"Somewhere Over The Rainbow"
Click to stop music

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 was one of those people; you know the type. No dog in my house or even in my yard. I thought people disgustingly silly who coddled and spoiled their pets. I mean after all, it was just a DOG. Then one day in 1997 my phone rang and my life as I knew it changed forever. My brother-in-law who was a police officer had a friend who was also a police officer and they owned a jewelry store.

One morning coming to open the store they found this little Pekingese puppy sitting on the sidewalk . They took him in the store and fed and watered him. Now what to do with him? They searched high and low for where he came from to no avail. Well, they couldn't keep him as they had a couple of German Sheppard's and another huge dog. My brother-in-law called me. My husband Jason had just went into remission from Stage IV cancer and was still very weak and ill. I said I would come look at the dog but made no promises. I drove up to the store and went in. I said "ok so where is this little runaway"? I looked down the aisle toward the back of the store and my heart sank to my knees. There was the most precious face I had ever seen in my life, and he was so excited, wagging his tail and jumping at the leash. He looked up at me as if to say "Oh finally ,where have you been, let's get the heck out of here and go home". You guessed it, away we went.

When we got home my husband was sleeping in the back bedroom. I led the dog down the hall and opened the door. He went like lightening straight to the bed, not big enough to climb up alone, I gave him a hand. He made a bee line for my husbands face and licked like he had found a t-bone steak. My husband rolled over and said "Well hello buddy where did you come from"? Our life was never the same after that.

I could write all day on the things he brought to us for the next 8 1/2 years, but those who have pets already know, and those who don't will never understand. Go and rest and wait for us, we'll be along soon my friend and we miss you with all our hearts and souls. You were the best thing that ever happened to us and we love you , but you knew that!!
Sgt. Sparky Joe Wolfenburger AKA Sparky
05-1997- 03/30/05
Died from Massive Stroke