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There's a Rainbow Bridge Ahead for Mans Best Friend

By
Education & Training with Retired Executive Director of Education at eXp Non-Licensed

There's a Rainbow Bridge Ahead for Mans Best Friend

Today we are visiting our good friends up in South Lake Tahoe, Richard Bolen and Max.  What wonderful friends these folks are, we are very blessed to have them in our lives.  When we arrived here last night, they let us know that their baby "Spanky" was not doing so well, you see Spanky has liver cancer.  Spanky is 9 years old and one of the sweetest family members in the Bolen household.  Not two hours ago, we were petting him, giving him lots of love, and spending the best quality time we could with him.

Spanky had to go to the vet this afternoon, and he won't be coming home tonight.  Spanky had to be put to sleep.  His condition was so bad that he could no longer have the quality of life he deserved and that we all wanted him to have.  A few days ago, Richard, Max, and their son Olivier accepted that Spanky didn't have much time left and to say that day was a tough and challenging day would be a huge understatement.  Spanky's eyes closed slowly as he gently went to sleep in Olivier's arms this evening, just as it should have been.  He was so loved!!

So to my dearest friends, I want to dedicate this post, this day, and this poem to you and to Spanky.  All dogs DO go to heaven, and they do it via the "RainBow Bridge" Here's to you Spanky, be at peace and know you will be missed and you are still and will always be mans "BEST FRIEND!"

      

"The Rainbow Bridge"

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal passes away 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....

San Antonio Texas New Homes for Sale
www.sanantoniotexasnewhomesforsale.com - San Antonio, TX
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Hill Country

 

 Been there !!!!            Speechless !!!!

Sep 19, 2010 05:17 AM
Rene Fabre
ARFCO Media - Renton, WA
Practicing Philosophical Eclectic of the Arts

Very wonderful post... It makes me think of Samantha, our cocker. We went to the pound one day to look for a dog when the kids were small. I'll never forget walking down the corridor with mostly large dogs barking up a storm. My 2 girls were scared and clung to me so tightly I could hardly walk. I too was a little shell shocked, it was a profound experience. I looked down that row to the end and I could see Samantha crying in the corner of a cage, she too, was scared.

Upon seeing her way before the kids did, I instantly knew without a doubt, and without ever saying a word... We'd be leaving with that dog. The wonderful people that worked there consulted with us that it might not be a good idea. She was abused and she was also along in age, probably 6 or 8 years old.

It took a little time, but that dog worked its way into our hearts and was a wonderful member of the family for a little over 10 years. Bless her heart, Sammy (as we called her) in her last years was so old she was going blind, deaf, and lost teeth. We loved her just the same. I still to this day have her picture on my fridge.

Sep 19, 2010 05:24 AM
Steve Loynd
Alpine Lakes Real Estate Inc., - Lincoln, NH
800-926-5653, White Mountains NH

Brad, It was nice of you to dedicate this a your good friend, we can never have too many good friends and the ones that stick by you earn a special place on the other side of that bridge.

Sep 19, 2010 05:39 AM
Wallace S. Gibson, CPM
Gibson Management Group, Ltd. - Charlottesville, VA
LandlordWhisperer

I learned about Rainbow Bridge when my first ESS died in my arms.  When my 2nd and 3rd ones died, I had them cremated and I will plant dogwood trees and place the ashes in the holes next spring.  I know the pets from my youth and my dogs that are gone are in a better place and still in my heart.

Sep 19, 2010 06:18 AM
Gerry Michaels
Glasswork Media Arts - Gettysburg, PA
GettysburgGerry Social Meida

Brad, great tribute to a dear friend, I am amazed how many people are unaware of the Rainbow Bridge.....

Sep 19, 2010 06:18 AM
Brad Andersohn
Retired Executive Director of Education at eXp - Boulder Creek, CA
ActiveBrad - 707.646.1876

I just saw a post come through from Richard on his Tahoe Real Estate Blog.  If you have time, please stop by and say hi and share condolences there if you can too.  http://www.laketahoerealestateblog.com/2010/09/19/spanky-truly-this-mans-best-friend/

Sep 19, 2010 07:24 AM
Christine Pappas - REALTOR®
eXp Realty - Willoughby, OH
When You’re Ready To Move, I’m Ready To Help

It is so hard losing a family pet.  Our pets become a part of our family and it is a huge hole in our daily lives when they leave us.  I'll never forget the day we had to let our Macy go and there are times when I still hear her bark.

Sep 19, 2010 08:03 AM
Andrea Swiedler
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties - New Milford, CT
Realtor, Southern Litchfield County CT

Brad, what a beautiful post. Of course I am bawling like a baby, not so long ago I put my long time kittie friend to sleep, she died in my arms as it should be and is now a part of our flower garden. My best friend is old and grey now, and suffers from pancreatitis and is loaded with fatty tumors. I cherish each day I have with him and let him know how much he is loved. When his time comes I will read the Rainbow Bridge story after the tears leave my eyes enough to see again.

To all our special loved ones we have lost, dogs, cats, horses, cows, gerbils, whatever they may be, here's to seeing them on the other side, happy, healthy, whole and free from pain.

