www.MalteseOnly.com
Click here to visit the most complete Maltese site on the WWW
Please bear in mind when reading topics pertaining to health issues, that most of these questions were answered by helpful Maltese owners with no formal education in veterinary medicine. When in doubt seek a professionals advise.
Archived Message

rainbow bridge..
by Felicia & Cubbie
ORIGINAL MESSAGE:
rainbow bridge..I've never been to the page called Rainbow Bridge until tonight. I think I have avoided it because I am such a baby. Of course, big fat tears rained down my face as I remembered the dog we had as I grew up...a beautiful ASCOB Cocker Spaniel named Sir Andrew. Affectionately called "doo-doo". He became blind and my mother had to move to an apartment and couldn't take him. Since he was so old and had one foot in the grave, she made the hardest decision of her life...to have him put to sleep. I cried and cried (as did my poor mom), but there wasn't any other choice. My dear husband, who had no attachment to Andy, was the one to take him to the vet. I am sobbing as I type this. I don't know if we humans will actually ever see our beloved pets again one day, but Rainbow Bridge gives me joy and hope. Four years ago, my beloved cat Jodie died of feline diabetes. Again, I sobbed and sobbed. I still miss him. I have beautiful pictures of him and a few of Andy, but oh dear Lord, when Cubbie goes, I think I will need tranquilizers. I dread the day.......and I pray that he will live another 10 years.

DISCUSSION:

Felicia, Yeah, I know Taffy is only 2 years old, but sometimes I look at her and think, Oh my, what will I do and how will I live when she is gone? I know I shouldn't ever think about this, but I have never loved like this before....she is embedded within my heart and soul. Tomorrow she is due for a simple rabies shot, and I am a nervous wreck. I don't like her getting shots or anything.
Robin M.


Felicia: Can't see very well just now. OK I'm alright now. I choose not to think about such things. I know we read here, from time to time, about some little one going to Rainbow Bridge, but we have to enjoy today and not worry about tomorrow. Worrying will not change tomorrow one bit.
Shelley
My friend, It is good to cry but hang on to the good memories. It is all right to cry. I often go to the Rainbow Bridge also and find it so conforting, I want to believe we do see them there. My main concern is if Dog Catchers go to Heaven I'm in big trouble. Felicia, I do see a Rescue coming your way. You have such a big heart..Hugs, Katie
Katie Heft
Felicia, losing a pet is the most devestating thing in the world. Especially if you are as attached to them as we are to our Malts. I lost my 16 yr old Chico in Oct 97. It was the hardest thing in the world I have ever gone thru, especially since I had to make the decision to put him to sleep. It felt like someone ripped my heart out of my body. I still grieve for him. Someone sent me a copy of Rainbow Bridge and told me to visit www.petloss.com. Everyone on this site made it possible to get thru the loss and for that I am deeply indebted. But getting Buster was the best thing I did. He brings me so much happiness. It doesn't fill that void where Chico was but it helps and I feel like I got Buster in honor of Chico's memory.
Libby & Buster
Dear Felicia,I had tears in my eyes reading about your fur babies that have gone to rainbow bridge, but I strongly believe that that's where they are and waiting for our arrival. I know we all dread the day our present fur babies will have to leave us and I have often wondered why they can't live as long as we do. Thanks for sharing this story.
Chrisy
How brave of you, Felicia, to bring up such a subject. One that is always there, but usually only addressed when one of us loses a little one. I look at my babies and a sick feeling overcomes me when I try to imagine life without them and actually going through whatever it will be that takes them from me. Let's face it, the odds are we will outlive them. When Baxter and Rudy pass, with each I will grieve as a mother losing her child. In the meantime I will love them unconditionally.
Marie
Felicia--I know what you mean exactly. I look at my girls and I can't even imagine how it will be when it is their time to go. My first maltese, Buffy, is at Rainbow Bridge. I lost her to parvo and I didn't have her long, but I am the type of person that gets attached to an animal the first time I lay eyes on it. I agree with Shelley: worrying will not change the future. We need to cherish each second with our babies and be happy today. Take care:-))
Angel
Hello everyone, I lived thru that pain and it is not easy but life goes on. Especially, like Libby, I had to make the decision to put her to sleep. For a long time, I did not even look at another dog. But time is the best medicine like they say. One day I was ready to do it again.

