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AFPC Pet Memorial
The 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.
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 each miss someone very special, someone who was 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 breaks from the group, flying over the green grass, faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend 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 those trusting
eyes, so long gone from life, but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together… Author Unknown
Ruby - Age: 18ish  Ruby was abandoned at the stable where I board my horses. She was about 14 when I got her. She'd been known to all of us boarders for many years as the "barn dog." Ruby would look for her owner every time a car pulled into the driveway at the stables. She started to lose her spunky spirit and became sicker and sicker physically and emotionally each time I saw her. People were feeding her periodically, but the barn was no place for Ruby any more.
Finally, I'd had enough. After talking to the stable owner about the other animals this person had abandoned on her farm, I decided Ruby was coming home with me. It was pouring down rain on a Saturday, we scooped Ruby up and I took her straight to the vet's office. She was a very sick little girl who was ready to give up. From that point on Ruby was never a "barn dog" again except for visits to the barn. She was only too thrilled to jump back in the car when it was time to go cuz she had multiple beds, treats, and lots of pals waiting for her at home!
We had four wonderful years together - everyone thought that we'd been together all our lives, that's how strongly we bonded in that short time. Roo Roo, as she was called by her aunts and close friends, was quite a character. Once she got healthy, she could move those little legs when she wanted to! She greeted everyone w/ a smile and tail wag everywhere we went.
I miss my baby, Roo, sooo much, but I know without a doubt that this is only a temporary separation. Be well, my darling girl, we will see each other again very soon!!
- Daurie |
Lexi (Sexi Lexi) - Age: 1 year  Lexi and her non-related brother (same age) were rescues that my husband and I adopted together June 2006. From the moment I laid my eyes upon Lexi, it was love at first sight. She was a true "hunter" who enjoyed playing and bonded very closely with just me. Every night at bedtime she would gently curl up at my feet and snuggle with me until she was sure I was asleep - then off she would go to do her "cat" stuff. Our bond was quite intense and although I suspect she was the "runt" of her litter - weighing in at only 7lbs full grown, she had the biggest heart I've ever experienced.
Sadly after only 11 months together we lost Lexi to an unexpected allergy complication. A routine shot administered by our vet sent Lexi's immune system spiraling and caused internal bleeding that despite numerous transfusions we couldn't beat. That was June 17, 2007. To this day, not a single day goes by where I dont' miss her sweet presence and remember what a truly beautiful soul she is. I love you baby girl - now and forever! You are my kitty angel and we are always bonded by love!!! |
Lakota - Age: 6.5  She was the best dog and so incredibly loyal. I miss her incredibly. On Dec 24, 2007 she was presented with enlarged lymphnodes and I took her to the vet. She was treated with a multitude of antibiotics and steroids. After about 5 weeks of testing and biopsies, she was diagnosed with Lymphoma. On day 49, I had to have her put to sleep as the tolls of the cancer were just becoming too much for her.
Like losing a child, you feel helpless knowing there is nothing you could do for them and wishing you could change things.
She was a very happy dog and she knew she was loved. We had her cremated and she has a shelf in our home with a shadow box of memories of her as a memorial. My son places a fresh flower every couple of days on her box.
She was my "mookie" and I miss her every day.
- Rebecca |
Pyewacket - Age: 12  Pye came to me a little over a year ago when one of my clients passed away. During his time with me he became a great success story while in my care. He managed to beat diabeties and became more energetic with the weight loss. Back in November 2007 he was diagnosed with lung cancer and was not expected to live longer then a few weeks. Here two months later Pye was put to rest at 0800 hours on 25 Jan. 08. Pye will be missed for he turned out to be a wonderful and pretty cool cat during his stay with us.
- Autumn M. (AFPC pet sitter) |
Tupelo  When Tupelo was a tiny kitten, he was rescued from a busy Alexandria street corner during a thunderstorm. He then lived with our son and other college students in Charlottesville for 5 years. After college, Tupelo joined our household as cat #3. He loved to lick your hands and face, drink water out of a glass, and knock pens and pencils off tables. When his brother cats, Linus and Oliver, passed on in 2002, he took over all of their jobs in the house. Suffering from cancer, he crossed the Rainbow Bridge on June 28, 2007 at the age of 12. Tupelo was a very sweet cat, and we will miss him always. He was the best cat ever.
Judy and Ken |
Opie  The White and Black Dog
The first time we met Opie, he knew we had come to give him a home.
The first time Thelma Lou met Opie they played, wrestled, shared a water bowl and shared the back seat of a small car.
The first time he came into our house he took a poop…but that was almost expected.
