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Making the decision to PTS and Rainbow Bridge

Nicki

Moderator
Sadly sometimes we have to think about making the dreadful decision to end our beloved companion’s suffering. Here are some sites that may help:


http://rainbowsbridge.com/Grief_Support/Ma..._a_pet_down.htm

http://www.cavaliersonline.com/archives/whenitstime.htm

One vet asks:

"Well, when was the last time ‘your dog’ had a GOOD dog day?"

Perhaps you may like to list the things that give your companion a good quality of life, eg. eating well, enjoying being out in the garden, able to carry out bodily functions with dignity; this may help you to decide if they are still enjoying their life.


If it should be ...
If it be I grow frail and weak,
And pain should wake me from my sleep,
Then you must do what must be done,
For this last battle can’t be won.
You will be sad, I’ll understand,
Don’t let your grief then stay your hand,
For this day more than all the rest,
Your love and friendship stand the test.
We’ve had so many happy years,
What is to come will hold no fears,
You’ll not want me to suffer, so,
When the time comes, please let me go.
I know in time, you too will see,
It is a kindness you do me,
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering, I’ve been saved.
Do not grieve that it should be you,
Who has to decide this thing to do
We’ve been so close, we two, these years,
Don’t let your heart hold any tears.




Grief and pet loss sites:

http://www.petloss.com/[/url] - this site has a list of animals with special needs {such as medical problems} so that they may be helped by all. They have an online Candle Ceremony on a Monday evening to remember those passed over, this in now International. You don’t have to join in the ceremony, perhaps just light your candle at that time.

http://www.griefhealing.com/petlinks.htm

http://rainbowsbridge.com/chat.htm

http://rainbowsbridge.com/hello.htm

http://dogs.about.com/od/griefandloss/


Thoughts and poems:


From a Scandinavian friend:

“It's so, even some time the heaven is very dark, all shall be better after that.”



The Rainbow Bridge Story

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....


Terri Pike’s wonderful animated version of the Rainbow Bridge story:

http://www.indigo.org/rainbowbridge_ver2.html
 
This is great information... maybe we can sticky it or put it in the FAQs?
 
Thanks Maggie, I hope it may help someone.

I have several "resources" like this that I put together for the Syringomyelia support group, and have posted them here as I feel they may be of help to others.
 
Yes I'll transfer these informational posts over to the FAQ section when I'm next working on that section! Just heading out with the dogs now for a walk on our second warm spring day of the year... (and it's St Patrick's Day so a national holiday as well, all very convenient! :) ).
 
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