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.

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...