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 ~

Dugie @ 2003 AAC Nats in Prince George ~ Shirley & Dugie pose for photo at club practice

So long to Dugie. What a great champion he was. Dugie cross that preverbal rainbow bridge yesterday afternoon of what could be best described as of natural causes at an age of 16. Dugie had a remarkable sweet life playing in all arenas, Flyball, Herding and what we know him best for, Agility. He was one of Cliffhangers founding members, who had a long list of achievements including;  ATCHc May 2000 (24 th dog to do so): 2 times 5th place National finalist (2003 and ????), Gold Life Time Achievement Award, March 2004, (15th) and 194 earned legs (59th overall all time). Dugie even had a 1st place BC Regional championship but Eric not sure which one it was (Geesh!) Pretty amazing considering he competed mostly in the era of  30” jumps and  legendary foes such as Jynx, Zeus, Neeka and Ziggy (But not my Ziggy!).

We'll all miss Dugie but his legacy will carry on through the amazing performances of Isla and Shadow. So long Dugie it was a privilege watching you run

Mike and Ziggy
.

ZEUS (1993-2003) owned & loved by Wendy MacLellan

BUSTER (1996-2008) owned & loved by Wendy Alexander

BEAU(1991-2008)owned & loved by Susan Gerlitz & Ron Williams

With great sadness we bid farewell to our dear Beau. It was most difficult to say good bye, he was truly one of the great loves of our lives.

Farewell dear Beau it's time for us to part
Your life was full, you lived it well
The struggle is over now, we lay you down to rest
Seventeen years of devoted love
And laughter you blessed us with
For these precious times we will not forget
In our hearts and minds you will remain
Until with joy we embrace again
Healthy and strong once more you will be
In your new world as you frolic and play
You truly were our gift from heaven
A shining light to brighten our days
Go now dear Beau may god show you the way
And keep a watchful eye for us
As we will be joining you to stay

To Hercules - My Best Friend

From your play bow invitation to be your friend on the day I brought you home from the local pound.
To your struggle to get to me when I left the room on our last morning together
I have always known that you were my best friend.
There is a huge void in my heart and life that the tears can't fill.

My only consolation is knowing without a doubt that you are waiting for me at the Rainbow Bridge so that we can cross together.
I miss you .

Here's to no more pain and squeaky balls that never die.

Goldencol's Highland FLUERY (1998-2009)
owned & loved by Fiona Esford

JASMINE (1995-2009)owned & loved by Gord, Lynda,William & Rachael Barrett

MAGZ (2002-2009) owned & loved by Bev Mattson

BELLE (1996-2009)owned & loved by Bev Mattson

Somehow it is a small comfort to know that right about now Maggie is giving Belle a big “WOOF” of joy to see her big sister coming over the crest of the bridge!   I can see Belle running to greet her  …..”  Good to see you whippersnapper….the TOP DOG has arrived!”
Belle was our first Bernese….boy she taught me a lot!  She was my mentor and my very best friend.  She was my working dog for a time but soon made us realize that her work was her heart.  She had an uncanny feel for people who needed a shoulder to cry on or simply someone or something to silently understand what it was they needed.  Belle helped many a child with their reading skills at an elementary school in Surrey.  She spent those mornings with kids stretched out beside her or their heads on her side with her head hanging over their shoulders checking the words as they read to her.  Many hours were spent at the hospital with her carefully picking who needed her the most that day.  Most of all, she has helped our family so much in the passing of our loved ones.
Along with Magz she will leave a gianormous hole in our hearts and my soul.
In memory of our Belle, working dog, therapy dog, superdog, most of all our loving companion.

Forever in my Heart
Bev Mattson

FLORA (1998-2009)owned & loved by Bev Mattson

On the heels of losing my Maggie and Belle, I laid to rest my beautiful girl Flora yesterday. 
And here I sit wondering what to write next!  I feel defeated, done. But this girls life deserves a celebration!
I knew she was something special from the start.  From the first night, when half way through the night she claimed her special, forever spot at my feet on the end of the bed.
The way she took Belle's lead in showing her how to be “a real Berner”.
Her first agility lesson with Case.
Her first competition agility.
Draft tests.
Emergency surgeries …when the vets did not know if she would make it…..the vet techs and I  knew that if the surgery was completed and she was still with us, then she would pull through…..because, hey, this was Flora!
All the regional's, nationals.
Puppies, giving me my heaven sent boisterous Magz
Right up until at age 11
Hers and Maggie's eyes when they looked up at me as they started their final and last Brace Draft Test.(them telling me to “take it easy”!)
Best Veteran (confirmation) at an Amer. National Specialty! Wow!
All the many people/ friends we made along the way
Well, you get it
I feel the pain now but I know eventually it will settle into a nice warm memory that I can cherish forever!

Thank you girls, it had been quite a ride!