I've thought long and hard about what to type in this space, but I can't put into words how I feel. Nothing sounds right anymore. 

Shadow died one year ago on 3rd October 2005 at the tender age of 5.

He fought his battle with cancer bravely, we fought his battle too. But it was so aggressive and quick there was nothing anyone could do to save him. 

Although I try to remember the good times and the love he bought to our family all I can picture at the moment is him lying on his bed in the front room, skin and bones, with no twinkle in his eyes. I spent the last week of his life sleeping on the floor next to him during the nights as he was too frail to get up the stairs to sleep in his usual spot on the floor beside our bed and I didn't want him to be alone.

Shadow. You were my hero, my inspiration and my one true best friend. I miss you so much, the pain of losing you has never gone away.

Until we meet again my beautiful blue boy, run free at the bridge with your friends.     

A Glimpse of the Rainbow Bridge

Was it today; yesterday; a week; a month ago?
There are no days; there are no nights since my furchild died.
I reach to pet my furry friend who is no longer here.
My heart is broken; my arms are empty; how many tears I've cried.

I leave the house, into the lane we always walked together.
The rain is falling. I notice not. Just more tears on my face.
She used to lead me down the lane. Her spirit leads me still.
But we go a different way to a very strange and different place.

I stand before a rustic bridge I've never seen before.
I stop. I know I'm not to cross. But why, I want to know?
And then the rain suddenly stops. I look up into the clouds.
I look down. The bridge is gone and in its place is a rainbow.

I look across the Rainbow Bridge and see a joyful sight;
Thousands of healthy furchildren playing with my beloved pet.
I want to run and love her, but I'm rooted to the spot.
She looks and wags her tail and I hear her bark, "Not yet."

And then her bark turns to a voice and I hear her say,
"You cared for me, you played with me and loved me to the end.
I'm healthy now, don't cry for me. I'll meet you here again.
Others need your love and care. I'm sending you a friend."

I rub my eyes and the rainbow is again a rustic bridge.
I send a prayer for that quick glimpse to the loving God above.
I hear a noise and glance back down. I can't believe my eyes.
Across the bridge, my darling pet sent a furbaby for me to love.

I pick up the furry bundle, hold her close to my dampened cheek.
She nuzzles my neck, kisses my tears. It's true love at first sight.
Not to replace the one who's gone; another who needs my love and care.
My eyes are drawn upward to see a Rainbow Bridge in radiating light.

Author Unknown

For you x

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free
I'm following the path God laid for me.
I took His hand when I heard him call;
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way;
I found that place at the close of day.
If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared a laugh, a kiss;
Ah yes, these things, I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life's been full, I savored much;
Good friends, good times, a loved ones touch.
Perhaps my time seems all to brief;
Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me,
God wanted me now, He set me free.

Author:  Linda Jo Jackson

My girl died from this horrible illness 2 months ago and had not reached 4 yrs of age ...... i feel your loss ...... but i have been able to see her full of life and naughtyness .. she sent me a rainbow the night she passed over to the bridge and i could just imagine her there playing with everybody .. leading them ..... running and jumping in the air as all boxers do ..... thoroughly enjoying the freedom from her illness ..... i love her so very much ... she owned me rather than me being her owner ..... i cannot bring myself yet to have a new baby to love ..... i am frightened that i will be looking for her in a new puppy and that would be unfair .... i dont think you can ever really express the loss you feel when they go ..... the feelings are so deep in your soul regardless of how long it takes to post of their passing ..... the only consolation is that they are free ..... free to run and play as they should but we are not there to enjoy watching them ...we have to rely on our treasured memories of how they were when they were healthy ......

run free at the bridge Shads xxxxxxx

Grant me the strength not to dwell on my loss.
Help me remember the details of his life
with the love he has shown me.
And grant me the courage to honor him
by sharing those memories with others.

Let him remember me as well
and let him know that I will always love him.
And when it's my time to pass over into your paradise,
please allow him to accompany those
who will bring me home.

Thank you, Lord,
for the gift of his companionship
and for the time we've had together.

What beautiful words China Blue.  Thank you.

I'm feeling better now that the date of Shadow first anniversary has passed. 

My two new danes Hope and Benson make sure I don't stay sad for long.

Hi Lynne
I can`t believe its been a year since Shadow passed away . You never forget but the pain gets easier especially with two new danes to look after. Enjoy them and remember the good times with Shadow as he is running free now of all the pain and suffering.

run free at the bridge Shadow xxx
Maria