I just wanted to thank you again for your words of comfort and patience during our loss. I wanted to share a little story that warms our hearts. Reenie sent me this and I shared it with Russ…
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…
I was in the basement painting cabinet doors, trying to keep busy but still crying off and on, just missing her. Russ called me up to dinner. He made a yummy 3 cheese tomato and spinach tortellini dish. He lit candles and opened a bottle of wine. I know. He cooks. A fancy dinner for a wife with a red nose, puffy eyes in doxie lounge pants and painting sweatshirt. He’s a keeper. We said a little prayer, toasted Niski and were eating when I noticed that the candle light shining through my wine glass made a little dancing rainbow prism on my dinner plate. Both of our eyes filled with MORE tears. It felt like a sign that Niski was okay. 🙂
I read your comments over and over. Blog friends are the best “hug”.
We like to think that Niski is happy, healthy and pain-free in heaven, burrowing in fresh fuzzy blankies straight from the dryer.
I love the Rainbow Bridge poem. It’s a comforting fairy tale type story. I believe my Niski is in heaven and that HE sent the little rainbow prism while the Rainbow Bridge poem was fresh in our minds. God gives us the biggest comfort at all, listening to our prayers and healing our broken hearts.
Today when I checked the drying painted cabinets, once again – a prism where the sun shining through the cut glass window. It feels so special and I know God is sending us signs that Niski is at peace. 2 rainbow prisms in 2 days?!
And your words of comfort, your hugs, sharing your stories and comments have helped us tremendously. I appreciate every single comment. I’m thankful for bloggy friends. I love that we can share projects but I love that we feel connected enough to share happy times and comfort each other through tough times. Niski was a huge part of our blog. She will be missed. And I’m happy that you got to know and love her.
This is my favorite blog post this year. This post is my reminder that God is always present. Whether in the form of rainbow prisms or sending blog friends for comfort…we’re so blessed.
I cannot put into words how very sorry I am. I just lost my sweet Casey about a week ago and I know what you're going through. The only comfort is knowing our sweet friends are no longer in pain. I am so sorry for your loss and I know you are, like I, holding on to our special memories.
Roeshel- I love the story of Rainbow Bridge. It brings comfort. I always think that when we lose a pet it means there is a child or someone in heaven who needs a pet. Blessings.
love, laura
Oh…so tenderly and beautifully heartbreaking! (sigh) those sweet photos…
Love to you in your grieving.
Oh' Sweetie, I'm so sorry for your loss. These babies are such a part of our lives and it's so difficult to lose them. We just lost our cat last week. It broke my heart. I'm saying a prayer for all the heaviness in your heart to be lifted.
Love…Tracy 🙂
This made me cry. What a beautiful little story, and what a comfort to have your own rainbow tonight, when you needed it most! Thank you for sharing this, and I know we all share your pain.
Ohhhh…I'm so sorry for your loss, Roeshel. I believe that animals go to heaven…THE heaven. Why wouldn't they?
God Bless you!
Julie M.
I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for God's healing hands to comfort you through this sad time.
I'm crying at my computer now.
I LOVE our dog…he's our 4th child. seriously.
I am praying for you and Russ as you get used to life without your little one….
Oh Roeshel…Im so sorry sweetie.
We've been through this too and
know how you all feel.
What a beautiful story about Rainbow Bridge…very comforting.
Sending big warm hugs your way and will be thinking of you with prayer this season in your lives.
May the love of God surround you all and comfort as only He can…
Much love,
Deborah xoxoxoxoxoxo
I can understand your pain. We had to put down our beloved Stacia two years ago. I swore I would never get another dog but thanks to our daughter she gave us a Golden Retriever a couple of years ago and we are just as smitten with him.
I hope you find peace and comfort during the holidays.
I am so sorry. I know all too well the pain you are feeling. We said goodbye to Hannah 5/22/09 and Kodak 11/1/2010. Not a day goes by that we don't miss them but they live on in our hearts and memories and they brought us so much joy as did your sweet Niski to you and yours.
She is no longer in pain. She is young and a pup again and is running around with all her newfound friends at Rainbow Bridge.
She is waiting for you.
Sending you a big HUG.
Marsha
I don't know if you know this by Rainbow Bridge has a vigil on Monday nights.
http://rainbowbridge.com/
I'm so sorry that you had to go through this at Christmastime. Sending hugs your way.
I am so sorry for your loss. I loved the rainbow poem!
Sniff Sniff….
Paula
WOW!! Chills….I believe that was Niski telling you she was okay <3
My continued thoughts and prayers are with you and Russ.
As a mom to two doxie babies, I feel your pain. I've had two previous doxies also. It is always so sad when they pass. My thoughts are with you as you mourn your darling Niksi. You are such a good dog parent that I hope Santa blesses you with a new one. You will still mourn your baby but a puppy will put a twinkle in your eye & Niski would approve.
From one dog lover to another, I like what C.S. Lewis said when asked if dogs go to heaven, "I don't know, but I am surely going to whistle when I get there." I am expecting our beloved LuLu to come running….
I'm so glad that someone sent the Rainbow Bridge to you. I've heard this before too, but I didn't remember what it was called. The idea of my beloved pets showering me with kisses and frenzied tails a-wagging when I arrive on the other side has always stayed with me and brought me comfort.
🙂 hugs to you…we said goodbye to our first fur baby -a robust and beautiful jack russell…about 6 weeks ago. He was with us 10 short years, and all the tears you spoke of are still with us from time to time. I miss the jingle of his collar, and his barky bark. My thoughts are with you on this first holiday season without your baby.
Oh Roeshel, my heart is breaking for you. I teared up just reading your posts. We had to put our 15 yr. old aussie to sleep a few months ago. I can tell you that each day gets a little easier, but you will always have that hole in your heart for Niski. I'm glad you had her in your lives for the time that you did.
Brittany
http://www.prettyhandygirl.com
How wonderful to see the rainbow reflections!
I know Niski is pain free now and is so happy in heaven.
I have a little story that might get you to laugh. We lost our 18 year old Abyssinian cat last year and I was so worried about exactly what to tell my daughter, since it happened at night and she had no idea.
Ditto was a good kitty, by best friend, but as he got older he had a tendency to puke…a lot.
Well the next morning after having him put down, my daughter came in to ask where Ditto was. I told her that he had gotten sick and that he was now up in heaven with Memaw.
She looked at me and said in a bit of an evil voice, "HA, now she has to clean up his puke!"
LOL!
I am so sorry for the loss of Niski. I can imagine how hard it must be to have her gone. What an amazing experience it must be to see a sign that she's at peace now. {{hugs}}
Oh…gosh…I've thought of you all weekend. About how difficult this Christmas will be with out her. Yes, that rainbow is a sign. I lost my father in an accident 8 years ago and whenever I am at my most bottomed out place and ask for a sign that he is still with me…one always appears. Still I know how hard it is for her not to be there. But I also know how terrible it is to see them in pain. You just want to take that pain away…because they don't understand why you aren't making it stop.
Just wanted you to know that I'm thinking of you.
i love that you captured that last rainbow on camera…it brought a tear to my eye. you will always think of her when you see a rainbow now. how lovely.
So, so sorry for the loss of you furry baby! My mother-in-law recently found Rainbow Bridge and we lit a candle for her Collie who passed. With two furry babies of my own, one in poor health, I can only imagine your pain. Hopefully soon her memory will bring more smiles than tears!