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 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 form 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

"ELIJAH"
Safe Haven Rescue
4/16/08
"GAVIN"
Safe Haven Rescue
5/9/08

"VIPER"
3/3/08

Love & Missed By
Jan Haynes

"RANI"
9/26/94 - 2/28/07
Rani Van Gogh-BH, SchH I

Love & Missed By
Jan Haynes

"ZEUS"

We wanted to give you an update on Zeus. Unfortunetly, he passed away about 3 weeks ago from cancer. He was almost 12 years old and had a wonderful life with us and our family. He was a brave boy and no one knew he was sick. When we took him to our vet for a persistent cough, we got the devestating news....his chest was FULL of tumors. His cancer was untreatable and his time was short. What a heart wrenching decision that was, but we didn't want him to suffer any more in pain. He was not only a part of our lives, but the rest of my family loved him as well. He loved to spend time at Grandmas and my sister's house. He was an AWESOME dog, there will never be another Zeus. He will live forever in our hearts. My boys will miss him dearly. Thanks again for giving us this precious gift.

Loved & Missed By
Matt, Lisa, Colby & Tanner

"ZEUS"

"STITCH"
The first week of June I wrote you about Stitch's 4th birthday with us. I included some photos of him with Kaitlyn, our 3 yr. old granddaughter and of him and Baby, our miniature Yorkie That was a happy letter, this is not. The first week of Sept. we noticed Stitch was limping on his left hind leg. We took him to our Vet and they took X-rays. It was believed, at the time, he had torn a ligament in his knee but it turned out Stitch had bone cancer. Stitch had a lot of humans that loved him and needed to say goodbye so we took him home and then on Oct. 19 we had Stitch put to sleep. He passed away with his family around him and his head cradled in my wife's Mary's hands and her head resting on his. Stitch was dearly loved by all of us and even though he was the ' Family dog ' he was Mary's dog first. She took this especially hard. Stitch would follow her where ever she went and was her constant companion. Stitch was a wonderful dog and never got into trouble, never wandered off, could be trusted to protect us from any danger and yet be a big baby when he wanted to be. One time he hauled the pan of spaghetti sauce off the counter and ate it all by himself, I guess he just liked Italian food. He didn't like the vacuum and would bark and growl at it. One day Mary made him lay down while she vacuumed him. He loved it. Even though he out weighed Baby by 95lbs. never once did he hurt her when they played, he was so gentle. He would give Kaitlyn kisses that would cover her whole face and when she stayed the night he would sleep on the floor by her bed. When Stitch didn't feel like eating she would take his bowl, sit on the floor in front of him and feed him by hand. He was very protective of all of us, but especially the kids. Nobody could hurt his kids without getting past him first. Not an easy task at all. I could take him any place and be proud of him. I apologize for not writing sooner, but this has not been an easy letter to write. I'm sure you understand. Stitch's ashes are next to Nikita's in our living room.
He will always be in our hearts and in our prayers. He will be greatly missed. He was a good dog, and he was our friend. Sincerely, Dan & Mary

"TOBY"
9/24/07
Today I said good bye to Toby and sent him to Rainbow Bridge. I know Jasmine & Tank were there to meet him. I could see the changes and knew his time was near but am so grateful for the time we had together and the special memories that we made. He was my traveling buddy and when ever he could he would be with me in the car. We visited the Chickamunga Battlefield in Georgia, Tennessee, day trips around Michigan and also completed the “Yooper Loop” in the UP, visiting Lake Superior, Copper Harbor, Eckerman, White Fish Point & Porcupine Mountains. Toby came to me as an 8 month old rescue from one of the local shelters. He was suppose to be adopted out but no one was interested in a rottweiler with a tail. It didn’t matter to me and we soon became fast friends, I joking called him my “Million Dollar Dog” because of all the surgery he had through the years, but know I would do it again without a second thought. He is no longer in pain, running and playing. I know someday I will be seeing him again along with other pets, family & friends that have passed before me. God Speed Toby, I will never forget you, your happy face, the softest fur around or your protective nature when you thought someone was getting to close to your mom. Come back to see me, tap me on the arm with your paw and let me know you made it safely to Rainbow Bridge.
I miss you “Bus”, Love Mom


Skye was an awesome dog and
I was blessed to know her.

