A Few of FR's Finest...Every Day...11-19-03...A Visit to Rainbow Bridge

Dutchess and Gizmo

[dutchess]

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day

Free Republic made its debut in September, 1996, and the forum was added in early 1997.   Over 100,000 people have registered for posting privileges on Free Republic, and the forum is read daily by tens of thousands of concerned citizens and patriots from all around the country and the world.

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day was introduced on June 24, 2002. It's only a small room in JimRob's house where we can get to know one another a little better; salute and support our military and our leaders; pray for those in need; and congratulate those deserving. We strive to keep our threads entertaining, fun, and pleasing to look at, and often have guest writers contribute an essay, or a profile of another FReeper.

On Mondays please visit us to see photos of A FEW OF FR'S VETERANS AND ACTIVE MILITARY

If you have a suggestion, or an idea, or if there's a FReeper you would like to see featured, please drop one of us a note in FR mail.

We're having fun and hope you are!
~ Billie, Mama_bear, dansangel, Dutchess, Aquamarine

This past week, Codee joined the many finest FRPets including Dutchess, my namesake, at Rainbow Bridge. We see her in the sky and clouds and know she is romping in the meadows. Gizmo thought it fitting that we take a glimpse into Rainbow Bridge and would like all of you who have loved ones there to stop in and share a picture and/or a special memory.

Welcome to Rainbow Bridge

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 that 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

And A Note to Our Loved Ones On Earth

Farewell, Dear Master.

You have been my teacher, my friend and most beloved companion. I was like your child, totally dependent on you for all my needs. But I never grew up and moved away as children do, I just grew to love and need you more each day, each month, each year. I never went hungry because you gave me dinner and gave me water each day. When the weather was bad I found comfort in the warmth and safety of your home. I delighted you by learning tricks, but what you may not have realized is that I loved learning from you because I lived to please you.

The touch of your hand stroking my fur made my life worthwhile. Though I barked at noises in the night, the postman's footsteps and the ringing of the doorbell; the voice of my master was the one sound that I cherished most. Your moods became my moods. When you were sad or lonely, I nuzzled closer to comfort you . There were times when you became upset with me because I soiled the carpet, chewed on a piece of furniture, or barked too much. But do not feel bad about those times when you scolded me - I needed to learn right from wrong, and I always understood when things weren't going your way or when you'd had an unpleasant day at work. There is no need for you to harbor guilt or remorse on my behalf.

You loved me and blessed me with more happiness than most animals will ever know. Instead of wondering what you could have done differently, remember the funny things I did and the happy times we shared together. Though it is hard for you to understand, I was ready to pass on from this life. Our time together was short, but if we'd had fifty years together, you still would have not been ready for me to leave.

So please, Master, share your life with others. Do not refuse the opportunity to give another lucky pet the love you have given me. No other animal will ever take my place in your heart, but there is another one who needs you and will grow to love you as much as I did. I am now at peace and no longer feel pain. You gave me a wonderful home and a happy existence on this earth. So please be happy - go on with your life and give your love to others.

Although I no longer share your world, I will always live in your heart, and you in mine.

Farewell, Dear Master.

Author Unknown

THIS WEEK'S THREADS 11-17-03 Military Monday 11/18/03...Chief Disrupter Chad Fairbanks

Opinions by our own 'King of Ping' The guy's good, folks!

Thanks, Mixer!

1) Click on the graphic to open the Calendar.
2) Once there you can click on any month and even click to the right to go into next year. Once you are in the month that you joined FR you will need to click on the number in the calendar and then an add item screen will come up.
3) In the next box enter your name in the "Calendar Text" field and then click on submit.
4) If any of the screens fail to load simply click on refresh in your browser and that will usually fix it.
5) If all else fails or simply if you want me to do this for you send me a FReepmail and I will gladly do it for you. ~Mixer

Click on the photo to view the album. To
submit your photo, please contact danangel or .45man at danbh59@yahoo.com
and include Freeper Photo Album in subject line.

[dutchess]

I am truly of the belief we will share eternity with out pets although we may not understand the exact form

Thanks Dolly for your kinds words...and I agree totally.

[Temple Owl]

Aw dutchess, I am so sorry. I know how much you loved Codee. But ( stealing a line from Old Shep) if dogs have a heaven, there's one thing I know ole Codee will have a home. I'll tell Ink.

[dutchess]

I have an interview Friday @ 10am

Wonderful news...Bet there will be lots of freeper prayers going on about that time!

[dutchess]

Thanks Dubya. I think we all have friends at Rainbow Bridge.

[dutchess]

Thanks sistah Free. Hope you recooperated from yesterday. What a party!

[dutchess]

I thought that a loving God would make sure our pets would be there in heaven with us. Otherwise, it wouldn't be heaven.

Very well put. Good to see you iceskater.

[dutchess]

But ( stealing a line from Old Shep) if dogs have a heaven, there's one thing I know ole Codee will have a home

Smiling....cybercheese on its way to Ink.

[MeekOneGOP]

Mornin', everybody ! Happy Wednesday !

Have a cup while you Freep !

[Calpernia]

Oh know! Dutchess....I can just give a hug.

[Calpernia]

Thanks for the coffee.

[Calpernia]

Morning to the Finest Ping

[Donaeus]

Good morning!! :) Hope everyone's having a beautiful day.

[HairOfTheDog]

Sigh... We miss them always, but we open our hearts to new ones too. I lost two this year within a month of each other.... They were together 16 years.

THE DOG
Beauty without Vanity
Strength without Insolence,
Courage without Ferocity,
And all the Virtues of man,
Without his Vices. 
Lord Byron

I think we are drawn to dogs because they are the uninhibited creatures we might be if we weren't certain we knew better.

They fight for honor at the first challenge, make love without moral restraint and they do not for all their instincts appear to foresee or dwell on their own death. Being such wonderfully uncomplicated beings, they need us to do their worrying.

There will be an occasional clash of intents if not of wills, and you must work this out without loss of intimacy.
~George Bird Evans, Troubles With Bird Dogs

When the body that lived at your single will,
When its whimper is stilled (how still!)
When the spirit that answered your every mood
Is gone—wherever it goes—for good,
You will discover how much you care,
And will give your heart to a dog to tear.
(From Rudyard Kipling's "Power of the Dog")
Goodbye, ZULU, 1986-April 23,2003

Rest in Peace Logan, Nov 1988-March 25, 2003

[Calpernia]

[MEG33]

Beautiful job,dutchess.I am sad you have lost Codee.I lost my Purty kitty in the spring and I miss her.Pets give us so much joy..and the loss is always painful.

[FreeTheHostages]

I kinda ducked out at 8 p.m., had to, and apparently it continued into the wee hours . . . .

Now that we've got THAT out of our system, I was thinking that this would be a good day for something more meditative.

Your colors are just beautiful. Like a beautiful, white, peaceful snow. Just lovely.

[deadhead]

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 hear
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

By: Carol Kufner

Oh dutchess, I am so very sorry. Hugs for you. Prayers for Codee and all of you. Codee, please say hello to Dino, Maxi, Harmony, Dumpy and Max for me.

We will all miss you, Codee.

Colleen and Lucy (woof woof) too

[MEG33]

Your Tinker Bell made me think of my Purty.Delicate,fluffy,smart,and wonderful!

[dutchess]

Hi Meekie. Thanks for emailing me the adobe instructions the other day. Anxious to get started.

[dutchess]

Thanks Cal. Codes was almost 16 and had a good long life but it still is very sad at our house right now.