Jake at the Rainbow Bridge

This is Jake lying in the back of the Prius as we drove him to the vet's to be put to sleep today.  He could still lick his kong, but he could no longer stand up for more than a few seconds without collapsing.  He had been through two major seizures in the past 12 hours.  His quality of life had finally taken a turn for the worse.

He had done well for the past 8 weeks on the anti-seizure meds and steroids.  As recent as last Saturday, he was fetching his kong in a neighborhood park.  His appetite had never waned, although today he was down to 49 pounds.

We came home and sadly went through all the dog paraphernalia collected over the past two decades of having big dogs in our lives.  The house seems so still and empty of paws.

My son Dan stumbled upon the following poem on the website of Jake's breeder, who cared deeply for all her dogs.  Even if I don't believe in heaven, the idea of a Rainbow Bridge is enchanting.  Who knows?  Maybe we will see our beloved pets there someday.

 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 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...