Raising a puppy to be a guide
dog can be the most rewarding, frustrating, hardest and heartbreaking
experience for any of us. In the case of a 12-week old puppy by the
name of "Neeja," heartbreaking described the feelings of all the
raisers with Phoenix Guide Dog Raisers, Inc. when after a valiant,
week-long fight, "Neeja" succumbed on May 11, 2001 from
the Parvo virus. Although everything was done right in the few,
short weeks that "Neeja" was with us here in Phoenix, this
tragedy still happened and all the raisers were deeply and irrevocably
affected by it. This page and the poem that follows is dedicated to
the memory of "Neeja."

This drawing, done by a student
in Marylin's class, represents his memory of Neeja. Marylin DeCain
was Neeja's raiser. Although Neeja only made a couple of visits to
the classroom, little Neeja left a lasting impression on all the
youngsters.
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.
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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... |

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