Rainbow Bridge

This page is a tribute to the babies we have lost, whether furry, feathered or with fins or scales. 

If you would like to add a picture or a story in memory of one of your friends, please send a photograph to southernilpetsit@gmail.com along with a story.  I would be very pleased and all-too honored to add your memory to this page.

	Nina, the delight of my life and my heart. I'm crying as I write this remembering how she filled my life with sunshine at a time when I needed it most with her love, intelligence and intuition.  I can honestly say she helped to save my life as I wrapped my arms around her and cried on her so many times while she patiently waited for the grief to pass.  Her only remark was to be seen in her sad eyes as she kissed my tears away.  Beautiful, kind and oh so very smart I always considered her my little girl and having her helped me to understand well what being a pet parent is all about.  I'll miss you forever, my precious sweetheart!
Herman (right) and Earl (left).  They were two of our rescues which our charitable organization, an Attitude of Hope helped to support.  Both FIV positive kitties who desperately needed a chance at life which we were only too happy to give to them.  She had perfect dispositions for strays and the vet hospital always enjoyed their visits.  They were my first two adopted male cats having only had girls previously.  In looking at this picture I remember how thin Earl was when he came to live with us.  They both ate and lived well for the short time we had them.
	Winston was one of the fur-babies I had the opportunity to sit for but for too short a time.  He was an absolute delight and loved people with all his heart.  I will miss his greedily reaching toward that cookie and all too frequently catching my finger; the way he took his medicine with wet food on a fork; his footsteps echoing throughout the house as he faithfully followed me around; his extremely short, almost non-existent tail; his snores, and the way in which he would back down from his little Papillon "sister," Chispa (pictured below), if he got to close to her food and water. You'll be missed, Winston!
Chispa was Winston's (pictured above) "sister" and another fur-baby I had the pleasure to know for far too short a time having passed away only 5 weeks after Winston.  Chispa was a fire-cracker of a little girl with spunk to spare.  A diabetic, she would grudgingly allow me to give her the required insulin, but not without making her feelings clearly known about being poked once again.  This little 5# dynamo would chase her larger brother away from her crate, food dish, or anything she felt ownership of - including me!  When the mood suited her - particularly in the evening when she felt a bit more temperamental, she would attack my feet.  It wouldn't matter if the feet were bare or shod, she would enthusiastically pounce.  We'll miss you, Chispa!

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 canrun 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...