Memorial Page |
Jane Basset was the beloved friend of Ken Locke and Elizabeth Lindsey. She was adopted Nov. 15, 1992. She was sent on ahead July 25, 2003 |
My heart's in the Highlands, My heart is not here, My heart's in the Highlands A-chasing the deer; A-chasing the wild deer, And following the roe, My heart's in the Highlands wherever I go. Robert Burns "My Heart's in the Highlands" |
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This is the poem Elizabeth & Ken used for her memorial: |
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Some of our bridge kids... Left: Seigfried ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ Right: Norma The beloved companions of Laura Hoffman and Cindy Meyer. Sigfried was a Chow mix rescued from a disastrous situation in 1987. Loved the snow more than anything and went to play in it at the Bridge on May 9, 2000. Two months later, Norma--rescued in 1989, also beloved companion of Laura and Cindy and Siegfried, went to the Bridge to join her best friend. |
A Best Friend's best friend..... This is Bunni, who was cherished by our web designer & best friend, Carrie Voorhees. Bunni was Carrie's very first champion show dog. We met Bunni in January 2000 when she moved to San Antonio, Texas, & we fell in love with her. She was a magnificent chow who was as sweet & gentle as she was beautiful. She met an untimely death at the tender age of 6 -1/2 years "thanks" to an INCOMPETENT PET SITTER that did not follow instructions... While outside for a play period that was SUPPOSED to be STRICTLY SUPERVISED due to an in-ground swimming pool, Bunni was left alone instead, where she fell in, and was not discovered until long aftershe had already drowned. Bunni is featured on the home page of this web site for several reasons... in her dedication and honor, She is our inspiration... because of what happened to Bunni, we strive to always cherish our client pets, and vow to never let them die under such cruel and negligent circumstances while in our care.... to keep them safe and always be their PET GUARDIAN.... |
( You are listening to Garth Brooks' "The Dance" ) |
Lookin' back on the memories of the dance we shared beneath the stars above. For a moment, all the world was right. How could I've known that you'd ever say 'good bye?' (Chorus) And now, I'm glad I didn't know the way it all would end, the way it all would go. And our lives are better left to chance. I could have missed the pain, but I'd've had to miss the dance. Holdin' you, I've held everything. For a moment, wasn't I the king? But if I'd only known how the king would fall, Hey, who's to say, you know, I might have changed it all. Repeat (Chorus) Yes, my life is better left to chance. I could have missed the pain, but I'd've had to miss the dance. |
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CH Full Moon Bunni O' Bear Creek Nov 3rd, 1995 ~ ~ ~ Sept 21st, 2002 |
Darling old Toby has reached the end of her string. She can't really get her back legs to work anymore and her level of consciousness is very low. She seems confused and looks stunned. She has been coughing a lot. This has been going on since night before last. I thought for sure she was going last night, but she's still with us today. I did get her to eat some chicken and rice from a spoon this morning, and she drank a lap or two of water, then lapsed back into a sort of listless dog-swoon. I managed to get her to go out to pee for the first time since yesterday AM, but she barely made it back into the house. I called the vet and we are going to take her in at 1 PM CST. I can hardly stand it. I had to cry for a while before I could call. Her regular vet is there today. We are both devastated, and the other dogs know something is up because everyone is totally subdued. She has been a good and loving friend for 18 years, though her dog jokes have pushed humor to the limits of imagination. The one she thought was funniest was when she butted me with her head and knocked my front tooth out... She has also taken great glee in head-butting Laura's 94-year-old father in the shins and trying to trip him as he walks -- hardly steadier than she is. (Hard to tell which one is the crankiest...) I still remember the minute I first saw her, when Jennifer, holding her in one hand, passed her through the car window to me. She was a tiny, sweet puppy and I happily recognized her instantly at some deep level. "Oh, it's you, little Toby!" I said, though I don't know where it came from. And Toby she was. I remember how we tried to keep her away from the infant Lindsay, fearing her pit bull ancestry, but she nearly licked through the window trying to get in to see her. When we finally relented (came to our senses?), they would watch Sesame Street together, with Lindsay sitting on Toby's back, holding her by the ears. Toby was in 7th heaven. She adored Linds all her life and instantly recognized her years later when she came to visit. She used to love to swim but gave it up when her arthritis got too bad. She never learned to catch a ball and thought the whole idea was nuts. She thought that was a great dog joke, too. She's past dog jokes now, which is how I know it's time. That's the sure sign she's ready. I told her last night that we'd meet again in another life, just as we had in this one. I know Richard (and Clancy and Ellie and Racer) are eagerly awaiting her arrival at the rainbow bridge. She was Richard's dog-wife. He was far more married to her than he was to me. I still can't believe her time has come, but it has. Hold a sweet memory of the dear old girl and say a little prayer for us as we take her in for the last time. MaryAnn |
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TOBY.... age 18 1985 - 2003 (Aug 28th) |
