This is Rascal, my 16 year old toy pomeranian. I lost him yesterday. Needless to say this year has been rough on me. My little fur ball is gone and already I miss him so much. He would have been 17 years old November 22nd. He had heart issues and I knew it wouldn’t be long. I thought I was prepared–––I wasn’t. He took a little piece of my heart with him. I will never forget him, or all the unconditional love he showed me. I know I did everything I could for him and that he had a great life. That gives me peace. Anyway, this is not a pity party. I wanted to share a touching poem that my brother’s wife Celina, whose like a sister to me, sent me. I hope you enjoy. ❤
Rascal wearing his little Miami Heat T-shirt.
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…
I hope you enjoyed Rainbow Bridge. Have you lost a pet? How did you cope? Did you get another pet right away to replace it, or did you wait?
The Writer Next Door | Vashti Q 
Clicked like for a Mental Hug your way.
Much Love
Ronovan
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Thank you Ronovan. I could sure use that mental hug. 😉 xx
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Hang in there Vashti, I feel your pain as I unexpectedly lost my pal Nitro, to the Chinese food poisoning travesty, 7 years ago. You are never prepare for that moment, but the good memories, makes the lost less painful. The gift of life is something beautiful, love, passion and good memories get you through. Peace and love.
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Hello Juan. Sorry to hear about Nitro (cool name). Thank you so much for the kind words. I miss him so much already, but you’re right, I’ll try to focus on the great memories I have of him. 🙂
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I understand your pain Vashti, we just lost our 8 year old ferret last Saturday. She had cancer for 5 years and lived an exceptionally happy and long life. I am just glad our little furry family members can bring so much joy into our lives no matter how short the stay. *HUGS*
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Hello Amanda. I’m sorry for your loss. Ferrets are so adorable and smart. I wish these poor little furry animals could be spared the big C. Thank you so much. Hugs and kisses. ❤
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It’s so difficult to lose a pet. I lost my two cocker spaniels within a year of each other. But I gave them a good life. I did end up getting another puppy a few months later, by chance, someone who happened to need to give hers away. And then a year later I got a rescue puppy. It will get easier in time.
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Hi Dawn. Wow, losing two pets back to back must have been rough. It gives me great comfort to know it will get easier because it really hurts right now. Thank you for that. 🙂
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I am so sorry about your loss. I hope Rascal is running with my Chance & Cozmo. My boys lived to be 15, healthy right up until the end, almost. Once Chance passed, Cozmo’s health degraded quickly and he joined his brother just a couple of months later. We always knew that one couldn’t be without the other for long. It’s just like losing a member of the family. Sending hugs.
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Hi Carrie. I hope Rascal, Chance and Cozmo are playing together. The thought is so sweet. Rascal was always a happy, healthy and active dog up until the last couple of years. It must have been heart-wrenching to lose them both like that. Rascal was definitely part of the family. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Hugs and kisses. ❤
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I’m sorry for your loss Vashti. That little piece of you that went with him is to comfort him on his journey and will be returned when you meet again. Some pets become member of your family because of the love they give and though you might offer your love to another one, you never forget the family member who left. The new one can bring you the same love without diminishing the love you felt for the one who passed on. Rascal will be there for you in your turn with as much love as you know he felt for you here.
xxx Huge Hugs xxx
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Hello David. Your words are so sweet and beautiful. Thank you for that, and you’re right, I will never forget Rascal no matter what. 🙂
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Vashti,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I know how it feels as I’ve lost many cats over the years. You’re never prepared for all the grief that engulfs you. You just have to find peace knowing that you gave your pet the best life he could ever have and that he’s in a better place waiting for you to arrive someday. I guess that’s how I cope – that and lots of tears. I wish I could make it better because I know it’s like losing a family member.
When I lost my last cat I waited for about four months to get a baby from PAWS. He was abandoned along with two siblings and lucky to be found and turned in. I knew he was for me when he crawled into my arms and never stopped purring. I hadn’t intended to get a cat that soon, but I saw him on Craigslist and couldn’t reist that little face.
Sending you a big hug.
Sunni
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Hi Sunni. You were right on when you wrote ‘grief that engulfs you’, because that’s what it feels like. There’s been lots of tears too. I know I’ll never forget him, but I’m glad to hear that some of this pain will go away. Thank you.
