Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called the 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 that 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

If it Should Be…

If it should be that I grow frail and weak, And pain should keep 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 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 can hold no fears.

Would you want me to suffer so? When the time comes, let me go!

Take me where my needs they’ll tend. Only stay with me until the end.

And hold me firm and speak to me, until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time that you will see it is a kindness that you do for me.

Although my tail its last has waved, From pain and suffering I’ve been saved.

Do not grieve. It has to be you who must decide this thing to do.

We’ve been so close, we two, these years. Don’t let your heart hold any tears.

Author unknown

BUCK

2005 – January 12, 2012

Our Co-worker’s beloved yellow Lab, Buck, recently passed away due to lung cancer. Buck was a rescue dog and was dearly loved by Mr. and Mrs. Byrne and their black La, Scout. I am sending you this email because we collected $100 and would like to make a donation to Labrador Friends of the South in memory of Buck.

Lynn M. Donahey

MOCHA
May 1999-January-2012

Mocha was the best dog! We were there the day she was born and adopted her from a friend of ours. She loved to play ball, swim and go to the dog park. As she started getting older, her poor body began to fail her and her severe hip dysplasia eventually left her struggling to walk. We will miss her every day! We love you Mocha bean!

Kind Regards,
Jen Schroter

A Tribute for Maddie and Boo Bear

The promise of a thousand tomorrows is gone. One journey ended and another begun
This one just for you
For a lifetime my companion and best friend
Now you travel alone
I was left behind
A heart heavy with sadness
A mind full of memories
At times clouded by tears
I never wanted for you to take that journey alone
Or at least a journey without me
We were soul mates
Few words needed to be spoken
In order for our love for each other to be expressed
Knowing glances, loving touches
Conveyed all that words could not
We understood each other
Loved and respected
Trusted, honored and revered
I never wanted to say goodbye
I always thought there would be a thousand tomorrows and then some
Forever and one extra day
One lifetime together would never be enough
Not enough hours in any given day
I wanted my forevers to all be with youI was not ready to say goodbye
I do no think it is possible to ever be ready or prepared.
I never thought I could let you go
But even in your final moments you taught me one last lesson.

That when a love is as great and true as ours was
When you love someone more than you love yourself. Then you can let them go
When staying isn’t fair or right
I wanted you to stay for me
I loved you too much to make you do that.
There were more angels in that room when we said goodbye
More angels than in those thousands of tomorrows and then some.
And then you were gone.
At first it seemed gone forever – no part of what we shared
Recoverable. But in time I found your lasting gift
Your love remained in my heart.
Your legacy of life and love now intertwined with mine
You were never really gone.
You are the sunshine that peeks through the clouds on my darkest days
You are the warmth the surrounds me in the chill of the night
You accompany the smile that creeps across my face as the leaves crunch beneath my feet on a late Fall day. You walk with me – sometimes sitting atop my shoulder, sometimes following in the shadows cast by the late day sun.
I find comfort in that
And I will love you forever and for always

written by Maddie & Boo Bear’s family

KEISHA – Although only with us for a short time, she will live forever in our hearts.

In loving memory of Schuyler, “Sky” 8/24/1997 – 9/8/2006

We just lost our Yellow Lab on 9/8/2006. I would like to submit a photo of Sky and a little guy we found at our new home when we moved to Gainesville. His right front leg was shattered when I found him. He now has a new home and a loving family to care for him.

WILL - A short life but lived to the fullest. You will always be in our hearts.

FARLEY - a dog loved by all who had the privilege to be a part of his life.

ABBY - a wonderful girl who is truly missed.

JENNY’S TAZZIE GIRL

10/25/99 to 4/2/07

Tazzie was a true fighter to the end, finally losing her battle with cancer at age 7. She was Jenny’s girl, and an inspiration to all of us at Labrador Friends. Tazzie will always live in our hearts through the rescue work that we do. Every time we place a dog in a forever home, we know that in some special way, Tazzie helped them find each other.