The first time we threw the ball…and threw the ball….and threw the ball, he knew that we understood his kind.
The first time we took him off leash on a long walk he knew that we trusted him, and he knew that he trusted us.
Trust, loyalty, love, faithfulness, attention, affection; these are things we expect from all of our intimate relationships…even our relationships with four-legged friends.
Opie gave all of this, and much more.
Opie died on Sunday, 8 July, 2007. He was 11 years old.
He will be mourned. Most important, however, is that he will be remembered for the joy and energy with which he lived his life, and with which he chased tennis balls.
- Jennifer and David |
Oslo - Age: 13  We were so lucky to have Oslo in our lives- this happy little Bichon brought us such joy and happiness! That big smile was cast upon so many- especially at Cameron Glen Nursing Home, where he volunteered for nearly 12 years. His specialty was dancing and waving for treats, which was a big hit.
He also loved to travel, especially with his buddies Tester, Troop, and Bailey, who has also joined him at the Bridge.
His unexpected passing in January has hurt us in ways we found almost unbearable, but the wonderful memories we had of him pulled us through. Thank you Oslo, for showing us yet another meaning of love.
- Sandy and Ralf |
Bailey Bulldog  It is with great sadness that I relay the news of the death of my beloved companion, Bailey Bulldog, on April 29, 2007.
"The happiest boy with the biggest heart. He will always be remembered."
Be at peace, my love, and hurt no more. Look for Sambuca, Ranger, and Oslo at Rainbow Bridge. Winston, Wolfy, and Micah are there too. And I’m sure Stella, Mrs. Palmer, Minerva, and Millie will come visit as well – to play with you all in ways they couldn’t when confined to their beds at Cameron Glen.
I will always love you more than life itself. Until we meet at Rainbow Bridge, never to be separated again…
- Pat V. |
Emir  Emir was my best friend. We met in Tampa, Florida on a hot July day in 1993 when he was three months old. From his first days with me as an impish little pup with separation anxiety (!) to his last, as a beautiful and regal adult, he was the most sensitive, tender and loving dog I’ve ever met. He always tried to please me. Because there aren’t many Salukis around, Emir was frequently the only Saluki people had the opportunity to meet. He was a true ambassador for his breed. Emir was always tolerate of the demands placed upon him – whether it be stopping for children to pet him, accompanying me on long walks at 5:30 in the morning or adjusting to sleeping on his own bed at seven years old (instead of mine) when I married. His vet always called him a gentleman and he remained so until his death. I was a better person with him by my side.
I miss him terribly. I miss covering him with a towel hot from the dryer on cold days. I miss walking with him and being a part of that special connection to the world that only a dog can provide. I miss hearing him wake in the middle of the night to go downstairs for a drink or to finish his dinner. I miss seeing friends smile when he greeted them at the door. I miss having a reason to hurry home after work. I miss him.
Godspeed, Emir.
March 31, 1993 – January 12, 2007
- Patte
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Phat Phil  Friend and companion
Phil was an uber cool, groovy doglike cat who often would stand underneath Highway the rottie and eat her food as she ate. I miss his bizarre behaviors and his ability to take over an entire king size bed by himself.
Hippy trails and loads of small critters for you dude.
- Kevin O. |
Blondie  Blondie, our Golden Retriever, was only 5 1/2 years old when we lost her on 9/29/06. She brought us much laughter & love and taught us patience. She absolutely loved to lay outside in the sunlight. She’d roll over on her back and the sun’s rays covered her belly. If she wasn’t outside, she’d lay her chin on the windowsill and watch the squirrels. She loved to look out the windows so much that she created her own lookout through our mini blinds. Blondie and her litter mate Dagwood – Woody to his friends -- used to play together like they were monsters and snarl at each other! They’d bite each other’s legs and have a great time together. We miss our Blondie Girl -- she was the queen in our family.
We will always remember the extra care and love everyone from All Friends showed to Blondie. We knew that while in their care she was looked after by one of our extended family.
Sincerely,
Kim & Bob Teer
Springfield, VA
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Raleigh  July 29,1995 - August 2, 2006
The “SUPER SIZED" puppy who was always so eager to love and please. His trademark characteristics were his floppy left ear and his passion for holding a tennis ball in his mouth for days. So much love and joy. He truly enjoyed every minute to the fullest and was never too old or embarrassed to give daddy a big kiss. He loved everyone that cared for him. especially his dog sitter, Jean. He is now playing with his canine love and life long companion, Sasha, who preceeded him last February. He truly missed her love, guidance, and company.
