Skipper (February 6, 1997-October 17, 2010)

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... 

Skipper came to us unexpectedly. His owner had died. The family did not want him. Neighbors called the Humane Society about a dog tied up in a backyard in the dead of winter. Friends at the Alabama Sheltie Rescue thought of us and asked if we could foster him until a home could be found.

Skipper was a funny sight when we got him. His fur was so badly matted that once he had been rescued from the cold, there was no option but to shave him. But after only a couple of days, we decided he had found his forever home...with us.



Bonnie now had a playmate, and Skipper had a new lease on life. That was almost seven years ago.

But, as all of us know, our pets lead very temporary lives, and there comes the day when we have to say goodbye.For those of us who let our furry friends get close to our hearts, making that decision is not easy. Today, that was the decision that Davonia and I had to make. Just shy of 14 years old, Skipper made that journey to Rainbow Bridge.

Two years ago, a good friend sent me a letter written from the point of view of an aged pet. Now is a good time to review it. Goodbye, old friend. I just hope that we were able to enrich your life as much as you enriched ours.