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Fletcher camera shy, it took many tries to get this picture

                           Beyond The Rainbow

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

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

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

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

TOBBY

A "GOLDEN" GOOD-BYE

I sit and try to write the words, I want your heart to hear.
Hoping to find some comfort, in the fact that your not here.
I look out into the open field, that you once occupied,
Knowing now that field is empty, because my love, you've died.
I do believe with all my heart, that your soul has gone to be,
With all the other angel dogs, that you were meant to see.
We will have to stay behind, until God calls us too,

So do not be afraid, that he's only called for you.
The water is still, in the pond that you played,
And your bed is so empty, where your pretty head laid.
Our bed is to empty, where you once laid between,
the two people who LOVED you and now only dream,
That one day our eyes will shut one last time,
    and you will come greet us, angel of mine.   
Until then, I'll keep trying to see through my tears,
with memories you left us, to reflect through the years.
We'll never forget one minute we spent,
of loving and laughing, of places we went.
And I dread the day that your scent disappears,
for it's "proof" to me, Tobby, that you were just here!
But one day will come, when we'll start to see through,
the pain of the moment, and remember just "you".
Now you go and play, and look down when you can,
remembering we love you, and this isn't the end.

COREY

To have loved and then said farewell is better than to have never loved at all.
For all of the times that you have stooped and touched my head,
fed me my favorite treat and returned the love that I so unconditionally gave to you......
for the care that you gave to me so unselfishly...
for all of these things I am grateful and thankful.

I ask that you not grieve for the loss but rejoice in the fact that we lived,
loved and touched each other's lives.
My life was fuller because you were there --
not as a master/owner, but as my friend.
    
Today I am as I was in my youth.
The grass is always green, butterflies flit among the flowers
and the sun shines gently down upon all of God's creatures.
I can run, jump, play and do all of the things that I did in my youth.
There is no sickness, no aching joints, no regrets and no aging.

We await the arrival of our lifelong companions
and know that togetherness is forever.
Companions such as you are so rare and unique.
Don't hold the love that you have within yourself;
give it to another like me and then I will live forever.
For love never really dies, and you are loved
and missed as surely as we are.

CLAUDIA

FROM FRIEND TO FRIEND

You're giving me a special gift,
So sorrowfully endowed,
And through these last few cherished days,
Your courage makes me proud.

But really, love is knowing
When your best friend is in pain,
And understanding earthly acts
Will only be in vain.

So looking deep into your eyes,
Beyond, into your soul,
I see in you the magic, that will
Once more make me whole.

The strength that you possess,
Is why I look to you today,
To do this thing that must be done,
For it's the only way.

That strength is why I've followed you,
And chose you as my friend,
And why I've loved you all these years...
My partner 'til the end.

Please, understand just what this gift,
You're giving, means to me,
It gives me back the strength I've lost,
And all my dignity.

You take a stand on my behalf,
For that is what friends do.
And know that what you do is right,
For I believe it too.

So one last time, I breathe your scent,
And through your hand I feel,
The courage that's within you,
To now grant me this appeal.

Cut the leash that holds me here,
Dear friend, and let me run,
Once more a strong and steady dog,
My pain and struggle done.

And don't despair my passing,
For I won't be far away,
Forever here, within your heart,
And memory I'll stay.

I'll be there watching over you,
Your ever faithful friend,
And in your memories I'll run,
...a young dog once again.

HONEY BEAR

Good by my old friend

 Goodbye my old friend. Today you went and crossed the Rainbow Bridge.

 I'm certain it will be a better place with you there and

I know you will enjoy playing with the others in such a wonderful setting.

Although my heart is heavy and I already miss you very much,

 I am happy with the thought of your renewed body, devoid of the aches

and pains of age and the brain tumor that served as your passport.

 You came into my life nearly twelve and a half years ago. I still remember

meeting you in the shed when you came and sat upon my foot.

 Even then you knew me and recognized you belonged with us.

Across these years, through good and trying times, your love and devotion

has been constant. I could always count on you and you on me. I will miss you so

 much that my words are unable to describe the loss I feel.

 I can still see your pretty face in my mind and I will until the day I die.

 You were so much more than a dog, so much more than a pet or even a member of

 the family. You were my trusted friend. You were important to me

and you were loved. I will think of you often and there will always be a hole

 in my heart. I will treasure your memory. You will always have a special place

inside of me. You will always be my girl. Honey Bear, have a wonderful time

rolling in the beautiful meadows but keep one eye on the Rainbow Bridge.

One day you will see me there and I'll carry you over and we'll be together

 forever. I can hardly wait to touch your soft fur and hear you bark again.

 Goodbye for now my friend. I love you and I always will Daddy

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