LOLIN, Love of Labs Indiana, Indiana Lab Rescue

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal that has been especially close to someone here, leaves this world, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all our special friends so they can run and play together.

There is plenty of food, water and sunshine and our special friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who have 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 miss someone 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 begins to quiver. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over 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.

Happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your companion, so long gone from your life, but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together. 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 and 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 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. The bright eyes are intent, the eager body quivers. Suddenly he/she begins to break away from the group, flying over the green grass, his/her legs carrying him/her 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 her 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 pass over the Rainbow Bridge together....

from A Dog Beside Me - a book of poems (For Sorrel) by Joyce Stranger

Memories are made of this
A waving tail,
Brown eyes that greet you with delight,
The morning raptures after night.
Memories are made of this
The slowing down, the frequent sleep,
Yet still they surface from the deep
And greet you.
Memories are made of this
We sit, remembering, and capture
All those moments of brief rapture.
We know
That when they go
We will miss them ... even so
Memories are made of years
Of dogs beside us.
Don't deride us
If we shed tears ...
They gave us pleasure without blame
Cared not if we were rich, or lacked all fame;
When we needed them they came.
The roll call grows too long -
Memories are made of this.

_____________________________________

"SPIRIT OF A LABRADOR"

I was standing on a hillside in a field of blowing wheat, and the spirit of a Labrador was lying at my feet. He looked at me with kind dark eyes, an ancient wisdom shining through, and in the essence of his being I saw love there too. His mind did lock upon my heart as I stood there on that day, and he told me of this story about a place so far away. I stood upon that hillside in a field of blowing wheat and in a twinkling of a second his spirit left my feet. His tale did put my heart at ease, my fears did fade away about what lay ahead of me on another distant day.

"I live among God's creatures now in the heavens of your mind, so do not grieve for me, my friend, as I am with my kind. My collar is a rainbow's hue, my leash a shooting star, my boundaries are the Milky Way where I sparkle from afar. There are no pens or kennels here for I am not confined, but free to roam God's heavens among the Labrador kind. I nap the day on a snowy cloud, gentle breezes rocking me, and dream the dreams of earthlings and how it used to be. "
Author Unknown

The trees are full of liver treats and tennis balls abound, and milkbones line the walkways just waiting to be found. There even is a ring set up, the grass all lush and green, where even Rescue Labradors become the Best of Breed.

For we're all winners in this place, we have no fault you see, and God passes out those ribbons to each one, even me. I drink from waters laced with gold, my world a beauty to behold, and wise old dogs do form my pride to amble at my very side. At night I sleep in angel's arms, her wings protecting me, and moonbeams dance about us as stardust falls on thee.

So when your life on earth is spent and you stand at heaven's gate, have no fear of loneliness for here you know I wait.

A good site to check out if you believe your animal's go to Heaven and here, too!!

I wish that I had known you - but in a sense I did.
Your mommy talks often of you and a glee is in her eyes when
she mentions her "babies".
I make good memories with your mom & dad
I love them both dearly - your mommy speaks my language of "dog".
As I've often told your mom - I speak dog better at times than human.

As I write,you are already missed more than words can express.
Your memory will be forever in our hearts.
It will take a long time before we can speak your name without tears coming
to our eyes.
Know that you will always be loved and remembered.
Look up your spotted cousin, Spotty, as he awaits his mommy as well.
Rest in peace my love....

Turchi Families, we are so very sorry for your loss! We loved Vinnie, too. Run free Vinnie, run free.

Beyond The Rainbow

As much as I loved the life we had and all the times we played,
I was so very tired and knew my time on earth would fade.
I saw a wondrous image then of a place that's trouble-free
Where all of us can meet again to spend eternity.

I saw the most beautiful Rainbow, and on the other side
Were meadows rich and beautiful -- lush and green and wide!
And running through the meadows as far as the eye could see
Were animals of every sort as healthy as could be!
My own tired, failing body was fresh and healed and new
And I wanted to go run with them, but I had something left to do.

I needed to reach out to you, to tell you I'm alright
That this place is truly wonderful, then a bright Glow pierced the night.
'Twas the Glow of many Candles shining bright and strong and bold
And I knew then that it held your love in its brilliant shades of gold.

For although we may not be together in the way we used to be,
We are still connected by a cord no eye can see.
So whenever you need to find me, we're never far apart
If you look beyond the Rainbow and listen with your heart.

Cate Guyan - 1995

RIP Molly 7/15/06

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vJavav

Gone but not forgotten.

