The Daily Cat Tip

But she does it herself! Find out why you also need to pitch in and groom your cat
from The Cat Bible


Why do you need to groom an animal who spends a third of his or her waking hours doing that very thing? There are good reasons why your cat will benefit if you brush him or her regularly. Long-haired cats need the most help keeping their coats in tip-top condition, but even short-haired cats benefit from the strokes from your brush that stimulate the skin and help loosen the dead cells and hair.

Green and Mean!

Green and mean: House plants can be poisonous
from The Cat Bible

Cats love to dig in the earth in household potted plants - and much to your dismay you may find them using it as a litter box. But a more serious issue is that cats like to nibble on household plants, many of which are toxic to cats. The "Danger List" is so long (it's in "The Cat Bible," if you're curious) - and cats are naturally drawn to greenery - that the only way to be really safe is to make sure that you designate your potted plants as "off limits" to your cats.

Daily Cat Tip

TODAY´S TIP: HEALTH & WELLNESS

Allergens got you climbing the walls? Wipe down surfaces and walls weekly
from The Cat Bible

This might sound bizarre but it's true - you need to wash your walls if anybody in the family is allergic to cats. The airborne particles of dried saliva and dander that cats produce from self-grooming are sticky and can adhere to any surface. To clean your walls, use a damp disposable cleaning cloth - if you're opposed to using disposable materials from an environmental standpoint, then use a cloth you can rinse and wring out frequently during the cleaning process.

New item coming ...

Thought you might all be tired of all the notices I've been posting regarding the unsafe pet food that's out there. So I am starting something new here.

It will be daily cat tips from Catster. Maybe they can be of help to someone.

Enjoy.

The information provided in the following articles just appalled me when I first learned of it. My thanks to Debbie for sending the initial article that started me on to discovering this information. Buckle your seat belt before you read them, you're in for another bumpy ride.

If you thought Genetically Engineered Grains are scary ... Genetically Engineered grains have been in existence for several years, amidst many concerns from various organizations and individuals. Now, the FDA is set to approve Genetically Engineered Animals to be introduced into the food chain.
http://www.truthaboutpetfood.com/articles/145/1/If-you-thought-Genetically-Engineered-Grains-are-scary/Page1.h tml

Horrifying - Laboratory Animals rendered into Pet Food. Millions of laboratory animals are used each year to test new drugs yet to be approved by the FDA for safety. But have you ever thought about what happens to those test animals once the research is over?
http://www.truthaboutpetfood.com/articles/144/1/Horrifying--Laboratory-Animals-rendered-into-Pet-Food/Page1.html

Wishing you and your pet(s) the best,
Susan ThixtonTruth about Pet Food
Petsumer Report
http://www.truthaboutpetfood.com/

Another Mars Pet Foods recall

Another Mars Pet Foods recall announcement (10/27/08) due to Salmonella contamination. Special Kitty Cat Food sold in various states are being recalled.

http://www.truthaboutpetfood.com/articles/138/1/October-27-Mars-Petcare-Recall-Announcement/Page1.html

Susan Thixton

The Associated Press announced today (10/20/08) that some 1500 dogs have died in China due to melamine contaminated dog food.

http://www.azcentral.com/offbeat/articles/2008/10/20/20081020ChinaDogs20-ON.html

The pet food company's name was not known - but Chinese newspaper reports states the food was made by Harbin Hualong Feed Co.

After the reports of Chinese babies dying from melamine tainted formula, I wondered if - God forbid - melamine tainted products have somehow been making it into the US without any notice. Months ago I wondered if the Center for Disease Control had any statistics on kidney disease in the US, and if so, has there been an increase of kidney disease in US citizens. Thanks to one of the subscribers of this newsletter - here is the ‘rest of the story'...

Has Chinese Melamine been affecting US Citizens for years? A new report from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases states chronic kidney disease is up 30 percent in the US; consumers have to wonder if melamine contamination plays a role in the dramatic increase.

http://www.truthaboutpetfood.com/articles/129/1/Has-Chinese-Melamine-been-affecting-US-Citizens-for-years/Page1.html

Wishing you and your pet(s) the best,
Susan ThixtonTruth about Pet FoodPetsumer Report
http://www.truthaboutpetfood.com/

More News

Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome, aka Dog Alzeheimer's
The FDA has approved a drug to treat the ‘syndrome' in dogs, but should you wish to forego medication, here are a few suggestions from my own experience.
http://www.truthaboutpetfood.com/articles/133/1/Canine-Cognitive-Dysfunction-Syndrome-aka-Dog-Alzheimers/Page1.html

FDA HypocrisiesThe FDA jus t never ceases to amaze. For anyone that can read between the lines, it's very apparent who the FDA takes care of...and it's not U.S. citizens.
http://www.truthaboutpetfood.com/articles/132/1/FDA-Hypocrisies/Page1.html

More Melamine NewsIt's very heartbreaking and very scientific, however for those who wish to read it, here is a toxicology report published by The Proctor & Gamble company scientists regarding the melamine/cyanuric acid in pet food last year.
http://whattoeatbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/datson2008.pdf

The Philippines Bureau of Customs began yesterday (10/24/08) - testing all importations of pet food and animal feed from China; as well as testing milk and dairy products, and meat imported from China. This action by the Philippine Government is in response to the many recent products that have been discovered to contain melamine, including baby formula in China.
The Philippines is holding all products from sale, until they have been tested clean of melamine. So far, six mil products were found to contain "alarming levels of melamine."
How unfortunate for U.S. citizens that the FDA will not take the same action and test every single Chinese imported drug, food, pet food, or ingredient. Currently, the FDA inspects only 1% to 3% of all food and drug imports into the United States.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/oct/25/yehey/top_stories/20081025top4.html
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/129247/Customs-alerted-vs-pet-food-feeds-from-China

Please be careful.Wishing you and your pet(s) the best,
Susan ThixtonTruth about Pet FoodPetsumer Report
http://www.truthaboutpetfood.com/

Rainbow Bridge

Rainbow Bridge Performed by Emi Fujita (Original Lyrics)


Do you know now that I must be going
To a place full of happy memories?
In an emerald meadow by a Rainbow Bridge
You can hear heaven's anthem on the breeze


Well, a heavenly light falls around me
In a twinkling my youth has been restored
Over green hills and valleys once again I roam free
Like the days when on eagle's wing we soared


I'm surrounded by many companions
And together we pass our pleasant days
Every need is provided, there is nothing I lack
Save for you to whose memory my heart strays


When you're heaven-bound
There's a place you pass through
Called the Rainbow Bridge,
I'll be waiting there for you

Yes, I'll be waiting for you

With a heart that's tried and true
Till the day I can feel , once again,
Your arms around me

Fare thee well now for I must be going

Dry your tears, no you must not cry for me
Till the day that we meet again at long journey's end
At the Rainbow Bridge, You know that's where I'll be

At the Rainbow Bridge This heart waits faithfully


http://www.imeem.com/ufocrew/music/_fRHWxNc/emi_fujita_rainbow_bridge/

Since we're all buddies at the Bridge ...

