Another crossing of the rainbow bridge...
 

After 16 years, Jenny, our Dalmatian/pointer mix crossed the rainbow bridge yesterday. Our hope is that she is now gallivanting around with Dakota, whom we lost almost 4 years ago. Right now our "little guy" Buddy is kind of missing his "big sister", but we know that once our grieving process ends, we will look to find him another playmate. I suspect that we will foster a dog or two through a local rescue we have worked with once we are ready. We agreed that we would wait until we permanently move to The Villages (next year) and adopt a "local" dog down there. We have met some wonderful dogs through Max's at PetSmart during our visits, and will of course be looking to adopt from them or another rescue/shelter.

I am so sad to hear this. I wish I had words to comfort you. I am glad your dog lived in your home and was so very loved. You gave her a good life. Hugs to you and your spouse.

Tuff to loose a great pet. Our 16 YO kitten left us last year and we think about her all the time.

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So sorry for your loss Jenny. There are wonderful dogs at Sumter County Humane Society as well when you are ready.

So sorry to hear. It's so incredibly tough to lose a pet that loves you unconditionally.

Jenny was so blessed to have unconditional love. I know her last thoughts were, "wow, what a wonderful life it's been" as she stepped over the rainbow bridge.

Wishing all doggie would be as lucky as Jenny to have parents that loved them.

Another crossing of the rainbow bridge...
 

My heart hurts....
 

I am so very sorry for your loss. The saddest time is my life has been when I have lost a beloved pet.

My heart is breaking for you.... You will always remember and, one day.... the memories will be good and not hurt so much.

Sending love.....

I lost a treasured friend today
The little dog who used to lay
Her gentle head upon my knee
And shared her silent thoughts with me.

She’ll come no longer to my call
Retrieve no more her favourite ball
A voice far greater than my own
Has called her to his golden throne.

Although my eyes are filled with tears
I thank him for the happy years
He let her spend down here with me
And for her love and loyalty.

When it is time for me to go
And join her there, this much I know
I shall not fear the transient dark
For she will greet me with a bark.

~Author Unknown

So sorry for the loss of your fur baby! :(

Thank you
 

Thank you all for your kind words and thoughts. "The Rainbow Bridge" always brings a tear to my eyes when I read it and think of all of the friends that I have been fortunate to have over my life, and now there is another poem that does the same. While there is sadness from the loss, there was so much joy with having our friends in our lives that it makes the ultimate grief at least a bit bearable. I can't tell you all how many times Jenny knew that I had one of those days at work and decided to do something "goofy" to pick up my spirits. I wish you all much happiness with your "fur babies".

Awww. I am so sorry for you. It's so hard to lose those innocent friends.

Trayderjoe, I am also sorry for the loss of your Jenny; she was lucky to have you as her guardian these past 16 years. I do firmly believe that the pets that go before us will meet us at the Rainbow Bridge one day. Until then, we have the memories to tide us over. And kudos to you for wanting to rescue another dog in the future. Adopt don't shop!

I'm so sorry for your loss. Having held so many kitties as they crossed over to Rainbow Bridge you think your heart will never stop aching but it will. Your furry child had a wonderful life and some day, I believe, you will see them again. When the time is right, there is a dog out there waiting to be loved by you.

So sorry for your loss. When you get that funny feeling in your chest know that it is Jenny's tail thumping because you are thinking about her.

So very sorry for your loss. It is heartbreaking losing your four-legged best friend. I'm sure you have many, many fond memories. I wished they could live as long as we do. I'm sure when the time is right you will adopt and give another wonder dog a good home.....not to replace your dog you just lost, but to fill that hole left in your heart. May you find peace in knowing that you were blessed in being able to share your dog's journey here on earth.

So sorry for your lost!

Thanks
 

Thank you again for all of your kind thoughts and words. It is somewhat cathartic for me to be able to write about Jenny.

As I read through all of your postings, I fondly remembered my other furry friends from days gone by, their different personalities, and how the one thing they all had in common was their ability to bring joy into my life. I am blessed that they were in my life and that softens the pain when it is time for them to "cross the rainbow bridge".

These "goodbye" posts always bring back memories of lost pets. And you are right, it reminds me to think back and give thanks. For Fletcher, our 20-yr-old orange cat, Drewby the Siamese loudmouth, Bear the first and still-mourned golden. And many more. And then there are a couple of PIA's that we still nonetheless remember fondly! It reminds me of a dog's headstone in the Key West Cemetery: "Here Lies ____" (don't remember the name, but I think a terrier) "She was a challenge to love."!
It is good to be able to write about them.

That's a wonderful thought.

I feel exactly the same way. Dogs bring us such joy, it softens the grief when they go.
I truly believe all our pets will be waiting for us when we pass beyond the veil.