Christmas At the Rainbow Bridge

[WorkinDogz]

Wonder what our much loved, sorely missed K9 companions are doing right now.....on Christmas Eve.

So many of us bid a tearful and heartbreaking farewell to some very dear dogs this year......I wonder what they're up to. :)

I know Aik thought I was the greatest thing since sliced bread every year when I'd come in with the freshly cut Christmas tree.....His eyes would light up and he'd look at me like "OH! For ME??? You are the GREATEST human a dog could ever ask for bringing a tree in here!" Sorry fella.....don't even SNIFF it.... :)

He seemed to enjoy all of the hustle and bustle of the Holiday season.....I'm sure it related to something always cooking or baking in the oven....He was a boy lead by his stomach for sure....

I think back on decorating the house and having him looking at me like I was a little strange standing on ladders to hang lights....or to put orniments on the top part of the tree...

It's a Christmas with a sadness this year..... With all that is going on in the World that is heartbreaking enough; there's just an emptiness deep deep down in my heart because there's a dog.....who I loved with all of my being......on the other side of that Bridge tonight; instead of watching the festivities and getting in the way while I'm on the floor wrapping those last minute gifts.

What I wouldn't give to feel that cold nose; press up against my neck.....with a ball on a rope hanging out of his mouth....wanting to play; but knowing that I'm going to push him away.....so he'll be forced to take his paw and push me on the back.....just once. Which would always lead to "Ok buddy....just once. Aus." And that one throw of the ball that he loved so much would satisfy him enough to lay down and do some jaw exercises while I finish up.

I hope......there is someone there; that will throw that ball for him.... Just once.

I hope all of us; who are feeling a little less festive this Christmas Eve because we're missing a special friend.....will remember just one thing that brings a smile.

I'm confident; our thoughts reach them.....and they are watching......

Here's your smile, Aik :) I miss you, Buddy!!!

[Judi W]

If you sit real still and quietly, you'll feel that slap on your back. He's still around.

And yes, there's a boy up there who will throw a ball for Aik and sit down and have a quiet visit with him when the ball time is over. He'll explain things and give comfort.

[WorkinDogz]

Thank you Justin.... :)

Judi.....a big hug for you. Mom to Mom.

[cinde33]

I always imagine that they all get to sit or lay around a nice warm fire and they reminice about their favorite times and Christmas'es. I bet Aik is chuckling warm and hearty as he's telling the group about how he'd break your attention away from the tree and get to play or get his belly scratch and how although he didn't totally get what the whole tree and lights meant he sure does now. He'd say "Look! Down there! That's my home!" and they'd all gasp in awe at the loveliness of the tree and lights that you have done.

And as they'd munch on good bones, a rottie would pipe up and say "Hey, did you ever do this?" "Oh yeah!" and they'd laugh at their stories of how they had this mishap or fun time or got their way for that treat.

Afterwards, when all full and warm, they'd all go to their mountain peaks and nestle down and look down on their homes and watch. A big sigh would come, as they'd wish they could be down there, but happy to see their parents happy. Happy to see a new fur-kid in the house to help their parents be happy. And oh so happy when their ears perk up as his family talks about him, and says how much they miss him and love him. And he sits up and grins. "I'll be waiting!" he cries out! "No matter how long! I love you guys too!"

...And it could be a rustling of trees, or an ornament twinkling, or a snow fall, or a shooting star , but just then you feel like you heard him. And when your heart swells with warmth and love, you know you did.

Merry Christmas, Workingdogz and all. They're watching today with big rottie grins.

[thoradopter]

Dear WorkinDogz and all,

I didn't think I would wind up on the Forums tonight. The Christmas goose is cooking (dogs are going nuts after a sample of the liver- cooked, not raw) and the smell of the stock that will go on their kibble for a few days. They (Sienna-chocolate lab @ 8yo and Phoenix rottie 8 mo) had a great Christmas- flavored nylabones, hard balls, rope toys for each. Phoenix is my Anniversary-Birthday-Christmas present, and we put a red bow around his neck. They are both dogged out now on the carpet.

But...your post touched me from the other side of the Bridge. We lost Thor (adopted pure rottie) in June, and Sammy (rottieXGSD) a year earlier. We loved them both very much- they brought us to love rotties and will always be in our hearts.

A peaceful Christmas to all, and to all our beloved pets who have crossed over. I believe they know now we loved and miss them - no other can take their places- and that they want us to be happy and love the dogs we still and now have as we did them. Linda

[Dina's Mom]

It's really a weird feeling. My heart is aching so much and tears streaming down my face that I find it very hard to write a reply.

Annette, your post was especially touching and heartfelt. Our family has gone through many sad Christmas days because of lost loved ones. First my dad, then my brother. Somehow, Dina was my friend, my family - the one being I could count on for unconditional love. Someone to cry to, laugh at (and with) someone who just knew when I was having a bad day and would just sit besides me. Someone who every Christmas would wait for her piece of Christmas ham, play with her latest Christmas present.

It's funny how you can be saddened to tears just thinking of our lost friends, and then laugh at the same time thinking of the funny things and good times we shared.

I really miss you, my girl! Be good to all your new friends at the bridge!

[Sue]

WD,

Thanks for posting those reflections.....we lost our Woody on Monday afternoon. Very unexpectedly...everyone at the clinic was in shock as well. Our vet called yesterday afternoon to see how we were doing and said she had thought of nothing but Woody since he passed. It wasn't a very Merry Christmas at our house this year, but we know he's up there marking birds with Tasha and playing with Neisha and Bull. Thanks again.

Sue

[Sampson's Mom]

I understand your post completely WD. Christmas here was very hard without Dad and Sampson. I couldn't believe how fast I got the tree up this year without Sampson attacking the string of lights and trying to play tug of war. Last year he unwrapped 4 of the kids gifts while we were sleeping. He was such a nosey little bugger :) We had the first snow of the year on the 23rd and all I could think of was how much I would miss him while trying to shovel. He would always grab the shovel and taunt me until I would play with him. He loved snow. I hope they all had their favorite Christmas treats at the bridge. I miss you dog face!

Lisa

[Karyn]

to Annette, Kathy, Thoradopter and others who have lost their companions - I have cried reading your loving memorials to your friends, and have been inspired by the way you have turned your sorrow into positive loving actions. Thoradopter, you took another needy dog to your heart and home, Kathy - Delia will be honored and remembered as "Delia's Donors" gets off the ground and Annette - everything you do is a loving tribute to your friend. Elke is there for you and she and you will save lives with you in your rescue work. Our friends who have lost their companions have used their grief to rescue others of their kind. I am not a very religious person, but I must believe that the love between your dog and you DOES go on. They are there - watching and waiting for you. God bless you all and may their spirits comfort you.

[AngelBunny]

Waaay to difficult to read what you guys wrote thru tear-filled eyes.