I wouldn't want to forget my doggie friends and their furparents so here's one for all those who love dogs as much as my Mom loves me.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- October 20, 2008 -- The Hartz Mountain Corporation, Secaucus, NJ is voluntarily recalling one specific lot of Hartz Chicken-Basted Rawhide Chips due to concerns that one or more bags within the lot are potentially contaminated with Salmonella. Hartz is fully cooperating with the US Food and Drug Administration in this voluntary recall.
Salmonella can cause serious infections in dogs, and, if there is cross-contamination caused by handling of the rawhide chips, in people as well, especially children, the aged, and people with compromised immune systems. Healthy people potentially infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. On rare occasions, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irrita tion, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.
Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Animals can be carriers with no visible symptoms and can potentially infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
The product involved is 4,850 - 2 pound plastic bags of Hartz Chicken-Basted Rawhide Chips, lot code JC23282, UPC number 3270096463 which were distributed to a national retail customer. While the normal testing that Hartz conducts through an independent outside laboratory did not detect the presence of Salmonella in any Hartz rawhide products, sample testing conducted by another laboratory did indicate the presence of the bacteria in a sample bag of the Chicken-Basted Rawhide Chips. Hartz is aggressively investigating the difference in test results and the potential source of the problem.
Although Hartz has not received any reports of animals or humans becoming ill as a result of coming into contact with this product, Hartz is taking immediate steps to remove the product from all retail stores and distribution centers. Dog owners who purchased this product should check the lot code on their bag, and, if the code is not visible, or if the bag has lot code JC23282 imprinted thereon, they should immediately discontinue use of the product and discard it in a proper manner.
Consumers can contact Hartz at 1-800-275-1414 with any questions they may have and to obtain reimbursement for purchased product.
Wishing you and your pet the best,
Susan ThixtonTruth about Pet FoodPetsumer Reporthttp://www.truthaboutpetfood.com/

More Melamine Tainted Milk Products Recalled

More Melamine Tainted Milk Products Recalled
By Susan Thixton
Published 10/14/2008

When will melamine ever go away? The FDA announced (October 10, 2008) the recall of YILI Brand Sour Milk Drink because it may be contaminated with melamine. YILI Brand Sour Milk Drink was distributed to New York City through Asian retail grocery stores.

The number two rated word on the anxiety scale for pet owners is melamine (number one would be recall). And now that melamine is being discovered in products from baby formulas to coffee creams, you wonder what’s next. Please be careful with every product you provide your pet – avoid foods and treats that contain glutens and soy and rice proteins. These ingredients are most likely to be Asian sourced and could be contaminated with melamine.

Melamine aside for a moment, on this recent recall announcement from the FDA, a bold red font message was posted at the top of the release. “FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.” We have no idea what action prompted the FDA to add this statement to recall announcements.

Even though I try not to, I guess I have somewhat of a bad attitude when it comes to the FDA. People products aside and looking at just one pet food issue, for the FDA to decide it is safe for our pets to eat a euthanized animal – and the drug used to euthanize the animal, I cannot have a good attitude about them. I hope I am wrong about this, but the only thing I can assume is that somewhere along the line, some company or organization has ‘encouraged’ the FDA to allow pet food to become the dumping ground for products that would otherwise be considered waste. Nothing else makes sense or adds up to be a plausible reason.
Back in the spring of 2008, as I watched the FDA’s pet food safety meeting, I saw no concern or worry on the faces of FDA and CVM (Center for Veterinary Management) executives. There was no air of ‘we really need to get this fixed to prevent another deadly recall’. In fact, quite the opposite was obvious. It was casual and relaxed, almost fun; unlike the feelings of millions of U.S. pet owners. This meeting, that pet owners waited a year for – hoping that finally the FDA would step up and take control of the foods provided to our pets, lasted only 90 minutes and the ONLY one there that showed any concern about our pets was Mike Floyd of DefendOurPets.org. The officers of the FDA and the CVM acted like it was just another meeting, just another day. Talk to any pet owner, their dog or cat is not ‘just another pet’. If only the FDA, CVM and AAFCO would understand this. Our pets are not a profit source for big corporations, they are our family.

Be careful out there!

Wishing you and your pet the best,

Susan Thixton
Truth about Pet Food
Petsumer Report
www.TruthaboutPetFood.com

FDA Ignores Pet Food Safety Deadline

The FDA Amendments Act (FDAAA) was signed into law last year requiring the FDA to make improvements on food safety for people and pets. The first deadline required by the Amendments Act law, requiring an Early Warning and Notification System during a pet food recall, has come and gone seemingly ignored by the FDA. If the FDA can ignore the law, where does that leave 74 million US pet owners?

On September 27, 2007, President Bush signed into law the FDA Amendments Act, known as FDAAA. Section 1002(b) of FDAAA required the FDA to develop “Early Warning Surveillance Systems and Notification During Pet Food Recalls”. The deadline for these pet food safety measures was clearly stated; “Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish an early warning and surveillance system to identify adulteration of the pet food supply and outbreaks of illness associated with pet food.” The deadline for this to be completed was September 27, 2008. The FDA has not developed a pet food surveillance system or recall notification system; but they are working on it.

On May 14, 2008, four months before the deadline to complete the pet food surveillance and recall notification system, the FDA held the 5th Animal Feed Safety System Public Meeting in Gaithersburg, Maryland. One would think that during this meeting, the FDA would have been feverishly working out the final details of the mandated pet food recall notification system. However, quite the opposite happened. Eight months into the one year deadline, the FDA Animal Feed Safety System meeting merely re-stated what needed to be accomplished and highlighted existing gaps in existing programs. http://www.fda.gov/cvm/AFSS051408Welcome.htm

Still ‘working on’ the mandated pet food safety reform, the FDA provided pet owners with “Update #5” in August 2008 (one month before the deadline). This update from the FDA brags about a few speeches given by the FDA; a 50 state meeting on food protection held in August 2008; and a reminder of a formerly discussed FDA 3rd party certification program for Food and Feeds safety. There was no mention in the FDA update regarding the upcoming deadline for a pet food surveillance system or pet food recall notification system. http://www.fda.gov/cvm/AFSSprojplan5.htm

As of mid October 2008, there is no updated information on the FDA’s website regarding Section 1002(b) of FDAAA – the early warning system and notification system of a pet food recall.

The deadline – September 27, 2008 – has passed. The FDA has accomplished little to nothing in the year since Congress developed the Amendments Act and the President signed it into law. Please contact your Congressman and urge them to hold the FDA accountable for ignoring the FDAAA mandated deadline. Pet owners and all consumers cannot afford for the FDA to ignore the law.

Wishing you and your pet the best,

Susan Thixton
Truth about Pet Food
Petsumer Report
www.TruthaboutPetFood.com

Why are we a society of 'After the Fact?'

Why do humans not learn valuable lessons until after the fact? I can’t point any fingers, because it happened to me too. But, I just don’t understand it. After a pet gets sick or dies, a pet owner learns about inferior and/or risky ingredients in their pet’s food and only then makes changes. But it’s ‘after the fact’ – after a pet gets sick or dies. Why does it have to happen this way?

Very recently I was talking to someone who was very knowledgeable in organic ‘people’ food, yet she fed her dog what I consider to be a very inferior pet food. When I made a slight suggestion (and I really mean slight suggestion) that she should consider changing dog foods, I heard the same response I’ve heard many times before…”We’re doing fine with it.” I once thought I was ‘doing fine’ too. And then my dog died at eight years old from bone cancer my vet told me was caused from the chemical preservatives in her food; I wasn’t doing fine anymore.

Is it that we are hard headed, and once we get comfortable with something we just don’t want to hear anything bad about our comfortable place? Or is it that it takes hard lessons for us to learn? The following shares some further insight…

"What's the secret of your success?" the teacher asked.

"Two words," the principal replied.

"And what are they?" asked the teacher.

"Right decisions."

But how do you make right decisions?" the teacher queried.

"One word," the principal responded.

"And what is that?"

Experience.

"And how do you get experience?" asked the teacher.

"Two words," replied the principal.

"And what are they?

"Wrong decisions."

We all make those ‘wrong decisions’. But the question still remains, why does it take a hard learned ‘wrong decision’ in order for pet owners (myself included) to learn what pet foods to avoid? Years ago I owned a pet boarding and training facility in Louisville, KY. A contractor I had hired walked out on me before the job was finished with $3,500.00 of my money in his pocket. Which ended up costing me another $3,500.00 to hire someone else to finish his mess; a $7,000.00 ‘wrong decision’. Even though I wasn’t a happy camper about my expensive lesson, my father added to my education sharing some advice I’ve never forgotten …’well, you’re learning who NOT to do business with’.

