June 29 _ Lisa's Musings (on saying good-bye to a canine friend) and Every Day Life

Why is it so darn hard to say good-bye to a beloved pet?

Even if we believe, as I do, that all my pets are at the Rainbow Bridge waiting patiently for me.

Even though I firmly believe that whatever disease that took them from me will be gone and they'll be healthy and happy and ready to once again surround me with their special kind of canine love when we meet again.

It's still devastating.

And those super special pets in our lives -- they just never live long enough. And anyone who is honest about it will tell you that although they've loved all of their pets, there's one that stands out.

No, I didn't lose a pet, but my friend, Pamm, did. And she called me to tell me about her dog, Skye's, passing last night. I cried with her and for a special furry friend that had spent some time here watching NASCAR races with Pamm and me.

Skye didn't have a fancy pedigree or a bunch of titles, but that didn't make her any less of a once-in-a-lifetime pet. In fact, when Pamm brought her home, Skye had been to several foster homes and temporary homes.

Then she found her perfect permanent home with a terrific owner.

And now she's gone, and I know just how hard it is to cope with the overriding sadness of losing that dog of a lifetime.

But Skye did her best to make their last days together the best her failing body could muster. Two days before she died, the two of them had returned from a vacation Up North together.

Skye, 12, had been having some health issues recently, and Pamm did everything possible to ease her discomfort.

Sunday, they watched the NASCAR race together as they had for many, many races over many, many years. But the pooch's body was failing and her robust appetite had dwindled to nibbles.

Monday, Pamm bid Skye good-bye and headed to work. When she came home, Pamm found her dear, dear Skye in the same sleeping spot where she'd been that morning.

She waited until Pamm headed out the door to find her way to the Rainbow Bridge where she'll be waiting patiently until they meet again.

Perhaps that belief is the only way to get through the grief of losing a pet -- especially one that's shared so many years, tears, and cheers with their owners during their lifetimes.

Until we meet again, Skye, I'll include this poem (and flower) for your mom.

"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.