She will be greatly missed by Jenny, Fred, Cloe, Jake, and Homer, and all the volunteers of LFS.

Rest in peace, Tazzie. We will always love you!

“William” - February 1996 – March 22, 2007

William was the loving “fur” brother of the four Greenwood girls for 11 years. Our oldest daughter, Caroline ,picked him out of the “unwanted” litter when she was only 6 weeks old. We brought him home when the youngest daughter was only 11 weeks old. William grew up with all the girls. He was there for first lost tooth, first date, first day at school, braces on, braces off, summer beach vacations…He was a gentle giant…all 125lbs of him! He loved lounging on the leather sofa, and nudging your arm so you would pet him. He would not stop nudging until you did!! We was a wonderful mentor to Jeb, our 6 year old chocolate lab. We so miss our sweet William but feel very blessed and thankful for the 11 wonderful years we had with him. William will be in our hearts forever!

Marshall (also known as Maxie) – March 1998 – May 14, 2007

From his foster mom:

When I got Maxie I was still trying to get over the loss of Lyza, my golden of 3 years. I was so afraid of going through the pain of loss again with Max but I also knew he needed love and a home. I loved him so much. I knew when I got him that God had sent him to me for a reason. I never shared these things with you because I didn’t think you would understand. Max was a gift to me and filled a place in my heart that I didn’t think could be filled again. I can’t tell you how overcome with sadness I am. I know I will get through this in time but right now I feel as if my heart is breaking and I can’t stop crying. Maxie went everywhere with me. He was my best friend. I don’t think there was one moment in the day that I didn’t think about getting home to him so we could go on our walks or he could run errands with me. He even slept with me. He was an angel, he was precious to me. I would give anything to have last Friday back when we had our last long walk together and he had a spring in step and tried to chase the squirrels like he always did.

Thanks for your thoughtful email. And thanks for your support while he was in my care. I wish I could have done more to keep him with me. I do believe he’s in heaven and knowing that I’ll see him again is a great comfort to me.

Marshall (also known as Maxie) - March 1998 – May 14, 2007

From his foster mom:

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“Amber” - January 2001 – June 2007

Amber was a very sweet dog and she’ll be dearly missed by our family.

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“Maverick” 12/6/02 – 8/3/07

In life, we occasionally come across some special creatures who touch our hearts. Maverick was one of them. He left a little mark in the heart of every person he met in his short and difficult life. He was a brave dog who fought until the end against something that was bigger than him and us. Rest in peace, Maverick, knowing that neither LFS, nor all the people that met you, or followed your story, will ever forget you.

Ebony Caldwell - 1994 – 2007

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TAZMO

October 15, 1992 – November 9, 2007

Oh, little friend, do you recall, When you made my house your home?

You were not even half grown.

You learned to sit, and stay, and come, You learned to fetch and beg.

You loved to play outside, You’d fetch a ball or stick,

Your favorite was chasing the squirrels.

You sensed when I was sad, Or did not feel well,

You would put your head on my knee, You’d always seem to know.

You loved to go for rides, Sniffing the sniffs as we drove from place to place,

Going to work with me day after day, You never lost your pace.

Going to the vet for shots, I guess you dreaded the most.

You were afraid of lightening , too, And booming thunderstorms,

You’d curl up on the floor near me, Where it was safe and warm.

I never felt lonely, As long as you were here,

You have given to me many years of loyalty,

Love, and affection that no human is worthy of.

Oh, I am going to miss you, More than you know.

There will not be any thunderstorms, No trips to the vet, No leash.

The time has come that I must let you go, Your pain and suffering must end,

My heart will be heavy, But I know that this is best.

You will live in the hearts of those you have touched, And you were loved so much.

See you later my little friend, Until I see you again.

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DONNER

October 2007 – February 2008

Your life was short but you lived it with such fullness. You taught us how much compassion we really had. That sometimes being held really does make it all better. Perhaps most importantly how high a vertical leap can be and that dogs can go down the slide. Run free and safe until we see you again…. Mom, Dad, Colby, Chica and Hickory

Your hugs were the best – Owen

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COLE

October 2004 – November 2007

We truly miss our big buddy, Cole, who died of cancer at the very young age of three. He was a gentle, loving, shiny boy who stopped people in their tracks. We feel so fortunate to have had him in our family. His love kept us all connected.