Loved & Missed By
Connie Crew

"SKYE"

"SASSIE"
Love & Missed By
Beth Bishop
3/3/07
"SCHULER"
Love & Missed By
Kathie & Gary Bates

"LANDON"
Safe Haven Rescue
3/3/07
"DANTE"
Love & Missed By
Jan Haynes
2/10/07

"QUINN"
Safe Haven Mascot
CGC
1/18/07
"COLE"
Love & Missed By
Kate & Kanga
1/07

"DORI"
Love & Missed by
Kim & Darrin Long
"KANE"
Safe Haven Rescue
10/06

I can't believe that it has been almost 3 years since we adopted Molly from Rottweiler Hope. Molly was awesome! She turned out to be such a charmer, as do they all . Molly loved hiking with us at Baird's Creek and also loved the lazy boy chair - more like lazy girl. She was anything but lazy. One time we did a 7-mile walk, and she acted like she barely went three blocks, she was still bouncing off the walls when we got home. We're just sad Molly couldn't stay with Us forever. Thank you again for all your hard work, and for giving us a chance to be Molly's parents in her last 3 years on this Earth!
Sherry & Richard Piatti
"MOLLY"

"RYDER & ATHENA"
Ryder and Athena came into our lives at different times but journeyed to Rainbow Bridge together. It is never easy to say good bye to such special friends, but you know when the time comes it is time to let them go, so they can once again be healthy and able to do all the fun things they liked to do without all the pain. We got Athena when she was a small pup. Our beagle Toby welcomed her into our home and showed her how to hunt, smell and be a great watch dog. Nothing got past Athena and she made sure we knew when there was something going on. Athena was Sharon's dog, always nearby, including bed time when they would cuddle on the bed and have nightly "girl talks" The bond of love and compassion they shared was like none other and grew with each passing day. If a storm came by Athena would run to me for protection but would always return to her mom. Ryder was adopted from Rottweiler Hope almost 5 years ago. We never could figure out how such a great dog like him ended up at the dog pound and no one came to find him. I guess that was my lucky day and Ryder became my best buddy and was never far away including nighttime when he would either lay next to the bed or on the end by my feet. Ryder loved meeting new people and would greet them with a big lean, which usually caused the company to take a step or two backwards. He loved to show off his toys but would lay down with them all gathered next to him. Ryder loved to spend time with me outside and in the barn but when he got tired he would go to the house and Sharon would let him in. Both dogs loved to go for car rides and if you said, truck, ride or got their collars out you better be ready for two excited dogs to run and jump into the truck. We took Ryder and Athena with us on vacation so had to buy a bigger 5th wheeler to make room for our growing family. The picture you see here is one of them waiting in the doorway at one of the many locations we traveled to. We traveled to FL, AZ, TX, Canada and upper Michigan where they met and made many new friends, including lots of new dog friends to play with. It wasn't unusual for people to come out to say hello and give the dogs a treat. Many people at home and in our travels who were afraid of large dogs ended up loving Ryder. He was a great spokesdog for the Rottweiler breed. We have so many special memories....watching them play in the FL orange groves, swimming in the Gulf of Mexico, eating cherry tomatoes off their own plant out back, their excitement to go for a ride or on our next vacation adventure. We wish everyone had a chance to have that special dog in their lives like we had Athena and Ryder...they were like none other. We miss you both very, very much and will for a long time, but know you are in a better place doing all the things you love to do. We hope you get to go for a ride and will be there waiting for us when we pass your way.

Ryder & Athena are loved and missed by Russ & Sharon Strouse

"TIA"
We wanted to let you know that Tia was recently diagnoised with pelvic cancer and has gone to Rainbow Bridge. She has been a wonderful friend and companion to me and my children. Tia is by far the best companion we could ever have. This photo was one we took about a month ago while she was playing dress up with Lia the 5 yr old. Lia and Tia were never far apart. Tia has been a great part of our family and we were thankful to have her. Thank-you for saving Tia so she could be part of our family.
Candy Ripley-Reeve and family

"LARK"
Safe Haven Rescue
8/30/05
"ROCKY"
Safe Haven Rescue
10/3/05

Today I said good-bye to a very special friend. I held Tank when he peacefully crossed Rainbow Bridge where he will once again be whole, healthy and free from pain, able to run and play. It was a hard decision to make but one that showed how much I loved and cared for him. I know his sister Jasmine, along with many others were there to greet him. Tank came into my life when he was adopted at 10 months old from Rottweiler Hope Rescue. Tank was a great ambassador for the rottweiler breed, not just in his looks but his temperament. He loved everyone and was eager to please. He completed basic obedience and earned his Canine Good Citizen certificate. Tank had expressive brown eyes that always seemed to know when you needed a lift. He would lay his head in your lap as if to say I’m here if you need me or give a soft kiss on you arm or leg to let you know he cared. He loved to have his back scratched and would back up until he was sitting in your lap and then look over his shoulder asking “what are you waiting for!” He was my walking buddy, and protector, always watching me and staying close to be sure I was ok. He loved to go for car rides and eat! I don’t think there was much he didn’t like and sure enjoyed all the special treats he got over the last few days. Tank stepped up to fill the void left by Jasmine, giving me comfort and support. I will miss his greeting when I come home, where he would lean on me and look up to say “I missed you Mom!” And I will miss you! More than words can say. I have many memories of the time we had together and will cherish each one. I know we will be together again and it will be a wonderful reunion.
We miss you Handsome! Be happy and healthy!
Love, Mom & Toby

"TANK C.G.C."

