Remembering Guiness

My friend Faith had to euthanize her dog this week, and I know exactly how she feels. Making that decision is never easy, and unless you are a pet owner, you cannot begin to even understand how it feels. It's heart breaking.

Guiness had been sick for a while, and even though Faith knew in her heart his days might be numbered, she persevered and continued to care for him as best she could. When the time came to make that decision, although hard, she knew it had to be done.

For those of you who have had to wrestle with making the decision to euthanize a pet, you might have wondered whether you did the right thing. I know after two of these heart wretching decisions, I had to think about it, and wonder myself. In the end, when you can finally catch your breathe, you do realize it was for the best. After talking to faith this week, I felt the pang of hurt all over again. I can see both their faces, Tyler and Brady, and still miss them. Pets are like kids (and I am not saying the loss is comparable), but it has to be very close.

Like me, Faith will meet up with her little guy one day, and I know that he is waiting for her on 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....