RHETT (RUSSELL)

June 2006 – July 2008

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JESSIE

July 2006 – August 17, 2008

When you get involved with rescue and fostering, you learn early on of the mixed emotions about letting a dog go to a home away from yours. In our case, our toughest was letting Ronde go after raising him from a six week old pup to a mature full of life make you laugh knuckle head six months later. We miss him every day, yet, he has a great life in a great home and is loved tremendously. However when one leaves you tragically “on your watch” it’s a totally different pain. It makes you appreciate so much more the gift we give these special beings. Jessie was rescued in so many ways. I feel we at LFS were called upon to rescue her in a not so traditional way. Not to find her the perfect home, but to carry her lovingly to her “forever home.” Had it not been for LFS her demise would have been so much more tragic. She is in her forever home pain free and unencumbered by her sickness. Further, her physical remains will reside on our shelf between Coach and Bailey who will look after her as long as needed. She couldn’t have two better brothers. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your life Jessie. We are so much more blessed by it.

Rick and Trish Carpenter in loving memory of Jessie Carpenter

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SAVANNAH BOLTON

1994 – 2008

Happiness to you was a walk, a back rub & a plastic water bottle to chew on; you made every day count. Thanks for being such a part of our family for over 14 years.

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RUBY

1998 – 2008

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BUDDY

October 2008 – December 2008

48 hours with Buddy

Buddy was part of our family for only 2 days before Parvo took him. But in those 2 days he received and gave much Love. He got play in the sun with 3 children who adored him. He “ran with his pack” in the yard with Maddy, our 2 yr. old Yellow Lab. He chased a ball and practiced his “pouncing” technique on it! He even went for an unintentional swim in the pool, which as a Lab he loved. He enjoyed being part of our family and we were glad to bring joy and love to his brief life. We know he’s over the Bridge now and in God’s Good Hands.

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SARAH

October 8, 2004 (rescued) – February 2, 2009

Sad to announce my best buddy Sarah has passed away today. She will be missed by me, Sammy and all her friends.

FRED

June 21, 2006 (rescued) – February 16, 2009

Our Mr. Fred that came into the program 6/21/06 from Fayette County animal control has past away. At that time we estimated him to be somewhere between 6 to 8 years old.

He was our boy….

I know everyone loved Fred… Even though he wouldn’t fit into most of our homes since he wanted to be the only Lab in the house…

I know everyone loved him. He will be missed….

He was treated extra special from all the volunteers and anyone that ever met him. Rest in peace dear boy.

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SAMMY

December 22, 2006 (rescued) – April 2, 2009

Shockingly Sammy passed away today. I’m between very shocked and very sad. She was my best friend!

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Maggie

2000 – 2009

It’s with great sadness I share with you that our Sweet Magnolia (Maggie) passed away this morning from cancer. She was with us for about 7-8 short years, and brought incredible joy to our lives and hearts. We have so many sweet memories of how she made us laugh and how she showed us her love. She taught us a lot about how to love and be loved. Our hearts are so sad.

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Sadie

January 6, 2007 (rescued) – May 5, 2009

“Our Dear Sadie…Thank you for all the wonderful memories and for being such a great doggie…you will always be in our hearts and you will always be missed!”

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Cheri

Some souls are too good for this world; such was the soul of Cheri who was with us all too briefly. In her eclipsed life, Cheri saw much of the ugliness that this world can present. Yet, through all of this and her physical discomforts from a less than blessed life, Cheri continued to be a loving and, more importantly, a forgiving and trusting soul.

Once again, LFS was there to provide a peaceful and loving transition for her to her forever home. I have no doubts that she was called home for greater things as no creature could have given so much while asking for so little. From the time I pulled from the shelter until her demise she was full of love and life due to her commitment to serve. After leaving our home she spent several blessed days with Matt and Christa where I know she felt safe and loved. There can be no greater gift.

