RAINBOW BRIDGE

There is a bridge connecting Heaven & Earth. It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of its colors. Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows, hills and valleys with lush green grass.

When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place. There is always food and water and warm spring weather. The old and frail animals are young again. Those who are maimed are made whole. They play together all day.

There is only one thing missing: They are not with their special person who loved them on Earth. Each day they run and play until the day comes when one suddenly stops playing and looks up! The nose twitches! The ears are up! The eyes are staring! And this one suddenly runs from the group.

You have been seen, and when you and your special friend meet, you take him or her in your arms and embrace. Your face is kissed again and again, and you look once more into the eyes of your trusting friend.

Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated.

DUCK (Laura)
     “CH Scylla’s Baby Dock” (aka Duckie) was a Portuguese Water Dog. In June, 2007,  Duck had to be put down due to a very sudden onset of diffuse cancer in his lungs.
     In 2002, Duck was the first dog approved to work in the Heeling Partners Angels with Paws program where dog/handler teams visit Valley View Hospital patients, and the Paws to Read program where school children read to dogs. Laura and Duck made many visits to the hospital and to Glenwood Elementary School, bringing comfort and unconditional love to those with whom they worked. Duck is greatly missed.

LEXXISS (Debbie)
     Lexxiss was born October, 1996 in Alaska to a Blue Merle Australian Shepherd mom and a Golden Retriever dad. Her nicknames were Lexi Bug and Merle Girl. She loved to eat and loved to be the boss of the household. She disliked being told what to do. Lexxiss made her own decisions and I learned to respect them. She loved her brother, Rudi, but she was very clear that she was the boss.
     Lexxiss’ favorite toy was her "baby," a stuffed mouse in a Christmas outfit. It was given to her by the shelter volunteer who nursed her to back to health. She had her baby for at least 10 years; she protected it and wouldn’t let anyone else near it.
     Lexxiss was the most independent dog I have ever had. When we lived in Alaska she would walk the property line every morning, then would lie in her "den" under the house and watch things all day. She used to stay out at night, but didn’t do that in Colorado - too many skunks!
    I would like others to know that it is possible for a timid, scared, starving young dog to become a Heeling Partner through patience and love (and Lexxiss might add FOOD).

MAGGIE MAE (Deb)
     Maggie Mae and I were a part of the group with Laura & Duck, Sandi and Boomer and others that started Heeling Partners. Maggie Mae crossed the Rainbow Bridge on Monday, 12/14/2009. She'd been diagnosed with cancer in September and did pretty well until the last week. I had to make the difficult decision to put her down.....she went peacefully in my arms as we sat in the sunshine. At 8 1/2 years old, it was way too soon to have to say goodbye to such a loving friend.
     I was talking to Sandi the morning I put Maggie down and we realized that her dog Boomer is the only surviving member of our original group of Pet Partners. We have some incredible memories of those days and our wonderful dogs. I sat down with Maggie one day during her illness and looked at all the pictures and talked to her about them.
     Maggie Mae, like the other Heeling Partners, brought a lot of love and happiness not only to us, their caregivers; but to hospital patients, the elderly and children in her lifetime.  She was a very special girl and is loved and missed deeply.

PETE (Karen)
     Thanks everyone for your supporting emails. It's nice to hear how some of you have dealt with the chemo, cancer and loss. Right now we are taking it one day at a time and he's very frisky today! He doesn't understand why we are not out hiking! His stitches come out on Saturday and we should be able to do some walking.  Thanks again you guys....Karen and Pete
     Pete's results came back...the tumors are malignant. He is recovering nicely from the surgery, but the doctor said it is just a matter of time. We decided against chemo or another operation and are going to let nature take its course. The doctor said 3 weeks to 6 months, but of course we don't want him to be in pain. Thanks to you all for your cards and emails and support.
      Pete passed away on December 20 (2009). He had stopped eating the last few days and was telling me he was ready. It was very peaceful . . . in my arms. He was a cutie and a very good boy. We will miss him very much. They just don't live long enough . . .

SPIRIT (DAVY)