It is such a shame that so many pet owners have to learn the hard way who ‘NOT to do business with’ in regards to pet foods. There are folks out in the world who have learned their hard lessons and work to prevent others from learning the same way. From natural and holistic pet food store owners to bloggers and to website owners like myself, my guess would be many started their business specifically because of the pain they felt learning that hard lesson and they truly want to prevent others from making the same mistakes.

Which leads me to what I think is a possible explanation of ‘doing fine with it’. We have all been exposed – over exposed – to people and businesses that sell us on something and then later we discover it was only to line their pockets with money. We’ve all been burned far too many times. We’ve become jaded, and tend not to believe anyone about anything. Because we’ve believed in so many different people and products, and had the rug pulled out from under us so many different times, and every time fell painfully on our #$% without any warning … now we tend to want to learn things the hard way. Bummer.

If you’re still with me – still reading this – here’s what I think we can do. For starters, once you find someone or something that you’ve found to be quality – if it doesn’t hurt the environment, or damage anyone’s person or pet, tell other people about it. Ok, yes, at first some might still have that jaded attitude and not listen. But just imagine … if after some time of being told about good things – products and people that can benefit your life, maybe as a whole we would begin to shift to becoming more open and less having to learn those hard lessons. Then, the people and companies that really are mindful of your health, your pet’s health, our environment, and so on – those companies could earn more money, produce more ‘good’ products or services and the whole thing can just keep right on rolling!

I firmly believe that the many profit minded companies out there are counting on we will continue to be jaded and will want to learn things the hard way. They count on those folks ‘doing fine with it’. With pet food, they count on their tremendous advertising dollars keeping the media quiet and count on their lobbing efforts keeping the laws the same, protecting them and hindering the quality minded manufacturers. They count on nothing will change. Actually if you think about it, absolutely nothing has changed since the deadly recall last year. Chinese imports continue to be tainted, continue to lack inspections by the FDA, and pet owners continue to buy pet foods whose label does not tell them country of origin of ingredients.

And then with the most recent recall from Mars Pet Care due to Salmonella contamination; as with the many Salmonella recalls in recent years, absolutely nothing has changed either. The FDA has not required – through law – pet food manufacturers to properly disinfect pet food manufacturing equipment in between batches or runs. One ingredient in batch one could be contaminated, and if the equipment is not properly cleaned and disinfected, batch two, and batch three, and so on can become contaminated and the result can be hundreds of illnesses and deaths. We can’t count on the FDA to suddenly ‘get it’ and we can’t count on profit minded companies will suddenly have a change of heart (or that they even have a heart). But we CAN count on those we trust. Once you find those products or services you trust, please, make an effort to help those companies; tell others about what you’ve discovered. Who would you rather give your money to? A quality minded person or company, or a profit minded person or company? It’s up to us to help build the quality minded companies into power houses they deserve to be. I am all for any business that produces a quality product; those that earn money ethically, honestly and without deception. Those guys should all be millionaires. Because when they do make it – they invest in other ethical companies and projects and everyone benefits. Start sharing with your family and friends about the ‘good’ stuff you come across, if only the quality minded companies begin to get support, the impact on the entire world could be tremendous.

Wishing you and your pets the best,
Susan Thixton

Truth About Pet FoodPetsumer Report

http://www.TruthAboutPetFood.com

Articles Coming ...

Tasha ... even though I let you know what's going on, you probably already know it before it happens.

I get the newletters from Susan with all information about pet food, recalls, etc. and just had the idea that I should start posting them on here. I know I (along with alot of people in this world) fed you what I thought was a great food and while I refuse to think that this eventually contributed to your death, I can't help but feel that just maybe ...

I tell your dad not to dwell on the fact that maybe, just maybe, something was in the soil/grass of our yard that you so lovingly rolled around in every day (there have been others living here before us and who knows?). This was the first yard you ever had that you could do that safely enclosed so that nothing would happen to you.

We choose to believe that it was your time ... after all, you were almost 14 and that's quite a long life.

So I will start posting some of the articles I get in my emails and maybe, just maybe, they will give people "food for thought".

We love you always!

Mom & Dad

It's been awhile ...

since I've come here to post to you. You know that doesn't mean I've forgotten about you at all ... you are still the queen and will always be. Old man Tux and young whippersnapper Max can never take your place ... you are unforgettable.

You already know the ones we have lost as they're busy making friends and playing like they were young ones again.

Max and Tux are being their selves ... getting along quite well. But you know this. If you have a minute, find Axel and tell him that his Mom, Joyce, needs him. I was supposed to keep a check on her but you know how time is ... gets away from you. She's hanging in there though but misses him so much.

Don't know what's up with Sharisse. Last time we talked she didn't want to borrow my cell and now she had her phone disconnected. What's up with that? I guess I'll hear eventually ...

I have heard Moms say "I'd rather have a boy than a girl ... boys are easier". Never understood until now. Jason's up in Utah doing well (or so he says) and he's getting my peanut butter cookies/money every so often but Sharisse? It's hard when they get married ... who coined the phrase "you're not losing a daughter, you're gaining a son"? Bunch of BS if you ask me. And God only knows where Alicia is with her kids. Yes ... boys are easier. Now I know what those women meant.

Guess I'll just put some money away as she will call eventually and let me know what's up. Wish I knew how her cat Tyson was though ... and what the vet said about his paw if she took him afterall.

Love you bunches past, present and future.

Mom.

Something for you, Mom and Dad

Remember Our Love

I was chosen that day
I've learned how to fly
Allah took me away,
but please don't you cry

And I chose you that day
to try and be strong
so please don't you cry
and don't say that I'm gone

When you're feeling alone
just remember our love,
I'm up near the stars
looking down from above.

Remember our love
In a moment you'll see
that I'm still here beside you
when you're thinking of me.

Why we got a new furbaby ...

For those who ask or think we are "forgetting" our beloved pet ...
Gabby posted this today and I felt I had to put it here. Tasha already knows why we have two new furbabies and while I'm not sure she sent Tux, I know for sure she sent Max to us as she picked his name. I especially like this one line: Rescue me not to replace one you've lost but to sooth your spirit. I will cherish you.

Rescue Me ----------

Rescue me not only with your hands but with your heart as well. I will respond to you.

Rescue me not out of pity but out of love. I will love you back.

Rescue me not with self-righteousness but with compassion. I will learn what you teach.

Rescue me not because of my past but because of my future. I will relax and enjoy.

Rescue me not simply to save me but to give me a new life. I will appreciate your gift.

Rescue me not only with a firm hand but with tolerance and patience. I will please you.

Rescue me not only because of who I am but who I'm to become. I will grow and mature.

Rescue me not to revere yourself to others but because you want me. I will never let you down.

Rescue me not with a hidden agenda but with a desire to teach me to trust. I will be loyal and true.

Rescue me not to be chained or to fight but to be your companion. I will stand by your side.

Rescue me not to replace one you've lost but to sooth your spirit. I will cherish you.

Rescue me not to be your pet but to be your friend. I will give you unconditional love.

Rescue me with true love in your heart and I will give you these things all the days of my life.

By now ,,,

you have met Shakka. I know everyone at the Bridge was waiting for him and gave him a major welcome.

Please, once Shakka is settled in, remind him to send a sign to Gabby and Mahm? They are hurting so badly right now.

Let him know we all "miss" him as we have come to love him almost as much as his Mommy and Daddy. His Mommy was kind enough to let all of us at the forum get to "know" him and see him.

We love you, Tasha! That will never change, Sweetie!!!

Your Wings!

Aren't you the pretty one??? Who's my bestest pretty baby? Tasha's my bestest pretty baby!!!

Aren't Gabby and Mahm wonderful? And such talent? They made you such pretty wings, a halo, a rainbow, wonderful clouds and a gorgeous sky!!! Their talent is a true gift from God!!!

