Rainbow Ridge
God's Gift
~~author unknown

I'll lend to you for a little while, a Sheepdog pup, God said, for you to love him while he lives and mourn for when he's dead. Maybe for twelve or fourteen years, or only two or three, but will you, till I call him back, take care of him for me?

He'll bring his charms to gladden you and should his stay be brief, you'll always have his memories as solace for your grief. I cannot promise he will stay, since all from earth return, but there are lessons taught below I want this pup to learn.

I looked the whole world over in search of teacher's true, and from the folk that crowd life's land, I have chosen you. Now will you give him all your love, nor think the labor vain, nor hate me when I come to take my bobtail back again?

I fancied that I heard them say, "Dear Lord thy will be done, for all the joys this pup will bring the risk of grief we'll run." "We'll shelter him with tenderness, we'll love him while we may, and for the happiness we've known forever grateful stay, but should you come to call him back much sooner than we've planned, we'll brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand."

"If by our love we've managed your wishes to achieve, in memory of him we loved, to help us while we grieve, when our shaggy faithful bundle departs this world of strife, we'll have another tail-less pup and we'll love him all his life."

~*~

~ In memory of Macmillian and all my other pets who were a part of life ~

Macmillian, my first sheepdog, passed away on Monday, December 7, 1998.
He was the Best.
He devoted a short 5 years of love and loyalty,
and will forever have a special place in my heart.

Friends no longer with me


~ "Bently", Congo African Grey ~


~ "Mango", Jenday Conure ~


~ "Tara", West Highland Terrier ~



Rainbow Bridge

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. 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 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 begins to quiver. 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 the Rainbow Bridge together...


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