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Old Dogs Do Not Die We have a secret, you and I, That no one else shall know, For who, but I can see you lie, Each night, in fireglow? And who but I can reach my hand Before we go to bed, And feel the living warmth of you And touch your silken head? And only I walk woodland paths, And see, ahead of me, Your small form racing with the wind, So young again, and free. And only I can see you swim In every brook I pass. And, when I call, no one but I Can see the bending grass. -Author Unknown |
THE JOURNEY When you bring a pet into your life, you begin a journey. A journey that will bring you more love and devotion than you have ever known, yet will also test your strength and courage. If you allow, the journey will teach you many things, about life, about yourself, and most of all, about love. You will come away changed forever, for one soul cannot touch another without leaving its mark. Along the way, you will learn much about savoring life's simple pleasures -- jumping in leaves, snoozing in the sun, the joys of puddles, and even the satisfaction of a good scratch behind the ears. If you spend much time outside, you will be taught how to truly experience every element, for no rock, leaf, or log will go unexamined, no rustling bush will be overlooked, and even the very air will be inhaled, pondered, and noted as being full of valuable information. Your pace may be slower, except when heading home to the food dish, but you will become a better naturalist, having been taught by an expert in the field. Too many times we hike on automatic pilot, our goal being to complete the trail rather than enjoy the journey. We miss the details: the colorful mushrooms on the rotting log, the honeycomb in the old maple snag, the hawk feather caught on a twig. Once we walk as a dog does, we discover a whole new world. We stop; we browse the landscape, we kick over leaves, peek in tree holes, look up, down, all around. And we learn what any dog knows that nature has created a marvelously complex world that is full of surprises, that each cycle of the seasons bring ever changing wonders, each day an essence all its own. Even from indoors you will find yourself more attuned to the world around you. You will find yourself watching: summer insects collecting on a screen; how bizarre they are; how many kinds there are or noting the flick and flash of fireflies through the dark. You will stop to observe the swirling dance of windblown leaves, or sniff the air after a rain. It does not matter that there is no objective in this; the point is in the doing, in not letting life's most important details slip by. You will find yourself doing silly things that your pet-less friends might not understand: spending thirty minutes in the grocery aisle looking for the cat food brand your feline must have, buying dog birthday treats, or driving around the block an extra time because your pet enjoys the ride. You will roll in the snow, wrestle with chewy toys, bounce little rubber balls till your eyes cross, and even run around the house trailing your bathrobe tie with a cat in hot pursuit, all in the name of love. Your house will become muddier and hairier. You will wear less dark clothing and buy more lint rollers. You may find dog biscuits in your pocket or purse and feel the need to explain that an old plastic shopping bag adorns your living room rug because your cat loves the crinkly sound. You will learn the true measure of love. The steadfast, undying kind that says, "It doesn't matter where we are or what we do, or how life treats us as long as we are together." Respect this always. It is the most precious gift any living soul can give another. You will not find it often among the human race. And you will learn humility. The look in my dog's eyes often made me feel ashamed. Such joy and love at my presence. She saw not some flawed human who could be cross and stubborn, moody or rude, but only her wonderful companion. Or maybe she saw those things and dismissed them as mere human foibles, not worth considering and so chose to love me anyway. If you pay attention and learn well, when the journey is done, you will be not just a better person, but the person your pet always knew you to be. The one they were proud to call beloved friend. I must caution you that this journey is not without pain. Like all paths of true love, the pain is part of loving. For as surely as the sun sets, one day your dear animal companion will follow a trail you cannot yet go down. And you will have to find the strength and love to let them go. A pet's time on earth is far too short, especially for those that love them. We borrow them, really, just for a while, and during these brief years they are generous enough to give us all their love, every inch of their spirit and heart, until one day there is nothing left. The cat that only yesterday was a kitten is all too soon old and frail and sleeping in the sun. The young pup of boundless energy now wakes up stiff and lame, the muzzle gone to gray. Deep down we somehow always knew that this journey would end. We knew that if we gave our hearts they would be broken. But give them we must for it is all they ask in return. When the time comes, and the road curves ahead to a place we cannot see, we give one final gift and let them run on ahead, young and whole once more. "God speed, good friend," we say, until our journey comes full circle and our paths cross again. ~unknown~ |