Enjoy your wings, baby ... fly along with all the other furbabies ... fly down to your Mom and Dad and visit!!!

We love you.

You are a devil, you are!

Are you dancing around up there patting yourself on the back for saving another furbaby? I bet you're strutting around just as pleased as punch and telling everyone what a great job you did!!!

Even though his name is Joker ... I'm not sure I'm going to keep it. But since I'm no good with names and I haven't heard any ideas from you yet, it just might stay.

He's in hiding right now but I'm sure when he comes out it will be very interesting to see how him and Max get along.

Love you, baby (and getting your dad to agree wasn't as hard as I thought it would be LOL).

Jason's home!

It's nice to have him here again, isn't it? I think he's ok with you being gone but with Jason, one never knows. Could you visit him? I think he would like that. Let him know about the bridge and how happy and young again you are.

I've copied over something that was posted on the forum:

Words from the Departed (Saint Augustine)

"Death is nothing,
It is as if I were in the room nearby.
It is me, it is you,
What we were for each other will remain.

Call me as you were used to,
Talk to me as you always did,
Do not use a different tone,
Do not be sad or solemn,

Keep laughing at all the things that made us laugh.
Pray, smile, think of me, pray with me,
I want my name to be said at home,
As it always was,
Without emphasis, without traces of a shadow.

Life means all it ever meant,
It is what it always was : the bound is not broken.
Why would you not think of me?
Just because you cannot see me?

I am not far away,
I am at the other side of the path …
See, everything falls into its place …

Do not cry if you love me,
If you only knew the gift of God and what Heaven is!
If you only could hear from here the singing of the Angels,
And see me among them!

If you only could see the eternal horizons and hear the eternal songs,
The new paths I am walking on!
If you only could, just for a moment, contemplate the true Beauty,
At whose side others seem to fade!

What? You did see me, loved me in the kingdom of shadows,
And you think that you could never see me again, love me again,
In the Kingdom of Reality?
Believe me, when death comes to break what ties you to,

As it did before with me, and when, the day only God knows about,
Your soul will reunite with mine in Heaven,
This day, you will feel again all that tenderness that died.
Dry your tears and do not cry if you love me,
Because I am at the other side of the mirror”.

Jason's coming home!

Well, Jason will be home soon. He's on a 2 1/2 week break from Job Corps. He just called and he's in Modesto. The boy called me at 6:45 this morning to let me know he was at the LA airport!!! Can you imagine???? Waking me up for that????? LOL

I still haven't told him about you passing over the bridge. I didn't think he could handle it with the school work and all the other stuff he had to deal with (he loves you so much) but now he will find out. He'll come in thinking you are here and he'll find Max. I know Max will worm his way into his heart and Jason will love him as he loves you. If there's any problems, I will send him to the forum for support.

And he has a girl friend! Sounds like this one might be the one (or maybe he's just grown up?) ... he has grown up.

Will keep you posted.

I've attached something that Sol just posted this morning.

We love you!!!!! Still crying also.

Mom & Dad

With love, Sol from Spain

Words from the Departed (Saint Augustine)

"Death is nothing,
It is as if I were in the room nearby.
It is me, it is you,
What we were for each other will remain.

Call me as you were used to, Talk to me as you always did,
Do not use a different tone,
Do not be sad or solemn,
Keep laughing at all the things that made us laugh.

Pray, smile, think of me, pray with me,
I want my name to be said at home,
As it always was,
Without emphasis, without traces of a shadow.

Life means all it ever meant,
It is what it always was : the bound is not broken.
Why would you not think of me?
Just because you cannot see me?

I am not far away,
I am at the other side of the path …
See, everything falls into its place …
Do not cry if you love me, I

f you only knew the gift of God and what Heaven is!
If you only could hear from here the singing of the Angels,
And see me among them!
If you only could see the eternal horizons and hear the eternal songs,

The new paths I am walking on!
If you only could, just for a moment, contemplate the true Beauty,
At whose side others seem to fade!
What? You did see me, loved me in the kingdom of shadows,

And you think that you could never see me again, love me again,
In the Kingdom of Reality?
Believe me, when death comes to break what ties you to,
As it did before with me, and when, the day only God knows about,

Your soul will reunite with mine in Heaven,
This day, you will feel again all that tenderness that died.
Dry your tears and do not cry if you love me,
Because I am at the other side of the mirror".

Sad lately

Not sure why I've been so sad these past few days. Maybe it's due to the fact that on the 8th it was 3 months since you left us. Or maybe it's because Sharisse and I had a "falling out"? I know I'm always sad over that but we talked on Sat., the 7th for a bit when I told her I had the money she needed for rent. She tried to pull that "oh that's ok ... you don't have to ... I know you probably need it for something". What the heck? She's the one who needed it so desparately ... oh well. Haven't talked to her since ... hope she's ok. Or maybe it's just a combination of things? Haven't figured out the specifics and I probably won't ever know exactly why. But the reasons aren't that important I guess. Just rambling. Shasta's mom is still having a hard time. I've been trying to help but I'm not a professional.

But Jason's coming home the end of this month! And I'm really looking forward to it. I spent more at the store than I wanted but he's asked for "special" foods; i.e., peanut butter cookies, spaghetti, and deviled eggs. Says no one can beat Mom's cooking! LOL

Well, I'll let you go ... I know you're busy playing with the other furbabies and probably getting ready to sleep as I know you've had a busy, funfilled day.

Mommy and Daddy love you so much!!!

On your 3 month marker

Tasha, this one's for you my sweet baby. Mommy and Daddy love you so much and you will remain in our hearts and memories forever ... you are truly irreplaceable!

They're a very special gift to be cherished and loved
You're chosen for each other by God Himself above
It's a match made in heaven so it can't be wrong
You're tied together by a bond that's oh so strong

All they'll ever ask from you is to be loved and fed
And at night make sure they have, fresh water, and a bed
In return for so little the rewards are so great
You'll get a companion for life with some very special traits

When you are lost and the end seems so far away
They'll walk by your side they'll help you find your way
When life gets you down they can put a smile on your face
As they run you in circles with their fast pace

You'll share the good with the bad; you'll be happy and sad
And through it all you have a friend; the best you ever had
You're time together will be special and unique
It will be as priceless to you as a rare antique

Then before you know it the day will arrive
When suddenly your lifetakes a steep dive
The furry friend who's been with you for all of these years
Has now passed on and left you in tears

As you sit and wonder "what did I do?"
Why is this all happening to you?
Into each of our lives a little rain must fall
And you must be strong to answer the call

Your little one's spirit has flown home on the wings of a dove
To a special place that awaits them in heaven above
St. Francis will meet them when they get home
He will take them to a meadow where they're free to roam

There in the meadows down by the pond
Your furry friend will remember his loving bond
He'll look into the water, then you apppear
He can see you're frightened; he can feel your fear

Through the bond that still ties you from heaven above
He looks down upon you; he sends you his love
Because you loved him and because you care
Whenever you need him he'll always be there

There in the meadows they patiently wait for the day
When you will celebrate your life together; each and everyday
Waiting for that day when you come walking back home
When together for an eternity through the meadows you'll roam.

Author Unknown

The end of another month

GOOD NIGHT DEAR FRIEND

The time has come for you to take a journey of your own,
And I must see through all my tears that God has called you home.
Through sadness fills my heart today and many days to come,
I know that you are now at rest in God's eternal love.

You were to me much more than friend of any human kind,
The joy and happiness we shared was more than most will find.

A special place within my heart for you will always be,
A place of joy and love for you, in sweet fond memory,
Perhaps that place within my heart that is for you today,
Will one day grow to fill my heart and take my grief away.

author unknown

Well, Tasha ... another month that you are no longer here. Time is going by so fast but it seems like only yesterday you were still with us. I can't believe that in a week's time you will have been gone 3 months. I know you are just waiting until mom and dad get around to joining you at the Bridge and we will be there when it's our time.

