WELCOME AT RAINBOW BRIDGE (Tribute to Brunna)

My beloved 10-yr old Chow-Keeshund cross - Brunna - dropped dead in my back yard just after midnight this morning. I'd just let him out, as requested, of course, and went to bring him 10 minutes later. I couldn't believe my eyes. I found him lying by the back fence and immediately called the police. However, they (and later the Vet Hospital) found no signs of injury or other exterior trauma. The (un-autopsied) conclusion is 'natural causes,' probably massive heart attack.

I have not slept and I'm running on adrenaline. Knowing that when that subsides my heart will surely be ripped from my chest.

I am an older (59) woman who lives alone and has no family on the NA continent. I am bereft. I dread Christmas. I dread my birthday tomorrow.

I would love to post a pic of my Brunna but don't know how. Thanks for taking the time to read this.

I started looking for a few nice poems to post, and the next thing I knew, it was hours later and my keyboard was slightly damp. It dawned on me that this will probably be a very tough Christmas for many people in our country.

This is my first 'pure' vanity, and since I'm an FR purist, I will post an animal related tribute to the 9/11 victims on here to tie it into the politics of the day.

To my dearest family,
some things I'd like to say.
But first of all, to let you know,
that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from the Bridge.
Here I dwell with God above.
Here there's no more tears of sadness
Here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy
just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I am with you
every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you
when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me
and He said, "I welcome you.
It's good to have you back again,
you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family,
They'll be here later on."

God gave me a list of things,
that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list,
was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night
the day's chores put to flight,
God and I are closest to you...
in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth,

and all those loving years,
because you are only human,
they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry:
it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers,
unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you
all that God has planned.
If I were to tell you,
you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain,
though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now,
than I ever was before.

There are rocky roads ahead of you
and many hills to climb;
But together we can do it
by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy
and I'd like it for you too;
That as you give unto the world,
the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody
who's in sorrow and pain;
Then you can say to God at night...
"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented...
that my life was worthwhile.
Knowing as I passed along
I made somebody smile.

God says: "If you meet somebody
who is sad and feeling low;
Just lend a hand to pick him up,
as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street
with me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps
only half a step behind."

"And when it's time for you to go...
from that body to be free.
Remember you're not going...
you're coming here to me."
-Author Unknown

And for the victims of the WTC attack (the Rainbow Bridge is a place where animals who have died await their human companions):

WELCOME AT RAINBOW BRIDGE
by AlexanderTheodore, Bouvier, Fourth Year Resident

On the morning of September 11, 2001, there was an unprecedented amount of activity at the Rainbow Bridge. Decisions had to be made. They had to be made quickly. And, they were.

An issue, not often addressed here, is the fact that many residents really have no loved one for whom to wait. Think of the pups who lived and died in hideous puppy mills. No one on earth loved or protected them. What about the many who spent unhappy lives tied in backyards? And, the ones who were abused. Who are they to wait for?

We don't talk about that much up here. We share our loved ones as they arrive, happy to do so. But we all know there is nothing like having your very own person who thinks you are the most special pup in the Heavens.

Last Tuesday morning a request rang out for pups not waiting for specific persons to volunteer for special assignment... An eager, curious crowd surged excitedly forward, each pup wondering what the assignment would be.

They were told by a solemn voice that unexpectedly, all at once, over 4,000 loving people had left Earth long before they were ready.

All the pups, as all pups do, felt the humans' pain deep in their own hearts. Without hearing more, there was a clamoring among them - "May I have one to comfort?" "I'll take two, I have a big heart." "I have been saving kisses forever."

One after another they came forward begging for assignment. One cozy-looking fluffy pup hesitantly asked, "Are there any children coming? I would be very comforting for a child 'cause I'm soft and squishy and I always wanted to be hugged." A group of Dalmatians came forward asking to meet the Firemen and be their friends. The larger working breeds offered to greet the Police Officers and make them feel at home.

Little dogs volunteered to do what they do best, cuddle and kiss. Dogs who on Earth had never had a kind word or a pat on the head, stepped forward and said, "I will love any human who needs love."

Then all the dogs, wherever on Earth they originally came from, rushed to the Rainbow Bridge and stood waiting, overflowing with love to share - each tail wagging an American Flag.

Old Blue (trad.)

Well I had an old dog and his name was Blue
Yes I had an old dog and his name was Blue
Well I had an old dog and his name was Blue
I bet you five dollars he’s a good dog too

Old Blue chased a possum up a holler limb
Blue chased a possum up a holler limb
Blue chased a possum up a holler limb
The possum growled, Blue whined at him

Bye Bye Blue, you good dog you
Bye Bye Blue, you good dog you

When old Blue died he died so hard
He shook the ground in my back yard
We lowered him down with a golden chain
and every link we called his name

My old Blue was a good old hound
You’d hear him holler miles around
When I get to heaven first thing I’ll do
is grab my horn and call for Blue

My little angels waiting for me in Heaven:

This is Jesse ~ she was a Manchester Terrier. She was with me for 16 AWESOME years!! I literally can't wait to see her again!

04/15/90 to 07/05/06

My beloved Garrett ~ He's on the left, playing tug of war with his twin sister, Austin! He was a German Shepherd / Australian Cattle Dog.

11-23-04 to 11-25-06

Cisco!! My little beauty! He was a German Shepherd / Rottweiler.

??/??/06 to 02/11/08

It's not "Goodbye" to you 3, it's just "See You Later", because we will see each other again! You're going home now, and you just need to wait for me there...

How amazing to click on FR this evening and to find this awesome tribute to my beloved Brunna activated once again. NOT A DAY goes by that I don’t think of him and long for him. His ashes are waiting to be buried with me. Yet he has a life of his own here on FR. I’m truly humbled and grateful. His two ‘successors,’ Paddy (collieX) and Sasha (beagleX) are what get me up and moving every day... but they’re not ‘himself.’ Hello, my Brunna, thanks for checking in today. Peace.

Remembering Brunna on the 8th anniversary of his death. As I write, I’m anxiously awaiting the return of Paddy and Sasha who went out for ‘one last run’ in -35C weather and have not returned!! Prayers up. God... look after my doggies out there and bring them safely back to me.

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