"Brina, Brina my Dancing Machina" and I found each other on August 28, 2002. She gave me more joy than I have ever known. She had a horrible first two years of her life and then we found each other. The second two and a half were awesome because she found a life of love and trust and warmth and joy and laughter and with a little family - me! I believe in my heart we saved each other. She passed away very unexpectedly after a brief illness on January 7, 2005. My heart will always ache and I will always miss her. We love you Brina - keep taking care of us!
Mama and Micah (her brother also from Rottweiler Hope Rescue who came to us in January 2003)
"BRINA"

Jasmine, my "Heart Dog", slipped away from me in her sleep, Oct. 25th, 2004. God gave her a beautiful day for her journey to Rainbow Bridge, and I know he has a special mission for her. It is so hard to believe she is gone....you never know the void they will leave until they are gone. I have many wonderful memories and can still close my eyes and feel her soft, warm fur and hear her bark or "demanding" grumble for a treat or toy. Her brothers, Tank & Toby miss her too, but probably not the twice daily face & ear washing she gave whether they wanted them or not. Someday Jasmine we will be together again. I know you will be there to greet us as we, too, cross Rainbow Bridge.
Farewell for now Jasmine, be happy....
Love Mom, Tank & Toby

"JASMINE"

"NIKI"
Nikki was a dear girl and we loved her very much. It is killing us that she is gone. Nikki was the really bright spot in our lives and a true member of our little family. She was such a gentle and loving friend to all that she met. We think of Nikki in our prayers every day, every moment, and we miss her very much.
Loved & Missed by
Jim & Geri Worden
And Shirley Her Best Friend

"JENNY"
On January 26, 2004 we lost our beloved Jenny (Ter Waele Jaipura) to bone cancer. She was only 9 years old. She did not suffer very long. She was surrounded by the people she loved and who loved her when she left this earth. I would like to believe that her best friend Sara was waiting for her at the Rainbow Bridge.
Jenny, words cannot describe how much we miss you. The house is empty now, and I see you everywhere. You leave a big void.
You were loved and are now missed by your
"Mom" Karin and the rest of the Hirsch family.

"SAVANNAH"
Much Loved & Greatly Missed By
Tom & Pam Proctor
Grandma Vlasta Proctor
And Shayne her best friend

Teddy was diagnoised with lymphosarcoma in July 2001. I still can't believe Ted is gone. He was my shadow and guardian. He was such a brave guy and made my mom and I feel safe, knowing he was watching over us. My mom called him the 'gentleman' since he was so polite, starting out with an almost silent bark that gradually got louder until we noticed he wanted something - such as to go up the stairway that Bif was blocking. He was such a gift and I'm so thankful to have had him despite the brief time we had together. Teddy loved to play 'the Beam' with his brother Bif, so much that no matter where we were, if I said 'Where's the Beam?' both would look at the ground and search for it. They never got tired of chasing it, and always believed that eventually they could catch it. Silly males...I've included a picture of Teddy with his luxurious long coat. He was so cuddly!!! He was everybody's Teddy Bear!!! Thanks so much for taking Ted into the Rescue and letting me have him! And for all the rescue work you do !!! I know it's really difficult, but am so thankful that you took him in until he found me. He was an awesome, special gift that I will never, ever forget.

Thanks again for Teddy!
Colleen Flarehty
"TEDDY"

"SAMMI"
Samantha, CGC
September 28, 2002

Sammi was owned and loved by
Ellen Rotblatt, Boomer, Tevvie & Zorro

Gretchen came to us as a five week old puppy, and lived every single day of her life filled with absolute love and happiness. When she crossed the Rainbow Bridge she did it with dignity and was still a very happy girl. Gretchen's passing left us feeling the worse sense of loss we had ever experienced. We have lost others but she was my girl and it seemed like the end of an era. I told my husband that Gretchen and Axl had allowed us to become the people that we are. I have many wonderful memories of Gretchen and special times we shared and that will always keep her forever in my heart.
We miss you HoneyBear........

Gretchen is Loved & Missed
By Shawn & Don Briggs
"GRETCHEN"

Am/Can. Ch. Roborotts Attika Von Ilco, CGC, TT

My very special girl,
who will be forever in my heart.