We still miss you ... I know that you're saying "and how could you not?" as you were our whole life. Max is doing his job in keeping us busy with his antics ... he's still a child and is acting like one. LOL

You have a good day playing with all your friends up there. And tell Shasta to send his mommy a special sign. Can you do that for me?

Love,
Mom & Dad

What a great idea!!!

Oh Tasha ... what a lucky furbaby you are!!! Ginny has added a photo album option to the residency pages of all of your friends!!! All of us parents are simply thrilled with what she's done for all the furbabies!!

Now everyone can see all the pictures I have of you and the other furbabies!!!
Spread the word so all your friends can send signs to their parents on this new addition???

We love you ... will always love you ... and will never forget you ... until we all meet again ...

Love,
Mom and Dad

A poem from a friend

I'm putting this lovely poem here as I know people come visit and I thought maybe others would enjoy it. It is a tear jerker (for me anyways). All your feelings about "should I do it now?" or "should I wait?" are perfectly normal.

I was going to talk to you about our troll but you already know everything that happened so I have decided not to go into the details. If her furbaby is really over the Bridge, say "hi" for me. You know which one I'm talking about.

MAY I GO NOW?

May I go now?
Do you think the time is right?
May I say goodbye to pain filled days
and endless lonely nights?

I've lived my life and done my best,
an example tried to be.
So can I take that step beyond
and set my spirit free?

I didn't want to go at first,
I fought with all my might.
But something seems to draw me now,
to a warm and loving light.

I want to go, I really do.
It's difficult to stay.
But I will try as best I can
to live just one more day.

To give you time to care for me
and share your love and fears.
I know you’re sad and afraid,
because I see your tears.

I'll not be far, I promise that,
and hope you'll always know
that my spirit will be close to you
wherever you may go.

Thank you so for loving me.
You know I love you too.
That's why it's hard to say good-bye
and end this life with you.

So hold me now just one more time
and let me hear you say,
because you care so much for me,
you'll let me go today.

Author Susan A. Jackson

Thought I'd pass this one one

This was posted from a dear friend and I just thought there might be someone out there who has lost a furbaby and could "use" it at this time. Here's what she posted:

Dear Forum Moms, I received this on Mother's Day, 2004, just 12 weeks after losing my Buddy. It helped me then, and I hope it will help someone else now. Happy Mother's Day to everyone who has ever been a mom to a best friend. Susie ~~~~~

MOTHER’S DAY MESSAGE FROM THE BRIDGE:

Hi Moms We had to take time out from my busy day to wish you a very happy mothers day. Even though we are not with you, we really are. We are never far from your side no matter where you go. You see our spirit lives on in your heart and in your memories of me. We see everything you do and we watch over you day and night. We love you so very much. We know how hard it was for you when we had to leave, but we had to go. Our time on earth was complete and God was calling us home again. We were sent to you for a reason, I know the reason, God knows the reason, but maybe at this point in time you don’t quite understand why we where taken from you and now we are gone. In time you will know. We promise. Some of us were old and tired and had to travel the Bridge so we could be young and with out pain once more. Surely you did not want us to suffer any longer. Some of our moms had to make the decision to bring us to the vet and help us cross the bridge. Please believe us you did nothing wrong. We thank you for this gift that you and the doctors have to end our sufferings and to bring us to peace in God’s glorious Heaven. Some of us had accidents that took us from you abruptly. But we did not suffer. We were lovingly brought to heaven by beautiful angels. It is so beautiful here we never want to leave. Not that we do not love you, but you will see when you get here what we are talking about. Some of us were young, but our time was spent on earth. We had to go Moms, it was not our choice but God’s. Remember we are all God’s creatures and when He called us home we had to leave you. Please do not cry for us, be happy that we are happy. It is a glorious place, we promise. We are cared for and loved so much. Everyone gets along great and we all gather round when a new fur baby comes to us. We show them the way and help them adjust to it up here. Well, Moms, we need to go now, but remember we love you so very much and we are always at your side. So when you need to talk to us, look upward into the sky and we will be smiling down on you. We are always with you, Love forever, Your Precious Furchildren ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ =^..^= =^..^= Susie Squillions =^..^= =^..^= Tabbytown Momcat “Heaven and earth are threads from one loom.” ~ Shaker Proverb Please visit Buddy’s RainbowsBridge residency: http://www.rainbowsbridge.com/residents/Buddy128/resident.HTM

Can you find her?

Oh Tasha ... we, at the forum, received very sad news today. It seems that
Rose, one of our "friends" could not find a reason to continue her life without her precious furbaby Sam who left for the bridge February 21st. I know you must have met Sam by now. He crossed the bridge the same time TT did. Were you with everyone when they welcomed Rose as she crossed the bridge?

Did you see your dad the other night? He was watching you playing with your friend in his dream. He saw the green grass and pretty flowers and told me you were having so much fun running and chasing your buddy!

Play nice, Tasha! Have fun. Enjoy yourself ... we miss you so much. And we still cry for our loss.

Love,
Mom

Your poor brother!

Well, Tasha ... as you probably already know, today's the day your brother, Max is having that "procedure" done. I know you and the other furbabies at the Bridge are looking down on the doctor who is performing said procedure and making sure everything goes well.

We still miss you ... you are one in a million, Sweetie!!!

It's still so hard. Remind all your friends to send hugs/kisses to their mommies and daddies. And tell Shasta the ferret to stop what she's doing and send a message to her mommy, Catherine!!! She is missing her baby so much and I'm worried about her. There are so many humans hurting on the forum ... please gather the newcomers together (or get the head Man involved) and help them send signs to their furparents like you did for Dad and me.

Love you forever!!!

Mom

Death is nothing at all

Death is nothing at all.
I have only slipped away into the next room.
I am I, and you are you.
Whatever we were to each other, that we still are.
Call me by my old familiar name, speak to me in the easy way which you always used.
Put no difference in your tone, wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together.
Pray, smile, think of me, pray for me.
Let my name be the household word that it always was.
Let it be spoken without effect, without a trace of a shadow on it.
Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was; there is unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?
I am waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just around the corner.

All is well!

~ Kevin Mayhew

Happy Birthday Tasha!!!

Happy Birthday, my Sweet Tashi!!!

Today you are 14 years old. We miss you so much. Max was laying on my desk while I was typing and he needed hugs as I've been at work all day. He was asleep when I left this morning. As I was snuggling him, I glanced up at your picture which sits there and the tears started once again.

I wouldn't trade those years with you for anything.

Enjoy all the cake and ice cream over the Bridge and play nicely with all your friends.

Love,
Mom and Dad

Settling in

Tashi, as you know, Max is settling in and "marking" Dad's bags. LOL
Since you never did that sort of thing (you are a lady in the true sense of the word) I was starting to be concerned. But when I went to the shelter today to pay for Max and set up his appointment to be "fixed" (don't want him to contribute to the overpopulation of furbabies in this town if he ever gets out), I asked Melinda about it.

I told her it was your Dad's bags he tends to leave around the house (you know how he is LOL) and she said it was that territorial thing going on. Max is smelling all the odors Dad brings in with him so Max is putting his mark on anything that may go back out with Dad so that everyone will know Max has prior claim. Guess that saves him and he won't have to "pack his bags and get out" as I like to tell him. LOL

The biting has stopped ... yes, I did yell at him over it and I am not sorry as the bite hurts. Dad still says it's a sign of love and he doesn't "know his own strength" type of thing.

And I also cut his nails. He was quite good during that ... not as squirmy as you were, my love.

I know Dad said "no more pets" but you also know there are many furbabies out there who need a forever home and Max has wormed his way into Dad's heart. But you also know that no one will ever replace you!!! I sit here at the computer and look at your picture. You are still our Tashi! We will never forget you.

Oh, could you be a sweetie and get on Shasta's case about easing her mommy's pain? I'm quite worried about her.