So Cheri, thanks for stopping by to tell us that love overcomes all and bless you in your new life which is far more important than what we could offer you. For I know you were called home to serve a more important purpose; sharing your love of all things to those who will appreciate it.

We love you and thank you for showing us what love and forgiveness truly are.

Rick and Trish Carpenter in loving memory of Cheri

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Trapper

Some time our bodies give up on us before our souls, this was the case for our Mr. Trapper who crossed the rainbow bridge on Sunday. He left happy and content after 8 wonderful months of fetching, snuggling, and swimming with Lauren and Woody. Keep running Mr. Trapper!

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Sequoia

“Sequoia”, she lived only a short life of one year, and that time on this earth was dealt with a disability. However, she brought more joy and happiness to our family’s life before she ever even thought about her own pain. She was a true friend and will forever be remembered in our hearts. We love you Sequoia!

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Rivers

In Loving Memory of : RIVERS HENDERSON (Jan. 24, 2000-May 25, 2010)

For all of you who knew Rivers and for all of you who didn’t, but sent prayers her way:

THANK YOU for sharing a part of your lives with us.. Rivers lost her battle with cancer today and went on to be with God in “doggie heaven”. She was my best friend, my protector, and my soulmate for the past ten years.. I cannot imagine life without her. But I will find peace in knowing that she is no longer sick and in pain. And I know that we will find each other again one day. So remember that each day is a blessing with our canine best friends and let them know how special they are.

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Sam

In memory of Sam 2/19/98-5/27/10.

The world’s friendliest lab. No dog ever swam in more streams, chased more squirrels, chewed more sticks, and took more naps in the sunshine than Sam did. He had an incredibly big heart, and he never had a bad day in his life. He was the best dog anyone ever had, and he was my best friend.

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Peyton

10/2007 – 5/7/10

Peyton (Baron) was only with us for 2.5 short years before he went over the rainbow bridge. He was a wonderful family member to us and we miss him dearly. Missing our Pey Pey.

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Scotty

Adopted 11/5/06 – 10/1/10

Scotty went to heaven today. He will always be with me in spirit, he was such a good boy. He taught me so much since the day I seat-belted him in the front seat and brought him home all skin and bones but full of pure love. He will be sorely missed.

Please keep Scotty in your thoughts and prayers that his last little bit of time can be as comfortable as possible. He has brought me so much joy and I want to ensure that the end of his life is as peaceful as I can make it. I attached my favorite picture of Scotty being the big dog in the little chair.

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Mason

1/28/11

Take a good old belly rub, a couple of yummy bones to chew on, add lots of love and attention and you have the perfect recipe for contentment. And that is exactly what our dear old friend Mason had over the last several months.

We can’t thank Lab Friends and especially Mason’s foster dad – Mark – enough for saving this wonderful gentle soul. What personality Mason had and he touched so many people with his gentle nature and of course his never ending need for that ultimate belly rub.

You saved him from a not so fortunate life, gave him the care, love and attention that he needed and deserved and then allowed us to accept him into our lives. What a wonderful companion and stoic gentleman he was.

Goodbye Mason – we love you and will forever miss you but you will live on in our hearts and memories.

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Big Daddy

Adopted November 2005 – March 19. 2011

Friends and family…

On Saturday, March 19th, we said goodbye to Big Daddy. Many of you have posted sweet messages to the City Dog Market and Big Daddy Facebook pages-thank you. Some of you have made donations in his honor to his three favorite organizations…Labrador Friends of the South, Doggie Harmony and READing Paws-thank you. All of you held a warm place in your heart for Big Daddy-he loved all of you too. Listed below is his last posting on Facebook; also listed below is Big Daddy’s Story.

Much love, Renee and Patsy

Thank you for visiting me at City Dog Market. My mission has been to spread happiness and love wherever I go. Even though I am no longer with you, please remember that my spirit lives in your heart. Let every kind word you say and every good deed you do be a reminder of my love for you.

