Preparing to Say Goodbye (for now) Ode to Sarge
filed in Inspiration!, Uncategorized on Oct.21, 2008
If you have a pet, you understand the devastation of losing them. Well, my parents have had their dog, Sarge for nearly 13 years now. When I think back to all the things that have happened in the last thirteen years, the length 
of time is quite 
remarkable. My parents moved from the city to the country, my sister got married, my son went from his terrible twos to high school, we’ve lost grandparents and welcomed new life. (pics: 1996. My kids & Sarge)
Thirteen years of bringing joy and comfort, long walks and faithful companionship. In dog years that’s quite remarkable. Well, it seems our ol’ buddy is nearing the end of his journey. He is quite sick and not expected to be with us much longer. So in celebration of his wonderful contribution to our family, I shall pay homage to him! Over the next few days, Sarge will be my ‘Daily Dog’. I ask that everyone who reads this blog, near and far keep my parents and Sarge in your thoughts at this difficult time.
And now, you can all take out your tissues as you read:
“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. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….
Author unknown…
October 21st, 2008 on 12:52 pm
Sorry for your loss. My parents lost their dog about 3 years ago. He was the younger brother to our dog Henry, a Chinese sharpei. My parents still aren’t the same. When I heard of Junior’s death, I booked a flight home and was here within a few hours. It’s amazing how they became such a part of your life and family…Your heart is never the same when they leave.
October 21st, 2008 on 7:25 pm
I am so sorry for your parents (and your) loss. I know the pain of losing a beloved animal. The rainbow bridge is a beautiful place to be!
October 21st, 2008 on 10:37 pm
Sheila, funny that you should write this in your blog – after dinner I said to Dad, Let’s take Sarge to the vet, maybe he can ease his pain, give him something. I truly thought that would be the case. As the vet checked him over, his bony behind (nerves were shot), and his bony head were very evident. He had stopped eating and drinking about 5 days ago as far as we could figure. His paws were very cold. I asked the vet if we could take him home and he said, sure you could but it would be to watch him suffer, “do you want to do that”? No, I didn’t but I sure wanted to keep him a little longer though. I waited outside while Dad stood by his beloved pet. We took him home and he will be buried tomorrow near the pond he loved near the huge rock. He loved being in the pond and open fields, he ate fish food if he could be there when the fish got fed. Remember how he “backed out” of the kitchen at the old house because he did not like the slippery floor?
When our Roxy died, we got Sarge to take her place, but of course he never did — he made his own place in our hearts – now he will join our black lab running over the “rainbow bridge”. . .
along with Weezer and Pepper and Max.
thanks for thinking of Sarge
October 22nd, 2008 on 6:37 pm
I miss Sarge.
October 22nd, 2008 on 8:20 pm
Losing a pet is like losing a family member. My thoughts are with your mom & dad and understand the pain of losing such a close friend.
October 22nd, 2008 on 9:03 pm
Sorry to hear about the loss of your parents’ pet. It is hard to lose anyone that you love even a pet.