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vHaetiav

RIP 6/06

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vKinzav

I would start the story with how I found Kinza but really I think she found me. I lost my lab Dee to cancer about 5 years ago. 5 year is a long time to be labless so I started searching. Initially I was looking for a young adult lab to adopt. Every search I did Kinza would come up in. Initially I skipped over her because she was 7 years old. Still I kept searching and Kinza kept coming up….EVERY SINGLE TIME. I took this as a sign that I should actually pay attention and look at Kinza. Kinza was an owner surrender that spent a year in foster care due to the oh too common big black dog syndrome. Her age also played against her.

Kinza came to my home December 10, 2004 . The very next day we went out and got our Christmas tree. She had 2 Lab cousins she played with just about every weekend. Her summer was filled with camping trips and swimming at one of the local rivers. This last Christmas she learned how to tear open packages and went nuts on Christmas. She had to help open everybody’s packages. She had to be wherever I was at all times. When I left for work she would get up onto the freshly made bed and proceed to make herself a “nest” in the pillows. Of course I couldn’t get mad at her because she was so cute. There was not a day that went by that she did not make me smile.

Sadly in January 05 she had a small seizure followed by another in February. A trip the local University Hospital revealed a rapidly growing brain tumor. Kinza lost her battle and crossed the rainbow bridge March 29, 2006 . There will always be a place In my heart left empty by Kinza. Run free my sweet baby girl, I will always love you!!

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vJessev

December 1995 – January 2006

Jesse - Our dearest friend departed much sooner than we wanted, and each day we are grateful that we had the opportunity to love her and to be loved by her. She was always by my side, so loyal and so patient. She walked with us through the birth of both children in which was a time where she had to sit back and wait for her moment of attention, but she didn’t mind. She loved each of them, following them around to make sure they were safe and sound. We miss her with all our hearts and I believe we will see her again. I believe there is a heaven for loving pets just like her and I know she is running around just like old times!

Michael, Susan, Griffin and Genna

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vTyronev

TYRONE, our big 4th of July boy,
you looked like a big bear,
protected us with your all
but deep down inside--you were just a big teddy bear.
Ice cream on the 4th of July will never be the same without you.

Sue & Tom

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vMoonpiev

12/95 - 05/05
A very good dog. I learned so much with, and from, her.

vAvisv

~Andrew~

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vKeirav

April 11, 1996 – September 26, 2003
My Big Silly Yellow Dog

You died in my arms that day.
You gave it all you could to stay.
I know you did not want to go
but the cancer took its toll.
I miss you so much I can hardly breathe. You are in my heart and soul.
I'll love and remember you in my heart all the days of my life.

Kiera beloved Yellow Lab

~ Susan~

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RIP 4/15/06

Sadly missed by her family.

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RIP Pink Acup 4/19/06

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Here are some numbers you can call at anytime if you or someone you know needs help dealing with the recent death of their companion animal, whether it is a dog, cat, or any animal.

Hotline Numbers:

Staffed by the University of California-Davis veterinary students:
Weekdays, 6:30 to 9:30 PM, PT
916.752.4200

Staffed by Ohio State university veterinary students and IAMS
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
6:30 to 9:30 PM, ET
614.292.1823

The American Society for The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
24 hours Stephanie LaFarge, PH.D
800.946.4646 pin #140-7211 and leave your number
Websites:
Human Animal Bond Trust:www.humananimalbondtrust.org

Love of Labs, Indiana (LOLIN)

Making a Difference, One Lab at a Time

Labrador Retriever Rescue in Indiana and Surrounding States

Beyond The Rainbow

Cate Guyan - 1995

RIP Molly 7/15/06

vvvvvvvvvvvvvvv

vJavav

Gone but not forgotten.

vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv

vHaetiav

RIP 6/06

vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv

vKinzav

vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv

vJessev

December 1995 – January 2006

Michael, Susan, Griffin and Genna

vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv

vTyronev

TYRONE, our big 4th of July boy, you looked like a big bear, protected us with your all but deep down inside--you were just a big teddy bear. Ice cream on the 4th of July will never be the same without you.

Sue & Tom

vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv

vMoonpiev

12/95 - 05/05 A very good dog. I learned so much with, and from, her.

vAvisv

~Andrew~

vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv

vKeirav

April 11, 1996 – September 26, 2003 My Big Silly Yellow Dog

You died in my arms that day. You gave it all you could to stay. I know you did not want to go but the cancer took its toll. I miss you so much I can hardly breathe. You are in my heart and soul. I'll love and remember you in my heart all the days of my life.

