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 and 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 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. The bright eyes are intent; the eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to break away 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...
Edward
Edward was a surprise birth, but was quite a gift. He was born with lots of burdens and only lived for 2 weeks. But he made lots of friends and was loved by all who met him.
Sebastian
Sebastian was rescued from a local shelter when he was 8 years old. He was quite strong and healthy and was adopted by a wonderful family in Amarillo who had just lost one of their own. He lived a wonderful life there, playing in the backyard and having fun with his new friend Frank.
Last week he suddenly stopped eating and was in a lot of pain. He had an inoperable bladder tumor, and had to be helped over the bridge. He is healthy and happy again, but he left his mark on everyone he met. We will miss him!!
Matilda
Mattie was one of our first piggies and was married to Melvin (on our Herd page). The people at my office were so enamored of the piggies that they had a wedding for them and made Mattie a wedding gown and Melvin a tux. They were so cute. Mattie and Melvin went on to have one litter before Melvin was fixed. We still have their four kids and they are beautiful and strong piggies. Mattie was a great mom and was the only mother I ever saw who positioned herself near the water and food so she could nurse, eat and drink at the same time.
Mattie was big, bold and bodacious. She was loud and clear about anything she wanted. She would come to the front of the cage every morning for her carrot and greens and would not shut up until she got them. Mattie was also a beautiful piggie, with a very regal face and piercing eyes. Her look is unforgettable.
Mattie tended to Melvin all the time. Melvin is now almost 5 years old and has bad arthritis. Mattie would clean his ears and eyes, lick him and generally make sure he was OK. Their bond was intense and since she died Melvin has had a hard time. Mattie fought with no one but tolerated no stuff from anyone, often peeing in Melvin's face when she wasn't in the mood.
Mattie recently had ovarian cysts that had to be removed. The surgery went great and she was on the mend. We thought all was well. But on the moring of the 4th I woke to find Mattie in big trouble and despite heroics by the vet she died. We miss her so much, the room is so quiet. We thought she had more time with us but I guess not. We weren't ready for her to leave. I cry as I write this even though days have passed. We love you Mattie and we know you are well. It doesn't mean that we don't miss you and wish you were still here.
Say hi to everyone before you. You and Fluffy can harass everyone together now. Let Big Al know how Melvin is doing, they were so close. And wait for us, because someday we will be there too. I MISS YOU!!!!!!
Love
Steve, Sue the kids and everyone here.
Margie (Florence Margiegale,RN)
Margie died on September 4th after a battle with an infection and some other complications. We thought she would make it. Margie was nursing her cagemate the week before because he got sick first. She laid with him while he was sick and did not leave his side. When Margie got sick he laid vigil by her and would not leave her until she died. We tried everything to save her, but it was not meant to be.
Margie was a wild one. We never could get her long beautiful hair to lay right. She was very spunky and demanding for her food. We grew to deeply appreciate her feistiness during the last two weeks when she put up such a valiant struggle. We now miss her terribly!!
Margie, I hope you are now well and happy at the Bridge. Please say hi to all your friends who got there before you. We will take good care of Eddie for you and see you again someday.
Steve, Sue, all the kidsand the rest of the piggies
Abe
Abe came to us from California a little over a year ago. He was rescued and was already 6 years old. He was a gray old man, but was he a sweetie. He made friends with everyone and was peaceful. He grew on us and taught us what an elderly piggie was all about.
This past week Abe started slowing down and losing weight. He didn't suffer and after we had him checked and knew it was his age we coddled him. On his last night he was fidgety when I fed him. I checked him an hour later and he had passed away peacefully and without suffering. His piggie friends were with him to send him to the Bridge.
Abe, take care! We loved you and were amazed by you. Have fun at the Bridge with all your friends and we will see you someday.
Steve, Sue, all the kids and the rest of the piggies
Bear and Jackson
Today we put you outside to play with your friends. We were so busy with our very sick cat. You both died together in the playtube from the heat. You were both so beautiful and died way to early. I am so sorry!!.
Bear, you were the strong one, built like a tank. You were Sean’s favorite, he loved you from the first moment he saw you. You were always there in the morning for your carrots and you would hog the water bottle and fight the others off the tube.
Jackson, I remember you as the sweet little boy with the turned up nose. My wife fell in love with that little nose and we had to take you home that day. You grew into a beautiful piggie with long flowing hair that turned up in the front like Elvis. You loved scratches under the chin and rubs behind the ears more than anyone.
Boys, I am so sorry. I love you both and we will all miss you terribly. Your friend Chaco misses you, but we will take good care of him for you.
Say hi to Big Al, Fluffy and Patches and we will see you soon.
Love Steve, Sue, the kids and all the piggies.
Florinda
Florinda passed away in 5/18/2002. She developed a sudden case of abdominal distension and although the doctors worked valiantly to save her, she just couldn't hang on. She died at the hospital, but the doctor was with her and was very gentle.
Florinda was our "naughty girl". When she was young her hair went everywhere, but her spirit and spunk was amazing. She would stare down the dogs and cats and wrestle with the dogs for her carrots. She would lay on her back in our arms, and fall asleep just so peacefully. She knew her name and would look us right in the eyes when you talked to her. She was remarkable!!
Florinda is now over the bridge, where everything is beautiful and the dandelions are plentiful. Her husband Big Al was waiting for her when she got there, he adored her and left us first. Their friend Patches is there to play with. We can close our eyes and see them popcorning in the greens. We know that we will see Florinda, Big A I and Patches again someday, but until then we will keep them in our memory. We miss Florinda, and we love her so!!
Steve, Sue and the Piggies
Big Al
Our dearest Big Al died yesterday. His kidneys failed and he could fight no longer. We held him all night, knowing it was to be our last together in this place. He was stroked, held and whispered to until the very end, which came about 4:00 AM. We cried so hard it hurt for he was a wonderful, loving and noble piggy who brought much joy into our lives. We thought about where he was going, to a place that is warm and sunny with green alfalfa fields and all the dandelions he could ever want. He will meet Patches and all the other piggies there and frolic without cares. We miss him dearly and his loss will leave us with a hole, but we will try to fill it with his pictures and memories. We will see him again at the Bridge and then will never part again.
We love you Bigness.
Steve, Sue, all the kids Your wife Florinda and the rest of the piggies