YOU LEFT ME TOO EARLY R-MAN. I WILL ALWAYS LOVE AND MISS YOU!!!
Your best buddy,
Daddy
P.S. Kiss Sasha for me. |
Ladybug  Ladybug was a loving, gentle, laid back guy who adored relaxing in the sun and gazing out at the world from his perch. Although cuddling and napping were his specialties, he also enjoyed drooling, reading the newspaper, sitting inside shoeboxes, working as a personal trainer, eating treats, and visiting with his pet sitter Beth. He was a magnanimous and accommodating cat, particularly in agreeing to wear ribbons, a top hat, holiday-themed collars, and brightly colored soft paws on different occasions.
Some of his great life accomplishments were losing three pounds (and keeping it off); completing an “adventure vacation” to western NY, where he mastered running up and down stairs; becoming a knitter's apprentice; and mentoring his little sister, Sowa. L.B.’s calmness and warmth were a perfect complement to our hectic family. We love you and miss you, L.B.!
--Jen, Fran, and Sowa |
Sasha  Sasha was a wonderul dog and companion. So sweet in nature and always so loving. She will be missed and never forgotten. Sasha passed away minutes before the Super Bowl 2006. Thanks for your gestures of kindness. |
Biggie  Biggie was one of my favorite kitties to care for. Such a big and beautiful Siamese cat. I will miss him dearly.
Menda - pet sitter
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Cosmo  Our beloved Australian Shepherd, Cosmo, died yesterday after a brief battle with cutaneous lymphoma and leukemia; he was 6 1/2 years old. Cosmo was the ultimate "velcro" Aussie -- loyal, socially outgoing, and entirely devoted to "his people".
We will miss him terribly,
Christine, Olivia, and Uno |
Bambi  I adopted Bambi at the age of 8 weeks as a companion for Munchkin who was 2 years old at the time. She quickly bonded with him and was at his side every day for 13 years. Ever the princess, she loved to be pampered, but she also loved to tease Munchkin and play tag. And you'd never know she was only 7 pounds if you heard her bark from the other side of a door. Like Munchkin, she met my wife Debbie late in life, but the bond went deep. Bambi was a true lap dog.
She was heartbroken and bewildered when she lost Munchkin -- her lifelong companion -- when she was 13, but she quickly took to her new playmate --
Sugar, just a couple of months later. She lived another 2 1/2 years and was still running up and down staircases and jumping up onto furniture at the
age of 15. A serious nasal infection slowed her down a bit, but she recovered. Eventually, she lost a tough battle with inflammatory bowel disease just 2 months after her 16th birthday. She left a void that will not easily be filled.
Rest in peace, Princess.
Fred |
Sugar  When we adopted Sugar, it was a true "win-win" situation. Bambi needed a companion after Munchkin died, and Sugar needed a loving home. We adopted her at an advanced age through a poodle rescue agency and she took to us quickly. Her many health problems were evidence of the neglected background she had endured. With no medical records to rely upon, her condition gave us the only indication of her age.
A couple of veterinarians estimated her at about 12, so we knew her time with us would be short. Yet she gave us 3 of the most colorful years we could have wanted. She soothed Bambi's broken heart and became the perfect playmate for her. The two of them were inseparable.
Although she was on 6 (yes, 6) different medications per day for various ailments, most of the time you'd never know it by looking at her. And from her fanciful strut to her "full body bark," it didn't appear she even knew how sick she was at times.
Finally, only 5 months after losing Bambi, Sugar's heart and lung problems caught up with her. Despite frantic efforts to save her, she died 2 days after Christmas at the age of 15. There'll never be another like her.
Rest in peace, Scooter Pie.
Fred and Debbie |
Munchkin  When you look up "the perfect house pet" in the dictionary, you'll see Munchkin's picture. Energetic, smart, fierce when threatened, and just plain loveable, I raised him from the age of 10 weeks. He lived with me in six different cities and adapted easily each time. I married my wife Debbie when Munchkin was 13, and he quickly stole her heart.
After suffering a stroke at the age of 14, his final year and a half became a struggle, but he never complained. He just seemed to appreciate every day he spent with us and everything we did for him to make him comfortable.
I don't think he knew how much he gave back to us just by being himself. Finally, at 15 1/2, after battling several other ailments and enduring ear surgery, he lost his fight when his kidneys failed. We miss him every day.
Rest in peace, Little Guy.
Fred |
Pancho  The first impression of Pancho was usually the same, "Pancho is such a sweet dog!" Pancho certainly was sweet to all those he met - he loved people. Another comment we heard frequently over the years was "What a beautiful dog!."