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Oh I am so sorry Vashti … know that he is a happy place and that he was loved. A huge hug coming your way xx
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Thank you so much, Yolanda. *Hugs* 🙂
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Hi, I’m so sorry to hear about Rascal, he looks a cheery little soul, and you must miss him very much.
Which makes me sorry about something else too, I’m sorry we live in an age where folks feel they have to say they’re not having a pity party when they really have a right to be upset and speak about sad things happening.
I have heard of the rainbow bridge for animals too, and I think it its such a beautiful thought; I believe that’s where animals go, and that rascal will come joyously to greet you in that place one day.
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Hello, thank you very much for the kind words. Yes, I do miss him very much. When I sit down to write I miss him lying by my feet. This is one of the saddest things that’s ever happened in my life.
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It is harsh that our animal friends do not stay in the physical form as long as we tend to do; but I know he is still with you; love is always love forever, whatever form it takes 🙂
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It is very harsh. Why is it that snakes can live for 50 years, and some turtles for as long as 150 years, and my little dog died so soon? It isn’t that I’d like the other animals to live less I just would have liked for my dog and other dogs and cats to live longer. I guess there’s a reason for this, but I sure can’t figure it out. Yes, you’re right, love is forever and he’ll always be in my heart.
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What a handsome little boy he was. I can feel your pain because last Friday my cat Tigris went to the bridge as well. You’ll be in my thoughts.
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Oh Vanessa, I’m so sorry about Tigris. Thank you for the sweet words. You’ll be in my thoughts too. 🙂
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I am very sorry for your loss, Vashti. Such a cute furry guy.
We lost our tomcat “Mickey” three years ago – after three cerebral infarcts. He was only 10.5 years old. Last year we lost our cat “Lily” at the age of 15 years and 8 months. It is hard as they were part of the family – like your Rascal. It gets a little easier over time. They may be gone, are never forgotten. Sending you a big hug.
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I lost one of my furbabies in 2012 and I still cry over him. He was almost 9 and had brain cancer. I know I will see him again when the time is right. Sometimes that helps. It also helps that I have his sister and now we have a new furbaby. It took time for me to get to that point. It does get easier every day. Found you through the Lets Get Real Blog hop.
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Hello Chrystal. I’m sorry to hear about your furbaby. I knew it would be hard, but I had no idea it would be this hard. Right now I can’t see a picture of him or any of his things without feeling this heaviness in my chest and I cry a lot. It’s good to know that it will get better. 🙂 Thank you.
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I’m so, so sorry Vashti. It’s a special kind of pain when one that loves you so unconditionally has to go to Rainbow Bridge, because the love you feel for them is so special too. Love to you and Rascal now. ❤
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Thank you Jo. Love to you too. ❤
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Losing a beloved pet is like losing a close friend – and it’s painful. You gave Rascal a good life and have, I’m sure, many wonderful memories. Sending you lots of positive thoughts and well wishes. xx
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Hi Teagan, thank you very much. Rascal was definitely a huge part of my life and this is one of the most painful experiences I’ve ever had. I wouldn’t wish it on my worse enemy. I do have wonderful memories to cherish. Thanks for the well wishes my friend. xx
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Oh Vashti, I’m so very sorry for your loss. Few things hurt as deeply as losing our best friend. I’m no stranger to this kind of loss. It’s happened twice and both times we waited a couple of years. Everyone is different, and when the time is right you will know. (((Hugs)))
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Hello Doreen, thank you. I agree, few things hurt this deeply. Right now I can’t even think of getting another pet, but like you said, when the time is right I’ll know it. *Hugs & Kisses*
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What a cutie! 🙂
Thanks for joining the Link Up this week!
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Thank you Jess. 🙂
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Hugs to you honey. Yes, I have too lost precious pets. I had a spaniel called Bess – she had to get put to sleep when I was 13 due to her poor health. I still remember the overwhelming grief. My parents waited just a few months and surprised me with a new puppy – Libby. Libby was a golden retriever and was a huge comfort throughout my teenage years. I laughed so much with Libby. She’d always sleep at the bottom of my bed and follow me about. I was never alone thanks to her company. We had to let Libby go when she was 13. It is never easy, dogs truly are amazing, loving animals. I’m so sorry for your sad loss. I’ve lost rabbits, fish and birds too – and cried so much too. They become your family. xxx
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Hello Alana! Rascal was definitely part of the family. I can’t stop crying every time I think about him. I wish dogs lived longer lives. Thank you for your sweet words. 🙂 xx
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Oh mate, just so sad isn’t it. I hope as time goes by, it will hurt less and you’ll be able to share funny stories of what Rascal was like. 🙂 xx
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Thank you, Alana. Me too. ❤ xx
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I’m so sorry you lost your adorable looking pet. I lost a puppy late last year and felt so sad as I used to bottle feed it. Your sister-in-law wrote a lovely piece.