Let me let you go, sweetie. I will talk to you soon.

Love,
Mommy

Max is here

Well, Tasha ... you did it this time. LOL

Picked up Max and he's here sleeping on the bed. I swear he's taking up the whole bed (remember how Dad used to get upset while I was away in Reno that time and complained about you "taking up the whole bed!"). Well, I think Max is longer than you and he does take up the whole bed when laying from side to side. Did you do that so I'd know what Dad meant??? Hmmmmm ..........

Dad will go sign the papers on Wednesday and he will officially be ours. Wasn't that nice of Laurel to "trust me" to do the adoption on Wednesday and not today? You knew his time at the shelter was drawing to an end ... I know you sent her a message. Thank you, Sweetheart!!!

Dad feels like Paul McCartney. He never agreed with Paul getting married again after Linda passed on. But never fear ... you will never be replaced in our hearts. How could you??? You are one of a kind.

We will always love you. Now we'll show love to Max ... I know he was someone's pet .. he's so friendly and has already claimed his spot in the bedroom window.

Watch out for Midnight, Kate's dog, who's coming next weekend. It's his time and I know it must be scary for the newcomers.

Take care, get some sleep, and remember ...

We will always love you!

I got your message

Oh Tasha ... looks like we're on the way to saving a furbaby (but you already know about that).

For anyone reading this entry I will go into a little detail so you'll understand that there are indeed signs from our loved ones.

You can read about the visit my first husband paid me in my post entitled "I'm as sure as I can be" of several days ago. Now about this most recent sign ...

I had been looking at a pic of a tabby that my friend posted. The tabby is at our shelter and he's running out of time. I put his pic away til the next day when I called the lady who runs the shelter and left a message. Next day called her again and left another message saying I wanted that cat ... he is a handsome fellow. Went to bed that night and when I woke up the next day, I had this thought in my head that "his name is Max". I am no good with names. I envy people who can come up with a really great name for a cat/dog or whatever but I've never been able to do that. I think I named my cat after my daughter's girlfriend ... I don't remember.

So is this a sign? I definately think so. You be the judge.

Finally

Hey there my sweet! Guess what??? But I bet you know already, don't you?

I finally got your Dad to mow the grass and then we planted the Camellia I bought you. I will be sure to keep you updated on it's progress.

Keep an eye on the newcomers? They will be so afraid and probably not know what's going on. You and the "veterans" need to take care of them.

Good night, Tasha. Mommy and Daddy love you so much!!!

Just another day

Afternoon, my baby! I'm getting ready for work and thought I'd drop by to say "hi". I'm at the pet loss forum every day (sometimes several times a day) and there are new losses each day. Luckily we have the Rainbow Bridge site to comfort and support those of us who need it.

I am getting better each day. At least now when I go my favorite site with my other "family" I can post responses. I couldn't do that before so I know I'm getting "better".

Saturday night was bad as the tears just wouldn't stop. But what did I expect on the 3rd week marker of you leaving us?

You be good, Tashi and watch out for those new arrivals. Make sure the angels up there find everyone who comes!

I love you so much!!!!

Love,
Mom

Another dream

Oh Tasha ... thank you so much for your visit to me the other day. Your Dad told me tonight that he dreamed of you again. You were on the bed with him putting your face in his just like you used to do. I know I had a dream about you several nights ago but I just can't remember it. Maybe that's why you visited me the other morning on the way to work?

Please talk to Shasta and tell her to send a message to her Mom, Catherine. She is hurting so badly. And thank all of your fur friends up at the Bridge for "sending" all of us to Ginny's site ... it has truly saved many people.

I love you so much!!! Have a good night's sleep, sweet baby!!!

Love,
Mom

I am as sure as I can possibly be that ...

I saw Tasha this morning on my way to work.

Let me back up a bit and tell a story that I have never told anyone before. Shortly after my husband of 27 years passed on, I went over to my mother-in-law's house for something ... can't remember why but I was alone. Where she lived visitors parked across the street in a lot. As I got out of the car, I looked over to her apartment building and there, on the bench they had in the grass, sat a gentleman. He had on the exact same baseball hat, royal blue sweatshirt, light blue jeans, and white sneakers that my husband used to wear all the time and was sitting the way my husband would have sat.

I, being a rational, logical human being, could not grasp the concept that it might be him paying a "visit" to me. As I started to come across the street I was still being logical and walked by him all the while telling myself that it was just "some man who happened to have on similar clothes as my husband". When I left to go home, he was gone. I told no one of this.

As time went on and I heard stories of others receiving "visits" and signs from loved ones, I came to believe that what I saw (and tried so hard to talk myself out of) was indeed my husband.

So back to today. In all the time I have worked at my job, whether I am getting a ride in the early morning or taking the bus later in the day to go to work, I have never seen any cats in the neighborhood except for the couple who always visit my yard.

I caught my ride at 6:30 am this morning and we went the same we we always do. As we were driving down the street approaching a stop light, I noticed a cat sitting in the street near the sidewalk. There was no traffic this morning, there never are any people uptown walking around at that time as nothing's open. So as we pull up to the corner to wait for the light to change I'm looking at this cat. It's just sitting there looking at me. Black and white just like my Tasha. Could have been her double. It wasn't a ghost as my friend commented on the cat. She had never seen Tasha so she wouldn't make a connection but I just looked at the cat and had to wonder.

Makes sense to me that if a loved one was going to visit from the other side, they would be in the same clothes that you knew them best in and if one of our furbabies were going to visit, it would be the same kind of furbaby that we had here in this life.

I called my husband at lunch and told him I had seen her. I had never even told him about my "visit" from my first husband so many years ago. I did today.

So I'm putting this down in Tasha's blog to remember.

I will believe that this was a visit from my beloved furbaby!!! And I am so grateful to God, my first husband, all the other furbabies at Rainbow Bridge, and "anyone" else who had a hand in making this possible.

Comparing Grief for Animal Friends to Grief for Humans

A friend wrote this for those of us who have lost animal friends in the hopes that it would help us understand. I'm offering it here for the same reason.

So many times, I have read a post in which someone says that they feel guilty because they grieve more intensely for their animal family members than they did for their human family members. There are several reasons why so many of us feel that way, and I would like to explain them here.

First, our animals love us and accept us under any circumstances. It doesn’t matter if we are happy, sad, angry; rich or poor; living in a mansion or a shack; in the best of health or not. They love and accept us under any conditions, and they never tell us to change. They are with us 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 52 weeks a year. They never give us advice, and they don’t criticize us. All they ever do is love us and hope that we love them.

Another thing that adds to the intensity of our grief is that we are 100% responsible for our animal family members. Our human family members can tell the doctors where it hurts or feels wrong, but our animals can't. It's up to us to notice when something is not right, and to get them in for treatment. When we do take them in, we (and the vets) have a lot of work to do trouble shooting the symptoms most of the time, and that isn't easy when the patient can't tell us what their symptoms are. When you add to that the fact that our animals frequently aren't themselves in the stressful environment of the vet clinic, it can take longer to diagnose the condition.

As animals, one of their greatest survival instincts is to hide any signs of illness or injury so as not to appear weak. For that reason, we often don't know anything is wrong until it's too late. We feel as if we've failed them somehow, and that feeling adds to the grief. The fact is, we did not fail them. We did the best we could with the information and resources we had at the time. Our animals know that we would have done anything to help them, and they know the love we had for them.

In addition to that, when we lose a precious family member, everyone understands why we grieve, and they don't put a time limit on it. Too often, people don't understand why we grieve for our animals beyond the early days. They tell us we should "get over it" and "move on." Did you ever hear that from a family member, friend, or co-worker when you lost your parents? Probably not. Losing our animal family members is a very intimate experience that few others (outside of this forum) understand fully.

