A Time to Remember

We recently had to put our beloved German Shepherd Quincy to sleep. His hips got so bad that he could barely stand anymore, and he was in pain and on all types of medications. He was a big, big dog; people would always comment that they had never seen a shepherd that large before.

He died just shy of his 12th birthday. We had gotten him from a breeder in Monroe when he was only 10 weeks old. I named him Quincy after my hometown of Quincy, Mass.

I think about him often and have shed a tear looking at his picture. I thank God that he gave us Quincy. He was a wonderful dog and protected our home and our family. I always said a prayer for him every day and asked God to protect him. When it was time for us to decide to put him to sleep, my husband prayed for the strength to do it. He held Quincy in his arms when he took his final breath here on earth. We had him cremated and placed a urn; he's back here with us at our home.

It has been so difficult because he was a part of our family. Sometimes I find myself rushing home thinking that I have to give him his pills, or make rice and chicken for his dinner. I look over at his corner in our family room and still envision him there.

When we told people he was no longer with us, they, too, felt badly. We received many phone calls and cards from our family, friends and neighbors. And we received a wonderful poem called, "Rainbow Bridge,'' which made us cry, but was also a comfort to us. Here it is below. Pass it on to anyone you know that may have lost a beloved pet. God bless the anonymous author of this wonderful poem. I can see Quincy now running in the woods, chasing that squirrel once again.

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