Pancho also liked to go for long leash walks through the neighborhood, and he 'pranced' like a Clydesdale, with his husky tail curled up above his back and his front feet flipping on each step. His natural prance was something between a fast walk and a trot and you had to see it to appreciate it.
In his prime he was a very fast dog. When he was eight, I saw him catch a squirrel in our front yard, which I didn't think possible. After 10 years, he neither ran much nor liked playing in the water - but he remained very happy and playful and still got excited about going for walks.
He was our only dog until he was about eight and he mostly just tolerated our other two dogs when we added them to the household. He didn't care much for sharing us with two new dogs, so much of the time he ignored them.
However, when we added our third dog, a new puppy named Cisco in the summer of 2002, Pancho became much livelier and seemed to obtain a rejuvenated spirit.
Earlier this year Pancho was ecstatic and obsessed with the huge outbreak of cicadas (the 17-year brood) we had in our area. Cicadas are considered locusts, and for a few weeks at their peak we could walk out the front door and find literally hundreds of cicadas on the driveway. Each time Pancho went outdoors he went right for any on the ground and began munching away. Most animals love the taste, and every day was a feast. He would eat until we stopped him!
David |
Barney  Barney the Basset Hound
From the day Barney entered our life as an eight week old puppy he was an especially sweet dog. He loved everyone, including the neighborhood cats, foxes and other critters. Some of them weren’t so keen on him, but Barney continued to try to make friends. We knew if a burglar ever entered our home he would be welcomed also. In typical basset fashion, the Barn was no watchdog.
As a pup Barney was such a clown, always tripping on his long ears. But as he matured he became very dignified and droll looking, belying his ongoing cantankerous ways. He loved to play and constantly begged for treats. He was the neighborhood dog, with neighbors keeping stashes of bones for him and coming out to visit during his walks. He was also very stubborn and a master conniver. We could see the wheels turning in his head as he plotted how to accomplish some goal that he knew was not allowed. His ploy of sitting his 75 lb weight down in the cool green grass, digging his paws in, and refusing to get up to come home after a walk was legend among all who knew him.
Barn was a big part of our life for his almost 13 years. He had the biggest heart and left very big paw prints on ours. He will always be missed.
Barnacle Mitch Bay Sailor
May 1990 - May 2003
Jane and Bill |
Elvis  Elvis crawled onto my doorstep in Nashville, TN, Labor Day weekend 1990. He had been starved, beaten, burned, and thrown away because his loving nature would not allow him to fight. When I sat down next to him to look at his wounds that day, he placed his emaciated head on my shoulder and my heart was his.
From that day forward, Elvis was my devoted companion. Many dogs and cats have shared my life, but never a love like Elvis. His love for all creatures, his joy at being alive, and his steady companionship saw me through many rough days.
In 1999-2000 I survived an experimental stem cell transplant and the love of his mighty soul reached out to me during the 5 weeks I was hospitalized and his joy at my return home was one of the keys to my subsequent healing. I find no words to explain or describe his ability to love the world in peaceful and comfortable ease. He met no stranger and few who met him could resist his adoring nature. Truly love made manifest.
May 21, 2003 Elvis lost his battle with cancer. Once years ago he fought to live, but this time his body could do no more. Every day without him is a day of remembrance. Elvis remains a dog with few equals - one who loved many and was loved by many.
- Ginger
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Juneau  For Juneau
born summer 1986, died March 5, 2003
My Juneau was an angel with fur…
No one will ever know how I felt when I lost you.
But I want you to know that I am always thinking of you…
Your beautiful eyes, your sweet meow, our cuddling times together…
There will always be a place in my heart for my faithful friend. You never asked any questions, you passed no criticisms. I’ll always love you Juneau and miss you here with me.
Pam Ahart |
Bernie & Bianca  Maybe I was a sucker, but the minute Bernie and Bianca crawled in to my lap at the adoption center, I knew I had to take them home. This brother and sister duo were inseparable and had so much love to give -- born to be lap cats. They were young, and passed away only six months apart, but I am comforted by the thought that they are now with each other and in no more pain.
Bernie and Bianca were a blessing to me for three years. They truly were the BEST cats ever. I miss you guys.
Carly
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Jackson  For Jackson - born summer 1986, died 13 February 2003
I lost a dear friend today. His name was Jackson. Jackson was a cat - a big, fat, beautiful cat. His fur was soft and thick, prompting a colleague to repeatedly state "Jackson should be made into a hat." What a beautiful hat it would have been!!