Now off to read your friends post.

Sep 19, 2010 08:36 AM
Valerie Osterhoudt
Johnson Real Estate, Inc. - Cromwell, CT
ABR, Cromwell, CT Real Estate ~ 860.883.8889

Brad... Some might think it is an inhuman thing to do, but not me.  I've had to put two of my *best friends* down... and it isn't easy.  What was done was not someone being selfish, but one who is putting their friends needs first.

I'm sorry for the loss, but Spanky is in a MUCH better place.

Sep 19, 2010 11:39 AM
Dan and Amy Schuman
Howard Hanna Real Estate Services - Solon, OH
Luxury Home Specialists

Brad, Amy and I are huge animal lovers and our dog is like a member of our family. My heart goes out to your friends as they are no doubt going through a very difficult time right now.  I really appreciate you sharing "The Rainbow Bridge" with us.

Sep 19, 2010 01:13 PM
Laura Giannotta
Keller Williams Realty - Atlantic Shore - Little Egg Harbor, NJ
Your Realtor Down the Shore!

Very touching and comforting Brad.  Thanks for sharing this...I wanted to comment a few days ago when I first gave this a read, but I was too choked up.

Sep 19, 2010 11:23 PM
DeeDee Riley
Lyon Real Estate - El Dorado Hills CA - El Dorado Hills, CA
Realtor - El Dorado Hills & the Surrounding Areas

Thanks for sharing this story, Brad.  I'm so sad for Spanky's family!  I never got the "dog thing" and how people can be so attached to their dogs until 8 years ago when we got our little Shih Tzu.  He is like our baby now and I get it!!!!!! 

Sep 20, 2010 09:26 AM
Brenda Mullen
RE/MAX Associates - San Antonio, TX
Your San Antonio TX Real Estate Agent!!

That was a very sweet send off to an obviously wonderfully loved Spanky.  I'll bet he was smiling at the poem as he was walking across the RainBow Bridge!  Thank you for sharing that and for being such a good friend to your friends :)!

Sep 20, 2010 12:26 PM
Evelyn Johnston
Friends & Neighbors Real Estate - Elkhart, IN
The People You Know, Like and Trust!

Oh man, I cannot comprehend what they are going thru.  I have a beloved daschound that is 11 next month.  First pet I have ever had and I know my time is coming.  I thank you for the lovely tribute too!

Sep 21, 2010 03:27 AM
Elizabeth Cooper-Golden
Huntsville Alabama Real Estate, (@ Homes Realty Group) - Huntsville, AL
Huntsville AL MLS

Brad, What a beautiful tribute to Spanky.  I couldn't even read the Rainbow Bridge poem.  I read it a few years ago when I lost my Golden, Lulu, to cancer.  Broke my heart.  You are such a nice person Brad...have I ever told you that?

Sep 21, 2010 03:59 PM
Kim Boekholder Utah Real Estate/ PECO
Results Real Estate 801.580.5624 - Draper, UT
Broker Results Real Estate/Leasing Specialist PECO

So sorry for their loss that will be a void in their lives that will take a long time to heal.  My short hair had to go to the vet yesterday and I was fearful that I was going to be told that same news.  She's getting old and not holding up as well as our lab.  Best wishes to you and your friends.

Sep 22, 2010 05:59 AM
Donna Yates
BHGRE - Metro Brokers - Blue Ridge, GA
Blue Ridge Mountains

I know how this feels and I'm truly sorry they had to let Spanky go.  I had to do the same thing 2 years ago but was so grateful that my Boopi was in my arms.  Some people say they couldn't do that but I wouldn't have wanted it any other way.  I'm glad they were able to hold Spanky 'til the end too.  Very nice tribute Brad. 

Sep 22, 2010 08:24 PM
Elyse Berman, PA
LoKation Real Estate - Boca Raton, FL
Boca Raton FL (561) 716-7824

Brad,  I am so sorry for your friends' loss.  The hardest thing we have to do as animal lovers is to let them go when their quality of life is gone.  I have sent a few to the Rainbow Bridge myself.  It is never easy.  Their unconditional love is what drives us to bring yet another one (or two) home again. 

What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful companion.

Sep 25, 2010 03:00 PM
Carol Pease
JP & Associates Realtors - Bastrop, TX
CRS, Broker-Associate 512-721-6320

Hi Brad:

Wallace Gibson referred me to this post.  I posted earlier today that my cat died this morning and I was feeling blue.  She was almost 21 and very much loved.  I read your post and cried.  What a touching tribute to your friends and their beloved pet.  Thank you for sharing ti with us. 

Sep 26, 2010 03:56 PM
Brad Andersohn
Retired Executive Director of Education at eXp - Boulder Creek, CA
ActiveBrad - 707.646.1876

Oh Carol - I am sooooo sorry.  Our kitty in getting up in the years too, I can't imagine life with out her in it. 

For what it is worth, I hope this "Rainbow Bridge" brings you even the tiniest bit of comfort as I know there just aren't any words that can take the pain you're experiencing away. 

May the memories of your dearest pet live on in your heart forever!!  <3

Sep 26, 2010 05:56 PM