On September 4, 2007, I adopted a Cairn Terrier mix from the Carson Animal Shelter. At the time, he was estimated to be 15 years old. While at the shelter, they amputated his front left paw because they suspected he had radial paralysis. He was filthy and covered in fleas from head to toe. He was underweight and only had a couple of teeth left in his mouth which were rotting and had to be later removed. The poor guy was a mess and I turned him around with excellent care and spoiling him rotten. He was so spoiled that he went on a company trip with me to Las Vegas in November 2007. Every once in a while he would get sick and went on antibiotics that appeared to help. However, each time he got sick it got progressively worse. Over time, his appetite and energy level started diminishing and he started losing weight and muscle mass. Last week, he took a turn for the worse and crashed and as a result had to be hospitalized. He survived and the day before yesterday started defecating a black tarry stool. I took him to the vet yesterday and they discovered he had an enlarged liver which was pushing his organs out of place and causing discomfort. The vet estimated that Lucky had two weeks to live. When I got home from work tonight, he hadn't eaten much of his food and could only walk five feet before collapsing. I decided that it was time for him to cross Rainbow Bridge. As I cried and held Lucky in my arms as he died peacefully tonight, I thought back on all the good times we had. I am forever grateful that I was able to give him the best 7 months of his 15+ years of life and would do it over again if given the opportunity.

RIP Lucky. You will always have a special place in my heart and we will meet again on the other side.

Photos of Lucky: http://flickr.com/photos/ryan_olshan/tags/lucky/
 

Rainbow Bridge

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...