Life goes on, or so I hear. I look back over the years and remember life growing up at home and it seems there was always some sort of dog or cat that was hanging around the back door. Animals were not allowed in our house back when we were growing up, but that all changed when I married and had my own home. Below are Icarus, who now shares my bed, and Daisy and Elvira who were my last two dogs.
I still have Icarus, but Daisy and Elvira have been gone for several years. Before them were Chile Dog, Calico, Boots, Jake, Oopsie, Tammy, Kitty, Sysnyck, and many others. They were all members of my family and I shared my bed with all of them. They all hold a special place in my heart and there is a special place behind my house for their ashes and everyone of them still lives in my heart.
Most of my friends are animal lovers and have special dogs and/or cats, but occasionally a person will come to my home and not understand that Icarus is looking at them like "that" because they have chosen to set in "her" chair. Of course, the dog is going to sniff you when you come in. You are invading her space and she needs to know that you are "alright".
There are only a few places that my animals are not allowed to go. They are not allowed on the table or the kitchen counter. On top of the kitchen cabinets that end right below the ceiling is discouraged and does not happen very often. This having been said, you should know that I am an animal person and that is that.
So it is with a heavy heart that I post this poem for my friend, Steve. It pretty much says it all.
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...
RIP Beckham