Kiera beloved Yellow Lab

~ Susan~

vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv

RIP 4/15/06

Sadly missed by her family.

vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv

RIP Pink Acup 4/19/06

vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv

Here are some numbers you can call at anytime if you or someone you know needs help dealing with the recent death of their companion animal, whether it is a dog, cat, or any animal.

Hotline Numbers:

Staffed by the University of California-Davis veterinary students: Weekdays, 6:30 to 9:30 PM, PT 916.752.4200

Staffed by Ohio State university veterinary students and IAMS Monday, Wednesday, Friday 6:30 to 9:30 PM, ET 614.292.1823

Recommended Reading:

For Children:

When a Pet Dies Rogers, F., Putnam Publishing, 1988

Dog Heaven Rylant, C., Scholastic, Inc., Blue Sky Press, 1995

The Tenth Good Thing About Barney

Viorst, J., Antheneum, 1972

Charlotte's Web White, E., Harper and Row, 1952

For Adults:

Coping With Sorrow on the Loss of Your Pet Anderson, M., Peregrine Press, 1987

The Grieving Child: A Parent's Guide Fitzgerald, H., Fireside, (1992)

To Dance With the White Dog Kay, T., Washington Square Press, 1990

Pet Loss and Human Bereavement Kay, W., et al, Iowa State University Press, 1984

Animals as Teachers & Healers McElroy, S., NewSage Press, 1996

A Final Act of Caring: Ending the Life of An Animal Friend Montgomery, M. and Montgomery, H., Montgomery Press, 1993

Pet Loss: A Thoughtful Guide for Adults and Children Neiburg, H., et al, Harper and Row, 1982

It's Okay to Cry: Warm, Compassionate Stories that Help You Find Hope and Healing After the Death of a Beloved Pet Quintana, M.L., Veleba, S.L., & King, H., K & K Communications, (1998)

How Do You Tell the Children: A Step-by-Step Guide for Helping Children Two to Teen Cope When Someone Dies Schaffer, D. & Lyons, C., Newmarket Press, (1993)

The Loss of a Pet: A Guide to Coping With the Grieving Process When a Pet Dies Sife, Wallace, MacMillan Pub. Howell Book House, (1998)

My Personal Pet Remembrance Journal Traisman, E., Direct Book Services, (800) 776-2665, 1996

TYRONE, our big 4th of July boy,
you looked like a big bear,
protected us with your all
but deep down inside--you were just a big teddy bear.
Ice cream on the 4th of July will never be the same without you.

12/95 - 05/05
A very good dog. I learned so much with, and from, her.

April 11, 1996 – September 26, 2003
My Big Silly Yellow Dog

You died in my arms that day.
You gave it all you could to stay.
I know you did not want to go
but the cancer took its toll.
I miss you so much I can hardly breathe. You are in my heart and soul.
I'll love and remember you in my heart all the days of my life.

Staffed by the University of California-Davis veterinary students:
Weekdays, 6:30 to 9:30 PM, PT
916.752.4200

Staffed by Ohio State university veterinary students and IAMS
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
6:30 to 9:30 PM, ET
614.292.1823

When a Pet Dies
Rogers, F., Putnam Publishing, 1988

Dog Heaven
Rylant, C., Scholastic, Inc., Blue Sky Press, 1995

Charlotte's Web
White, E., Harper and Row, 1952

Coping With Sorrow on the Loss of Your Pet
Anderson, M., Peregrine Press, 1987

The Grieving Child: A Parent's Guide
Fitzgerald, H., Fireside, (1992)

To Dance With the White Dog
Kay, T., Washington Square Press, 1990

Pet Loss and Human Bereavement
Kay, W., et al, Iowa State University Press, 1984

Animals as Teachers & Healers
McElroy, S., NewSage Press, 1996

A Final Act of Caring: Ending the Life of An Animal Friend
Montgomery, M. and Montgomery, H., Montgomery Press, 1993

Pet Loss: A Thoughtful Guide for Adults and Children
Neiburg, H., et al, Harper and Row, 1982

It's Okay to Cry: Warm, Compassionate Stories that Help You Find Hope and Healing After the Death of a Beloved Pet
Quintana, M.L., Veleba, S.L., & King, H., K & K Communications, (1998)

How Do You Tell the Children: A Step-by-Step Guide for Helping Children Two to Teen Cope When Someone Dies
Schaffer, D. & Lyons, C., Newmarket Press, (1993)

The Loss of a Pet: A Guide to Coping With the Grieving Process When a Pet Dies
Sife, Wallace, MacMillan Pub. Howell Book House, (1998)

My Personal Pet Remembrance Journal
Traisman, E., Direct Book Services, (800) 776-2665, 1996