Hubby and I adopted an old basset who had been outside in the elements for his whole life, abandoned to a farmer by a nephew who didn’t want him after he and his wife had a baby.
Was offered the dog and after seeing him, we decided to wait as FIL was in the final stages of life and had too much on our plates. A year later, I saw him outside in the pasture as I drove by the farmer’s place. The farmer had been in a tractor accident and was again looking for a home for this 14+ year old basset. I had hubby go and talk to him and a week later, after the farmer had his nephew drive by our place, they decided we would be a good fit for his pal. We named him Otis and he didn’t know how to lay on a dog bed, eat a dog biscuit or play with a toy. When you live your whole life in a barn, sleep on the hay and have mice for friends, change can be hard. Within 6 months, he was snuggled on a HUGE dog bed, eating twice a day, filling up his dog bed with toys from his toychest, chasing butterflies and getting many snuggles from his new mommy and daddy. We knew his time was limited- being outdoors took its toll. He was well cared by his previous daddy, but time took its toll. He had congestive heart failure and the decision was made. We love him dearly and miss him. There were so many times he had a huge smile on his face and we hoped he knew how much we loved him and took it with him. I miss you, Otis. Keep chasing those butterflies!!!
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...