Our furries loved us no matter what. All they ask is that we accept their love and treat them with kindness. There is no reason for anyone to feel guilty for the intensity of their grief under any circumstances. Grief is different for each of us, and it's different each time we have to face it. Those of us who have lost precious family members and then have had to face the loss of an animal family member are faced with the same depth of grief, but with fewer people who understand. We feel more alone in the loss of an animal. The fact is: Love is love, loss is loss, and grief is grief. Period. Susan "Susie Squillions" Lynch ©

March 7th - One of the worst days of our lives

Today is Friday, March 7, 2008: It started just like any other day when I have the morning shift at New Bethany. I'm up about 6 am and out the door at 6:25 to catch Michelle for my ride to work.

I'm in the bathroom getting ready (dressing, fixing my hair, etc.) and Tasha is laying on her towels in the shower (where she likes to sleep sometimes) as usual. As I finish my hair, I notice her out of the corner of my eye getting up and she sort of twists around and I thought she had caught one of her nails in the towel (note to self: we must clip her nails) but then as I watch her, wondering if I should help, she goes down on her side. I call to my husband "Roger, something's wrong with Tash ... we need to take her to the vet".

He comes in, drops down beside her and starts talking to her and crying and I'm standing there crying also. I thought she was gone but then I see her side rising and falling so I know she's breathing. I had to go ... for my ride to work and for my own salvation I have to leave as my heart continues to break and the tears continue to fall.

I call the house when I get a break at work and Roger said she was a bit confused, disorientated, but basically ok. It finally dawned on me that what she had was a seizure ... I can't get that glassy-eyed look out of my head.

On the way home, I pick up some of the "expensive" food for her and she was so glad to have that! I started researching seizures in cats on the internet and found out that while they're in one, they have no pain and don't realize that anything has happened and thought that she may have more as time goes on and I could probably handle that but she just wasn't herself throughout the evening and I told her Dad that I was calling the vet tomorrow and we would take her in. Think she heard us? Probably. She hated the carrier and probably hated the vet also.

She mewowed some during the evening and we comforted her the best we could. I fell asleep around 11 pm and when I woke the next morning (Saturday) my husband informed me that "she's gone" ... around 1:30 that morning. She had meowed and her Dad went to her. He loved her, hugged her, kissed her and told her how much we love her and then she had the 2nd seizure and never came out of it. When I got up, she was laying on her bed that was outside our door and if it wasn't for the open eyes which saw nothing, she could have been asleep. I went down to her, hugged and kissed her telling her how much I loved her while the tears flowed. I covered her up with a towel as she was soooo cold. Later during the day, we chose her final resting place and her Dad spent all day preparing it for her.

She was so loved ... went suddenly ... no warning ... my husband says "no more pets, it's too hard to lose them".

Every day, the only thing I want to do is to hold her, hug her, kiss her one more time, and never let her go. Losing a pet is one of the hardest thing any of us can ever go through.

If any of you reading this would like to visit my furbaby at her eternal Residency at the Bridge, her link is at the bottom of the page.

My thanks to Susie for her words and poems of such great love and wisdom and my heartfelt thanks to Ginny for creating Rainbow Bridge where all of us know a furbaby is not "just a dog", "just a cat", or "just anything" but a living, breathing soul for whom we grieve and mourn for ... just as we do for any human being.

From Our Furkids at Rainbow Bridge

You brought me to this beautiful place
Where I don’t have to hide my face,
Or turn away as I start to cry,
Or act as if you didn’t die.

This beautiful place called Rainbows Bridge
Where we share stories of our kids.
Where each and every person knows
That in deep sorrow, friendship grows.

We share our laughs, we share our pain,
We come back here in sun and rain.
We start to heal, we learn to grow,
And all because of the love we’ve known.

We learn to live our lives again,
To love, to welcome others in.
To let them come into our hearts,
Our homes, our souls, our deepest parts.

You live forever, your legacy grows
With each fur kid we come to know,
And treasure just as we treasured you
You knew we’d find this to be true.

You had faith in us when we felt lost.
You knew the pain was just the cost
Of loving so well, so deep, so true,
Of loving someone as perfect as you.

Thank you for your deep belief
That I would learn, and find relief
From the suffering I thought would never end,
Thank you, my Bridge Kid, my truest friend.

Susan Lynch © 2 December, 2005,
In memory of King Bing, The God Cat & Buddy Guy
In deepest gratitude to Ginny & Fifi

March 10th - Your Journey to the Bridge

Monday ...
My Darling Tasha!
You're at Rainbow Bridge now.

In the past when others talked about their losing a furbaby and mentioned Rainbow Bridge I thought it was all about the poem but when I posted to my friends that we had lost you, "go to Rainbow Bridge" is the response I received. So I went - since when do true friends steer you wrong?

You already know what I found there as your friends have told you all about the Rainbow Bridge site. You and I shared time for a reason.

Dad and I were there for your first seizure and Dad was with you before you had your 2nd and last one.

You called to him and he was there for you which is fitting as you two were so close (I have to admit I'm a bit jealous that you called to him and not me but that's ok).

If I was meant to be there with you at your passing, I would have.

If you were meant to go to the vet, you would have.

If it was supposed to have happened any other way, it would have.

If I could have done things differently I would have.

I don't like the fact that you're gone but I must believe that someone needs you more than we do.

Remember how much you are loved!

I haven't told Jason yet as he's at Job Corps. I'm not sure how he'll react to the news. He's grown up so much in the past months but he also loved you alot and you always spent time with him. I will have to tell him when he comes home on summer break. Not looking forward to that (but he might surprise me and handle it ok).

March 15th - One Week Marker

Saturday ...
Well, it's been one week that you have been at Rainbow Bridge and you must have gotten to know lots of furbabies by now. There are new arrivals each day and each one tears at my heart.

I've been on the forum every day since losing you and receiving love, comfort, and support from the only people who are going through what I am and I'm also trying to help comfort other parents who have had to say "good bye" to their babies.

Your Dad didn't do so well today. I wasn't supposed to work but got called in and when I got home I found his note saying his heart was breaking. He misses you so much and he's in so much pain.

Thank you for coming to him in his dreams - he really needed that. He knew you would come. Please try to come again?

Try to help others as they approach the Bridge and remember we love you, Tashi!

March 16th - Try To Find The Smiles

Sunday ...
Grief is a difficult road for all of us to travel. One thing that we read in the posts over and over again is how many tears flow for a long time after losing a beloved animal friend. People always ask, "When will it get better?" What worries me is that so many of us get stuck in this phase of our grief, and I believe that happens for several different reasons. It seems that people often allow themselves to get stuck there for fear of being disrespectful to the memory of the one who has gone on ahead to the Rainbow Bridge.

Now, believe me - I know that no one does this on purpose, but it does happen. It’s human nature in the beginning. Sometimes people seem to resist finding any joy in life, and they think that if they smile they are somehow not being sufficiently mindful of their losses.

It is up to each of us to see to it that we get better day by day. It won't happen all by itself -- especially if we refuse to smile. While it is true that we need to honor our grief, we do not need to become slaves to it.

If our animals had survived us, I know that not one of us would want them to live lives of misery, never finding happiness again. We would want them to remember all the fun we had together, and to smile at the memories. We would also want them to find happiness with another human until their time came to join us for eternity. They would want those things for us, too.

For everyone whose grief is new: Honor the grief. Allow the tears to come so they can begin to wash away your sorrow. Try each day to remember something funny or silly about your friend, or at least something that will bring a smile to your face. Yes, the tears will flow, but the smiles will shine through.

If at all possible, make a memorial file on your computer, a scrapbook, or a memory box where you can keep all of those glorious memories alive. It really does help a lot. We all have good days and bad days. It’s important to work toward a time when the good days outnumber the bad ones.

Whatever kind of day you are having, we’re all here for each other. We’ll do all we can to lift you up on the bad days, and on the good days, we’ll smile with you.

