For Bonny

(Private note: Mom, this is going to make you cry ... so stop now if you don't want to.)

Yesterday, my mom had to make the difficult decision to put her 13 y.o. Yorkshire Terrier to sleep. She's been terribly sick and in heart failure over the last few months, but this last week she declined quickly and it was clear it was time.

That never makes it easier.



Mom brought Wee Bonny Blue ("Bonny") home when she was just eight weeks old, though she knew the breeders and was able to go visit her puppy soon after she was born. Even at eight weeks, Bonny pushed my 85 pound Bailey around. She was silly, bossy, sassy, smart and a loving companion.

Except for the four years my mom was away, I spent nearly as much time with Bonny. And I miss her. But she's over the rainbow bridge now, young and healthy and playing with her best friend, Bailey.



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....