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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.
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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
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| October 2005. Six weeks after Hurricane Katrina. Ferdinand Street. Devastation everywhere. A war zone. In this area, the water had been above the doors on the houses. Someone said a pit bull was trapped under the wreckage, left tied behind what was left of the home.
A pit bull. I had never even been near one, let alone attempt to help one that had survived a hurricane, a flood, and six weeks without food or water. No question that this would be an angry vicious animal.
We see you, your head poking out from the metal siding that covered you. In my whole life, I will never forget your eyes. How sweet and loving you were, even after what humans had done to you. I will never forget your eyes as we loaded your into your crate to be taken to the sanctuary at Tylertown.
And you came home with me, my first pit bull. I learned everything from you about courage, about determination, about a heart as big as the sky. I promised you that I would keep you safe forever, that I would never let anything bad happen to you again. I couldn't keep my promise, and you died in March 2008.
I promise you I will never forget you Nola, and I will never forget all the things you taught me. This is a promise I will keep. Good bye Nola Jean.
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| NOLA JEAN |
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| REST IN PEACE LITTLE STANLEY |
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Stanley was a beautiful little brindle pit bull pup. He was only five months old. He died September 10, 2008 just days after coming to Bark Ark. He had been rescued from a high kill shelter where he was due to be gassed the next day.
When Stanley arrived at Bark Ark, it was clear that he had not had much happiness in his short little life. He had scars all over his body, not sure if they were made by human or dog. He was timid and afraid, and so grateful for any kindness that was shown to him.
He was only at Bark Ark for five days, yet in those five days, he was given a name. He was treated with kindness. He was given affection, each gesture was rewarded with wags of his tail. Even when he was almost too weak too stand, he managed to wag his tail. He was told over and over what a good boy he was. And when he died, many, many tears were shed.
Good bye sweet little Stanley. You didn't stay long, but you were loved with all our hearts. We hope you find the joy at the bridge that you were denied on earth.
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| Granny Gracie |
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| Gracie came to us from a high kill shelter in Georgia, she was scheduled to be gassed.
Gracie was old, at least ten or eleven, and heartworm positive. She was also very depressed and often sat with her head in the corner.
We got Gracie her heartworm treatment and she gradually came back to life. We found a feisty, lively gal, full of zest and puppy like behavior. She would play and act like a much younger dog. She was funny and loving and unique and wonderful. She considered herself to be the Queen of the Bark Ark dogs, and she certainly was that and more.
In the last few months, Gracie began to go downhill fast. She gained weight, she got slow and tired. The vet we were taking her to kept saying things were fine. We knew they weren't.
We took her to another vet who correctly diagnosed her condition. Gracie had heartworms for so long before we got her that her heart had been severely damaged. It was enlarged and failing. Nothing that could be repaired, consequences of her past life.
On her last night, Gracie ate all her favorite treats and slept on her favorite spot, the couch. She was checked several times during the night, and appeared to be fine. In morning light, she looked so peaceful, it was difficult to tell if she was actually gone or just asleep.
Oh Gracie, we will miss you so much. You showed us how to love life, no matter what your age or condition. I had always hoped and prayed you would find your forever home before you died, but I guess you already had. It was with us. We will always love you and remember you. It was a honor to be your family.
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| Reggi was a sweet, even tempered American Bulldog, although she might have just a touch of pit somewhere in her background. This is a girl that had a rough life, but you would never have known if from her personality. Reggi came from a high kill shelter in Texas, where, like most of our dogs, this little lady was about to be euthanized. If you read what Cletus went through to get here, just know that Reggi was at that boarding facility, and she was stolen too. Apparently, the dog fighting ring was going to use her as a breeder ( guess they didn't know she was spayed!) Like Cletus, she was rescued and made it to Bark Ark, safe and sound.
But Reggi wasn't safe and sound after all. She came to us with heartworm. By the time we got her treated, too much damage had been done.
Reggi had a tail that never stopped wagging, and when she smiled, you would never forget her. She was full of boundless, endless joy! She loved with her whole heart, but her heart just wasn't strong enough to last.
When we realized how sick Reggi was, we knew she would always be part of our family. She had already found her home. On her last day, she had a chili dog and ice cream. Her tail was wagging until the last moment of her life.
You were our sunshine girl Reggi. We will always always miss you.
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