Squillions of Susie hugs, and prayers for your continued healing. © Susan "Susie Squillions" Lynch

March 18th - I PROMISE

Tuesday ...
I promise you’ll never forget me,
For I’ll always live in your heart.
For always and ever you and I
Are one spirit, never to part.

I promise I’ll be there forever,
Just a thought, and you’ll find me there,
It won’t matter when or wherever,
I’m with you all day, everywhere.

I promise I’ll always remember,
All the ways that you loved me so well.
Forever and always and ever
Just relax and I’ll visit a spell.

I promise you’ll know when I visit,
You’ll always know deep in your heart.
When you look at my picture, just kiss it,
And know that we never will part.

I promise I’ll know when you’re coming
To join me in Heaven above.
As soon as you’re here I’ll come running,
To your arms for a hug filled with love.

From Bingo and Buddy to Susie © 2006

March 21st - Almost two weeks

Friday ...
Well, here I am visiting with all the other parents of all the friends you have met at the Bridge. For those parents having a really hard time can you let your friends know to send some signs to them?

Tomorrow morning around 1 a.m. you will have been gone 2 weeks. We miss you so much, Tashi!

Dad's doing ok, I guess. He doesn't talk about it much - tries to keep busy with the computers. But he hasn't worked on a laptop since you left ... remember how you always "helped" him with them? I don't think he'll be working on one for quite a long time.

Everyone on the Forum is talking about all the fun you'll have on Sunday. All the things you furkids will be doing and even a visit from the easter bunny! Enjoy all the partying and games at the Bridge on Sunday. You've never had any type of celebration on that day so that will be an experience for you. Have fun!!! And now you can drink all the milk you want with no worries about "stomach problems".

Good night my sweet Tashi. Mommy and Daddy love you!

March 22nd - Shopping Day

Saturday ...
My Sweet Tashi,

I went shopping today - had to pick up a few things and I wanted to get you "something" for your spot in the backyard.

I was going to get a rose bush but I decided to get something else. It's a Camellia and the picture of the flower on the tag is so pretty - much like a rose when it's completely opened up.

Now I have to get Dad to plant it and also finish mowing the yard. You know how he is - he hates to mow!

I also have your water dish and a can of your favorite tuna at our "spot" also.

Be good and know you're loved!

March 23rd ... A happy day!

Sunday ...

Today is the happiest day I have had since you left.

I emailed Ginny (you know that stuff Mommy and Daddy do on the computer?) yesterday to see if she had received payment for your Residency. She must know how anxious I am to work on it so everyone can "see" you. She gave me the link early so I could come here and do this for you. If you can find FiFi tell her how wonderful her Mommy is for creating this wonderful site and how many people she's helping each day.

You enjoy visiting all the areas where the Easter Games are being played and I know you will be doing what you like to do best -- watching and making sure all are having a good time. You will be playing with the other kids in some of the games when you see just how much fun they are having, then you'll go back to your watching spot.

I'm going to set up your memorial/residency now and pick out a song to play each time someone comes to visit.

We love you so much baby!

UNTITLED (Gift From Above)

UNTITLED (Gift From Above)

I'll lend you for a little time a pet of mine,
For you to love her while she lives
and mourn for when she's dead.

It may be six or seven years, or twenty-two or three,
But will you, till I call her back, take care of her for me?
She will bring her charms to gladden you and should her stay be brief,
Promise she will have her lovely memories as solace for your grief.

I cannot promise she will stay since all from earth return,
But there are lessons taught down there I wish my pets to learn.
I've looked the wide world over in my search for teachers true,
And from the throngs that crown life's lanes I have selected you.

Please will you give her all your love, and not think the labour vain,
Nor hate me when I come to call to take her back again.
I fancied that I heard myself say 'Dear Lord, Thy will be done,
For all the joy my pets shall bring I'll risk the grief I'll run.

I'll shelter her with tenderness, I'll love her while I may,
And for the happiness I've known, for ever grateful stay.
And should the angels call for her much sooner than I'd planned. I
'll brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand.

~ Unknkown

March 24th - Memories of Tasha

Monday ...
Today I decided I needed to make a Blog for my sweet Tashi.

When I made her Residency at Rainbow Bridge, I was putting down each day's thoughts and what was happening much like a journal would be. But then I figured what was on her Residency would eventually be really, really long. That's when the idea of a blog came to mind last night as I was trying to sleep.

I can make "entries" and talk to her as the days go by.

First of all is an entry about her ... how she came to us, how she left us, my emories of her and if her Dad decides to add some to my list, I will include them. But I don't think that will be for a while though as he still can't bring himself to look at her picture.

About Tasha

Tasha, your first Dad brought you to me as an anniversary present in October 1994, and you were just 6 mos. old. You were the "Queen" and not cuddly at all. Guess you were deciding if we were worthy enough to give your love to. And then your Dad left us in Nov. 1997.

When Roger came into our lives in 2000 it took you awhile to "accept" him as your new Dad and he still remembers that day when you came up to him on the bed and laid down beside him. He spoiled you rotten and you became his cat. I had you on a schedule for feeding and then when he would go into the kitchen you would meow at him and he would give you some more food. You always knew what a pushover he was! I would always scold him as you were getting a bit overweight (I was worried about diabetes) and he always said "but honey, it's just a little". Well, so much for any type of feeding schedule. LOL

We both love you so much and I am so grateful for the 14 years we had together.

It is fitting that he was there with you as you passed over the bridge. We both miss you terribly - you know how much we love you and we know how much you loved us.

Enjoy Rainbow Bridge, my Tashi! You will live in our hearts forever!

Memories of Tasha

I also need to put down some memories of our time together to give others an idea of what you "were about". That's hard as you didn't "stand out" as some of the furbabies in Rainbow Bridge with you but I'll try:

~~ There was no such thing as having a door closed in the house. I still remember when Alicia lived with us and she would be sitting at the desk with her door closed. You would tap on the doorknob and she would reach over to open the door. Then she closed it again and you would be right there taping to go out. This repeated itself for quite some time. It's like you were saying "how dare you close a door in my house? Don't you know I need to come and go as I please?"

~~ Whatever we were eating had to be offered to you also. Sometimes you ate it and sometimes you didn't but you demanded to be given the choice. If we were having steak, you definately got a good amount of our dinner.

~~ You loved the cream cheese on my bagels. I always made an extra half just for you. You also loved the butter on toast, muffins, etc. You always had some of mine.

~~ Whenever I opened a can with the can opener, you were always there. You thought everything was "for you". No satisfying you until I put the can on the floor for you to check out. You either wanted some or turned up your nose and walked away.

~~ If I had more than one thing on my plate and I knew you would want one out of the 3, I would put the dish with the things I knew you didn't like down for you to try and then when you would walk away, I'd put the item you liked back on the plate and you never bothered me. LOL

~~ Whenever your Dad came in with a new bag, box, computer, etc., you always had to investigate.

~~ Whenever Dad worked on laptops at the desk, you were always at the foot of our bed investigating and "helping" him. If he chose to ignore you, you would tap on him to get his attention.

~~ I remember how Dad used to bury his face in your fur while he sat at the desk and you sat at the end of our bed. I know you were purring.

~~ You were always waiting for us when we would come in from work (I think it was more that you were waiting to be fed than for us but that's ok).

~~ You had several "beds" all around the house. As you got older, It started out with something at the end of the bed so you could jump up easier. Then a towel in the hall outside Sharisse's room as that's where you decided to lay one day. Then one in the front room. Then the bath mat outside the shower became your favorite spot and Dad put down a nice towel over that. Then you were in the shower and of course your Dad had to put towels down there for you. I teased him that we didn't have any towels left and the bathroom became your "apartment". LOL

~~ I remember you chasing the stray cat out of the yard.

~~ I remember you exploring your yard and going over to the farthest corner from the house and just sitting there and when I would come out to bring you in, you waited til I had walked all the way over to you and just before I got to you, you would come running in the house. LOL