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...

On Friday I had to make the very difficult decision to let my very dear friend Tuck go. He was a gorgeous tuxedo tom cat that we rescued from a shelter just before we were married, 8 years ago. He was a adult when we got him and probably the best cat I have ever had. Tuck's fur was plush like a stuffed animal, he had these deep intelligent eyes that just knew when you needed a cuddle,  and he was the perfect companion for myself and my family. 

Many times I found Tuck stretched out next to my babies as they slept in their cribs. He endured years of fur pulling, ear tugs, and stepped on tails and never once got upset. Instead a purr would rumble through him and he would look at me as if to say, "That's fine, I know that they don't mean it." There is so much I could say about my friend and it hurts my heart to think that he is no longer with us. Tuck had cancer and was getting to the point that I knew that he was not comfortable and in pain. Even though I knew in my head that it was time... my heart just can't catch up just yet.... 

Goodbye my lovely guy... you will be missed more than I can say.