Hi everyone, I lived thru that pain and it is not easy but I guess life goes on. It was very hard for me too, especially, like Libby, I had to make the decision to put her to sleep. She was only 5 years old and I was not ready to make that decision yet. I still think about her sometimes. For a long time, I did not want even look at another dog. But one day I was ready do it again. Thanks for sharing your stories. Have a great day!
Zeyneb
Felicia, I too have tears in my eyes now. I have lost a couple of fur babies myself and know deep in my heart we will see them all again. Hold that thought - it helps and always enjoy the present and happiness you are now sharing.
Robin D.
Felicia, my heart goes out to you. I had to put my Tasha 1 down at almost 16 yrs. of age, 2/1/96, my birthday to boot! My daughter took her in for me as I wanted someone to hold her when they innjected her. I couldn't be with her as I had to go to work that dreadful a.m.. Tasha was out of it, my daughter said she went real easy, but I'll never forget her, {typing with tears in my eyes} She should have been put down weeks before I finally had to, I was selfish as I didn't want to turn her loose. She's at rainbow bridge. Cry, Cry, Cry, it helps. Chin up, time is a big healer.
Dottie
Hello! I just got my July Dog Fancy Mag. and on page 73 there is a quote from The Rev. Billy Graham. It says: "I think God will have prepared everything for our perfect happiness (in Heaven). If it takes my dog being there. I believe he'll be there."Amen Rev. Graham! Amen!
Jeannie and Ellii
Did I ever tell you that you guys are the BEST! You people are so warm, wonderful, kind, funny, loving, understanding....did I mention fantastic and fun too? This site is a truly a treasure. I have read each of your responses with love, accepting whatever anyone had to say and with more tears. You are all my friends for life now! It will take a 20 man wrestling team to pull me away from here. I am the only person in my family (other than my mother) that gets so attached to the fur babies. It is only here that I have finally found people who understand why I still weep years after the beloved fur babies have gone to Rainbow Bridge......I miss their special personalities most of all. Thank you so much for showing your compassion. I wish I could hug everyone...I'll try ((hugs))
Felicia & Cubbie
My husband teases me because I always say that my boy is going to live forever. How I wish that were true. It is great to have others who understand. I read a story about a little boy who heard his Mom asking why pets can't live longer after they had to put hteirs down, he said well we are hear to learn how to be the best, most perfect we can be, it just takes them a lot less time.
Lisa
Hi Felicia! You are sooo right about this being a very special site. I always feel safe and warm here. Yesterday (Fri) when I went to pick Chloe up at the beauty shop (Daddy had taken her) my groomer, Terri, pulled out 2 beautiful pictures of her Cheyanna (Chesapeke Bay Retriever) to show me. As I was oohing over them she quietly said "I had to put her to sleep on Tuesday." I was shocked because I see her every 2 weeks and she had never mentioned that Cheyanna was sick. Apparently, last Sat. she was diagnosed with cancer of the urethra. We started to talk about Rainbow Bridge but we didn't get very far because we were both crying too hard. She said she never realized how hard it would be and that none of her "friends" understood how she felt. My heart just broke. I wish everyone could have a site like this to help them in time of need. Please say a prayer for Cheyanna and Terri. Thank you.
Judka
Felicia, I understand about how you feel. My neighbor had to put her dog to sleep because of cancer in one of its legs. She had the choice of cutting the leg with cancer off or putting him to sleep. My neighbor couldn't bare to see her dog with only three legs so she chose to put him to sleep.
Sapna

Copyright 1998 © Jay Bianco All rights reserved.