Very much Loved & Missed
By Florence Thomson
"TEEKA"

"TOSHA"
Natasha Nadiya von Fonvielle, CGC
June 21, 1988 - June 17, 2002

Farewell my Gentle One, my Sweet Girl
Go with God until we meet again.

Love, Mom

"OTIS & MACY"
"Macy and Otis were two very special Rottweilers that are dearly missed by Dave and I. We feel as if we have lost two of our children ...because Otis and Macy were like children to us. Macy...I'll always remember how she barked at the UPS truck, howled to the Jeopardy theme and loved to watch the Animal Planet. .... and I'll always remember how Otis loved to smile and turn on the charm...Had his favorite spot on the couch... and loved his *daddy* with all his heart."

Macy & Otis are loved & missed by
Dave & Judy Kwiakowski

"MILES"
Strong, feisty, spirited, and handsome....that was "Smiling" Miles! Miles was a gentle soul, who loved everyone he met...his tail was always wagging a mile a minute with happiness. Miles loved car rides, swimming at the lake, long walks and playing with his friend Anika. Miles enjoyed being with you and didn't hesitate to climb into your lap for hugs or tummy rubs. He touched so many people in his short time on earth, leaving behind lots of special memories and friends.
Peace be with you Miles.
Loved & missed by
Jan Haynes
The Hinkley Family & Anika

"Your Candle Burned Out Long Before,
Your Legend Ever Will."
~~Candle In The Wind by Elton John~~

"BRITTA"
5/14/89 - 7/31/00
Complications stemming from her several month battle with bloat
Nite Raiders Britta-TT, CGC, Am./Can.CD, Am./Can.TD, CDX, BH, SchH I, MRC Honor Roll

Britta was the very best friend I ever had. When she quietly and peacefully crossed the Rainbow Bridge early Monday morning, she took a huge piece of me with her. Just writing her name starts the tears all over again. At three months old, Britta came to visit for the weekend while her dad, Bronson, competed in a Schutzhund trail. That weekend turned in to the most wonderful eleven years of my life. She sparkled, she was silly, she was confidant, she was loving, she was bright, she was tolerant, she was the absolute love of my life. When we were training and learning something new, she usually caught on very quickly. After correctly doing the new task several times and I would ask her to do it again, she would just stop and give me a look I always recognized.."um, are you paying attention?? I've just done this right four times already and it's getting a little boring. Can we move on to something else, please?" Oh, how much she could say with just one look! She was always right and fortunately very patient with me. She loved to play boomer ball. Her long time boomer ball partner and half brother, Nitro, preceded her to the Rainbow Bridge by only three months. I'm sure they have quite a game going up there at the bridge. One comfort I have is that Britta never got old. At eleven she bounced, played with her squeaky toys and played boomer ball outside the day before she died. With all the things she learned and all the titles she earned, there was one thing she refused to learn. She would never sit and shake hands. Oh, she would jump up and slap you with a paw to play on her terms, but never a sit and shake. When I would try to get her to do it, she would give me a knowing look..."I don't do parlor tricks, Mom" She was after all the "princess of the world" and that was somehow beneath her. She greeted all the newcomers when they came in to rescue. She was polite, but made sure they all knew that she the princess of the house. None of them ever questioned her. They took a lot of my time the last few years of her life, but she seemed to understand. They didn't have anyone else right then, so she shared her mom with them, but at the end of the day Britta and I were always together. Good-bye my sweet girl. Watch over your little brother, Nitro, until we can all be together again. You will always be alive in my heart. You will never be far from my thoughts. I miss you more than any words can describe.

I love you Britta girl. Keep watch for me. I can hardly wait for our glorious reunion. Love, Mom

"NITRO"
2/1/92 - 4/23/00
Nite Raiders Nitro, BH

Sweet and affectionate are the words that best describe Nitro-boy, as he was often called. He spent most of his eight years with his big sister, Britta. They played "boomer ball" together almost on a daily basis earning themselves the nickname of "the Soccer Team". He didn't much care what we were doing as long as he could be close to his mom. Our last, full day together was cold and rainy; Good Friday. We snuggled on the coach a good part of the day; reading, napping and watching TV. Two days later he was gone. The bone marrow cancer was just too much for him, He had such love and trust in his eyes, even in his last few moments. He knew his mom would take care of him. He was a quiet little gentleman, always letting his sister go first, greeting visitors with "a lean", but he always settled close to his mom. Now he's waiting at the Bridge, waiting for his mom and his big sister, waiting for the next soccer practice. It will be a glorious day.

We miss you big guy. Love, Mom & Britta

~~~~Rainbow Bridge Page 2~~~~

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