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Hello Michelle, thank you very much. I’m sorry to hear about your puppy. Rascal looked like a puppy, but he was actually 16.5 years old. He lived a good life. My sister-in-law didn’t write the poem she sent it to me. The poem is by an unknown writer. 🙂
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Hi Vashti – Thanks so much for sharing with the Let’s Get Real party. Hope you’re having a great week.
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😦 Aw no! However I have to say, 16 years old – THAT’S A CRAZY FEAT! So many wonderful years and memories!!!!!!!!! I am sure Rascal appreciated you as much as you appreciated him!
I have lost 2 pets in my life time… It’s definitely heart breaking but all you can do is think about all the wonderful times you had with him/her!
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Hi GiGi, we did have some great times. He was a good doggie. It is heartbreaking and I’m sorry you had to go through the same thing––twice. Right now I’m just trying to keep busy because when I sit and dwell on the fact that he’s gone I start bawling. Thank you for the sweet words.
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So very sorry for the loss of your dear pet! They are such a part of the family for sure and losing them is heartbreaking. I lost my goofy newfie over a year ago and still miss him very much. He was a very special boy. In his honor we rescued a dog (similar breed) from a high kill shelter and she has become another loving, furry member of our family. May the wonderful memories of the many years you had together bring you much comfort.
Linda
mysewwhatblog.blogspot.com
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Hello Linda. I’m heartbroken for sure, but I do have a lot of fond memories. They’re a little painful right now because it reminds me that he’s no longer around, but I’m sure in time I will cherish the memories. I miss him so much. Rescuing the little dog was a wonderful gesture. Thank God for people like you. Thank you for visiting and for the kind words. Have a wonderful weekend.
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So sorry to hear this news. I understand how sad you must feel; every time I lose a beloved animal companion I’m heartbroken. It was lovely to read about Rascal’s great life, and I love the Rainbow Bridge poem. xx
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Hello Karen, thank you for the kind words. I’m glad you enjoyed the poem. It helped me to think of Rascal in a place like this waiting to see me again. 🙂
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Vashti, I understand perfectly. I lost 5 budgies. I have still not coped with it; and no…I will never take another pet. The heartbreak is unbelievable. Love and hugs. Sweety.
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Hello Sweety, you’re right, the heartbreak is horrible. In reference to getting another pet I feel the same way you do right now. I don’t know what will happen in time, but right now I don’t think I’ll ever get another pet. 😦
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Sorry for your loss, but glad you have all the great memories. I’ve lost two dogs earlier, many years ago now. When the heartbreak eases, the wonderful memories prevail. Right now I’m still happy to have my (almost) 14 years old Bumble for a while longer, I hope. Many [hugs]
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Hi Tiny, thanks, I needed to hear that. I hope you and Bumble have many more years together. 🙂
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Bumbles looks so very hug-able {{{HUGS}}}
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Everything ok Vashti? Haven’t heard from you and you haven’t posted in a while. I hope you’re well!
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Hello Doreen, I’m okay. I’ve just been very busy with the edits on my 2nd book among other things, but things should begin to slow down a bit soon. I’m writing a short story now to post hopefully tomorrow or Thursday. I hate to neglect my readers, but I really had to get going on this book. Thank you so much for your concern. You are very sweet. ❤ I hope all is well with you too. I'm collecting your posts and will soon make time to read them because I miss doing so. 😀 xx
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Sorry Vashti! I know about that… Love.
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Thank you Julie. It’s very painful and I guess only those of us that have loved a pet know just how difficult it is. ❤
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I lost Kuba February 16th 2013. I love to remember him. We have not yet a new dog companion. Maybe we never will, sigh. I wrote farewell cutest companion for Kuba. Thank you for your pictures. Your furball was really cute.
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Hello!Thank you very much. I’m so sorry about Kuba. I read ‘Farewell Cutest Companion’ it brought tears to my eyes. I miss Rascal very much and my heart aches when I see a picture of him. I think I will eventually get another dog, not to replace Rascal because he is irreplaceable, but because I love dogs and I enjoy their companionship. It will be a while though. ❤
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