A Pet's Prayer My people are so precious, Lord; I know You think so, too... And I believe you put me here To love them just for You! They take such gentle care of me And have such tender hearts... Please use me, Lord, to comfort them Whenever teardrops start. They face a lot of battles As they live & work each day... They need me, Lord, to make them smile And show them how to play! The world is full of people, But sometimes real friends are few... Please let my love & loyalty Remind them, Lord, of You. And when my final moment comes, Lord, tell them as we part... I was a made-to-order gift From Your great, loving heart! Author Unknown |
THE EULOGY Look not where I was For I am not there My spirit is free I am everywhere In the air that you breathe In the sounds that you here Don't cry for me Mom My spirit is near I'll watch for you From the other side I'll be the one running New friends by my side Smile at my memory Remember in your heart This isn't the end It's a brand new start © Carol Kufner Winwood Kennels German Shepherds |
Heaven's Doggy-Door My best friend closed his eyes last night, As his head was in my hand. The Doctors said he was in pain, And it was hard for him to stand. The thoughts that scurried through my head, As I cradled him in my arms. Were of his younger, puppy years, And OH...his many charms. Today, there was no gentle nudge With an intense "I love you gaze", Only a heart thats filled with tears Remembering our joy filled days. But an Angel just appeared to me, And he said, "You should cry no more, God also loves our canine friends, He's installed a 'doggy-door"! © 1997, Mary Ellen Arthur Excalibur Cavaliers |
Winter Of Life Lord, he is old and weakened, He walks where he used to run, In his youth he was always a happy dog, Now he sleeps his days away in the sun. Please make his trail mostly level As he travels these last few miles, Provide shade away from the heat of day Where he can stop and rest for awhile. If it rains let the drops be gentle, If it blows let the breeze be warm, Let the winter of life be kind, Provide shelter and keep him from harm. Please Lord, if he must suffer, Give the pain and hurting to me, He has been thru lifes raging waters, As only a mans dog can be. He doesnt deserve to be hurting, He has lived a hard and long time, I hope as he leaves he'll be knowing Your love, as he has always known mine. I raised him, Lord, from a puppy We have followed some rough rocky trails, Please Lord, Make this last trail gentle, As he come to where love never fails. Author Unknown |
A Pet's Prayer Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me. Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do. Speak to me often, for your voice is the worlds sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep falls upon my waiting ear. When it is cold and wet, please take me inside, for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to the elements. And I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth. Though, had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land, for you are my god and I am your devoted worshipper. Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life should your life be in danger. And, beloved master, should the great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or my sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather, hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest --- and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands. by: Beth Norman Harris |
They will not go quietly the dogs who've shared our lives. In subtle ways they let us know their spirits still survives. Old habits still make us think we hear a barking at the door. Or step back when we drop a tasty morsel on the floor. Our feet still go around the place the food dish use to be, And, sometimes, coming home at night, we miss them terribly. And although time may bring new friends and a new food dish to fill, That one place in our hearts belongs to them, and always will. Author Unknown ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ HOLES IN YOUR HEART As they leave for the Rainbow Bridge, they leave another hole in our heart. We have so many ways of dealing with our time apart. As their little souls leave their body so it can stay Their journey begins to the Rainbow Bridge So very far away They shall begin the search for others that left us alone before they came They all become a family and start the wait together with no shame Each and every one has a special place in our hearts where they left their own little hole, each and everyone had their own part they played in our life, & their own special role. For those left behind some have many holes, for some the holes are few All have sorrow in their hearts, but all loved them true. I know my heart is full of many holes for those that have already gone ahead It will be full of many more holes as I can't leave a furbaby alone and unfed In your life you will have a special one that becomes your soul and one will be your heart Then your journey will begin to join them all and refill all the holes in your heart Written by Helen Gregory |
**The Vagabond And His Dog** ~ Robert X Leeds ~ It was another Christmas day -- And God looked out to see What scripture promise came to pass, -- What promise would not be. And turning aside, HE turned his eyes -- To those who'd dwell inside, To those who'd warm by Heaven's hearth -- And those who'd be denied. And HE saw a man at St. Peter's gate, -- A mongrel dog at his feet, And a line that reached to the dark of night -- As far as the eye could see. And St. Peter looked at the disheveled two -- And challenged the wretch to say, What deeds he'd done, what praise he'd won -- To walk in Heaven's way. And the vagrant stood in his shabby robe -- And not one word he spoke, As though he heard not a single word -- This man in the tattered cloak. "What deeds have you done to think you've won -- The grace of Heaven's line? What honors earned? What evils spurned? -- Pray help me be inclined." |