Here is Big Daddy’s story….

In November of 2005, a big, burly, black lab came home to enjoy his first Thanksgiving with us, his new family. His name had been Max and in his early years, he enjoyed growing up with twin boys. We sensed his intense love for children, really his love and admiration for all living things, and changed his name to Big Daddy. Like a well worn collar, his name fit him just right.

We owned a dog daycare and boarding facility and saw that same love he had for children translate to puppies…rolling on his big back with all fours in the air. He weighed a whopping 147 lbs and even then his stiff, knobby legs were already showing signs of bone disease. In 2006 we sold our business, took a mid life retirement for two years, and Big Daddy went on a diet!

During those two years we noticed that wherever Big Daddy went, he had a knack for making people feel better. We turned his love into action and began his pet therapy training. Big Daddy earned his Good Canine Citizenship Certification, his Delta Society Pet Therapy certification, and became a READing Paws dog. Wearing his green pet therapy vest, Big Daddy visited the young at school, and those more wise at assisted living homes. Wheelchairs, canes, and walkers never bothered Big Daddy…neither did pulling his tail, his ear or even climbing onto his back as some very young children were inclined to do. A visit with Big Daddy always, always, brought a smile or a kind word. Sometimes a patient would not come out of their room for a visit…until they found out the visitor was Big Daddy.

In April of 2008, Big Daddy became our store mascot when we opened City Dog Market. Eager to greet customers, Big Daddy happily laid around waiting for the staff and customers to give him a belly rub, a pat on the head, or sneak him a treat! His pet therapy work continued as many folks stopped in grumpy from a long day at the office, and after spending time with Big Daddy, left just a bit happier. Children never have bad days and Big Daddy’s kids flocked to him-eager to get and give a sloppy kiss. Big Daddy really enjoyed sharing his sweet spirit with mentally and physically disabled children…speaking to Big Daddy in a language only he could understand.

By 2010 Big Daddy weighed in at a sleek 85 lbs. He had begun swimming for physical therapy in 2009 and that form of exercise coupled with the right food combination worked to get his weight off. The pool was one of his favorite places…He hammed it up-smiling for the many pictures we took and even floating on his back. His bone disease had advanced, so along with swim therapy, pain medication, anti-inflammatories, and supplements, we began acupuncture treatments. In 2011 his pain medications became more and more ineffective-his good days were only good because of the amount of pain pills he was on. In his special way, Big Daddy told us he was tired and ready for a new body.

During Big Daddy’s last two days at the store, over one hundred customers and friends came to say goodbye….thanking him for the gifts of happiness and unconditional love he so generously gave to them. We are honored that we were chosen to love and care for such an exceptional dog as Big Daddy. It is our hope that you share that same extraordinary relationship with your pet. Thank you for loving Big Daddy.

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Petey

January 21, 1997 – February 26, 2011

Petey was a rescue by me when he was 4-1/2 years old. He was in a back yard with no dog house and had been put back there as a puppy. His owners moved into a new house around the corner and left him there, because he would dig in the yard and jump the fence. The first time I met him, I sat down on a dirty, muddy deck and he licked my face from cheek to cheek. It would be the ONLY time he ever did that in our 9 wonderful years together. He had me from the beginning! I picked him up one early Saturday morning so that I could get him to the vet right when they opened to have him cleaned up and checked out. He was covered in huge fleas and filthy dirty. In came the vet with the bad news, that he was heartworm positive. The vet said it was treatable and so we treated him and it was the longest week of my life while the vet and all the wonderful people took care of my baby. He was a breeze to housebreak, I guess he was so appreciative to be inside a home instead of out in a backyard by himself. He was my shadow and the joy in my every day upon wakening, I lived to come home every day from work just to see him. After a few years together, most people could not even tell he was a rescue dog! Every day that he’s been gone, it’s been one ‘breath’ at a time. He lives forever in my heart and in my memories. He was a once in a lifetime, special boy.