Good-bye Gazoo

Today is the saddest of days in my home.  One of my dogs, Gazoo, passed away today.

Gazoo was my 19-year-old Border collie mix, which is remarkable by itself.  He has been through tick and thin with me.  Gazoo has always been my sweet, gentle, nurturing and a little bit neurotic boy.  I'm so very grateful for all of the time I got to spend working with him and all of the training videos that we've made together.  Knowing that he is playing a part in helping other dogs helps ease the pain a little bit.

We are thankful for every day that we have spent with him - for every morning that he woke us up with a wagging tail, for all of the nights he snuggled up on my toes when it was chilly outside and even when it wasn't, for all of the times that he licked the backs of my knees while I washed the dishes, how every evening before bed we would watch him ritually groom Nemo's head and ears, for everytime he was so excited to get the tennis ball that he slid into the wall with a furry thud, as he enterained us with his mighty lizard hunts through our garden, and for every time he pranced in circles when we asked if he wanted a cookie. 

We will forever be grateful that he touched our lives and our hearts so deeply. Our home will always miss his furry face and lovable heart. I'll have to tell you the story of how I fell in love with that beautiful dog another day (soon).  Right now I'm still too sad to get through it.

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