For the last 5 years or so, I haven't seen Jackson much. He's lived with Pam - 'rescuer' of cats when my pet sitter fled the scene. My cats became Pam's. In the process, Jackson has become as dear to her as he is to me. Pam found Jackson last night on her bed, still warm but lifeless, at peace and with no signs of pain or struggle.
I will remember Jackson as a troublemaker, but mostly as a dear companion: drooling while watching Mary get ready in the morning; in ecstasy while Dana brushed him for 3 hours; Kneading Juneau so vigorously, it looked almost painful; trying to pull my cereal bowls down to him with his front paws; taking up my whole lap when he sat on me; loving to eat yogurt and tomato sauce.
I have been crying for precisely 6 hours now over the loss of Jackson and the fact that I will never see him again, feel his fur, get mad at him again, see him waiting by the door when he hears the car pull up. I've already forgotten exactly how big he was, just how soft his fur was. I'm forgetting the frustrations he caused me and am only remembering that I will never ever forget him.
Karen Marion |
George  Thank you for all the care you have given George in the past. It was a great relief knowing that he was being well cared for while I was out of town. For 13 years he's been my best buddy and I really appreciate your condolences over his passing.
He will be missed. Thanks again for caring for him.
Joe
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Buttercup  My little Buttercup. This tiny Chihuahua's heart was bigger than her actual size. Just a bundle of joy. One of my very first pups I cared for. You will always be remembered.
Pam Ahart, AFPC
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Buddy  Found as a stray puppy in the mountains, my Heinz 57 mixed breed proved to have the largest heart this side of the Mississippi. He loved everyone, especially the schoolkids who lined up along my fence every day to wait for their bus. He always had a smile and kiss for everyone, and earned his nickname of "Goofy" with his silly ways.
Beth Greenberg
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Linus and Oliver  Linus (left) and Oliver: Brothers to the end, they came to us in very similar ways. Linus arrived at our house right before Halloween, looking for a home. Oliver was an appropriate name for a starving, stray cat, who always asked for more food. We lost them just weeks apart, and will miss them always.
Judy and Ken
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Scampi  I've had cats my entire life, but Scampi truly was in a class of his own. He was a world-class traveler who literally circled the globe, flying more than 30,000 miles in his role as a Foreign Service cat and picking up a legion of admirers on three continents. We took particular delight in his habit of knocking the phone off the hook when it rang and greeting the caller with a big meow (true story). Scampi enjoyed his golden years as a senior citizen back in the United States, keeping a close eye on the squirrels and birds that abounded in our hometown of Reston.
We miss him greatly, and there is an emptiness in the house. Scampi was a cat's cat, 16 pounds in his prime and extraordinarily intelligent. To say he had a "personality" is an understatement.
We grew endeared of Scampi's peculiarities, such as his throaty meows while purring, his walking around the house with the socks he had hunted and caught, his fondness for jumping up to the sink and drinking water out of my hand, his great appetite for the basics of Italian cooking such as cheese and tomato sauce, and his unique habit of sleeping belly up on his back, four feet in the air.
Scampi now rests for the ages in a sunny spot in our backyard garden, in a small grove formed by a pine tree and beds of yellow daffodils. It is some measure of comfort to know he is so close by and in a sense still with us. He brought us the greatest joy and companionship in the 14 and a half years we shared. We could not have asked for a better cat than Scampi, and will always treasure the memory of this most extraordinary feline. Simply stated, he was the best.
Domenick and Pearl
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Koonga  Koonga came to me in August 1994, rescued from an abusive household. He was beautiful - red and white with piercing blue eyes, and was the most unhuskylike Siberian husky I've ever encountered - he didn't "talk", didn't howl, didn't even bark, unless he got REALLY excited. He was completely undemanding, just wanted love and affection, and LOTS of treats. He was my little shadow for 10 years, and followed me around the house all the time, even lying on the bathroom floor while I showered. He loved to chase his little adopted husky sister, Sheba, and could only catch her by grabbing her tail to slow her down. He loved and charmed everyone he met, and didn't have a mean bone in his whole body.
In May 2001, Koonga almost died of a massive infection in his bladder, and subsequently had surgery to fix his broken plumbing, which we think he was born with. It was then that his kidney disease was discovered, but he stuck around to charm us for three more wonderful years.
At 3:45PM on Monday, August 2, 2004, during one of the thunderstorms that he hated so much, his soul left his broken body with his Mommy by his side. Heaven needed one of its angels back, and the rain continuing through the night, mourning his loss on Earth. Fly high, my sweet angel, I'll meet you someday in the sunset.
Beth Greenberg |
Misty  Misty was dearly loved. She will be missed but never forgotten.
Passed away July 2004. |
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