Princess was a collie/Irish Setter mix who died of cancer when she was almost 11 years old. Candy, our dog for almost 13 years, was a german shepherd/border collie mix, who died of cancer. Finnegan was a beautiful orange tabby cat who died at only 1 1/2 years old with a blocked urinary tract. Spooky was Kristy's rat. Spooky just died in October 2000. We are not sure how old she was, as she was given to Kristy at university. Delores was the rat that Kristy got after Spooky died. She was a real cutie. The only bad thing about having a rat for a pet is that they only live about two years.

 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...