.  

When you have a moment read the short story that our Vet gave us with a sweet card they presented to us with hugs to comfort our tears when she gently and quickly slipped away.  Before her euthanization they made one last paw print of our best friend on a circular piece of clay, engraved her name and the date in it and baked it so we could take it with us when we left.   

With Love and Warm Aloha to All, Jeff, M'Kay, Sean and Blaine Slingerland 

Good Friends Stay Forever in our Hearts...  

Just this side of heaven is a place called the Rainbow Bridge.  

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to the Rainbow Bridge.  There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.  Ther is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.  

All the animals who had been ill and are old are restored to health and vigor.  Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole again, just as we rememeber 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 carry him faster and faster.  

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in a 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 the Rainbow Bridge together... 

Author Unknown