Tribute to PR

PR better known as "P" left us on September 1, 2000 and crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. We have no idea when PR was born, his parents' ethnic background; if he had brothers, sisters.

The first four years of his life is a mystery, but when he arrived at our home (surrounded by a chain link fence) perhaps his guardian angel left him with us to watch over him for a while.

There is no way this little dog could climb a fence and someone left us a gift.
One morning he was found sitting under our car, hungry, skinny, flea ridden and dirty. The first week or so after a bath,a bed and food, he had made himself at home. Calls to local vets, newspaper ads and no one claimed the dog.
We named him PR which we thought appropriate, short for Pedro Rodriguez.
The next journey beyond our fenced in yard was to the vet. He was neutered at this time and vet estimated his age to be around four and with a terrier, chihuahua pedigree(Heinz Variety).We really are not sure what year PR adopted us, but we figure it was around 1986,so adding on the four years already, that would make him approximately 18! In dog years that would be 126? Could that be?

Over the years, he grew from a skinny dog to approximately twenty-two pounds.
He traveled with us, learned to walk on a leash and became a member of the family.
We are left with only memories now, some happy that we would like to bring back, some sad that brings tears to the eyes, some regretful ones that we cannot correct and left better unmentioned but hope we will benefit from that knowledge. However, one trait of PR's was that when you looked in his eyes you knew he understood that we loved him and we knew that he loved us.
PR loved to eat. He was afraid of thunder storms, loved to travel.Even though PR had a separate dog yard in the back of the house, he loved to explore the front yard.
One of PR's favorite pastimes was to lay on his back and sun his belly.
He made friends everyplace he went and even remembered where the dog and cat dishes were in other homes he visited.When we show up at someone's home that PR visited before, folks will ask "Where's PR?".

One of our fondest memories is the day PR turned up missing.
That day we had friends stop by. When they left PR could not be found anywhere. We called, searched the house, inside and out, called our friends and asked them if PR might have got in the car with them, even though he had never been known to get in someone else's car.Perhaps he went through the gate when it was opened. "No", they didn't see PR when they left.
More frantic calling and searching.

Finally Abbajean got in her car, carefully opening and closing the gate and driving up and down the road, knocking on doors. No one had seen PR.

Well later that evening, we had to wash up the company's dishes using a rollaway dishwasher. We pulled the dishwasher over to the sink and behind it sat PR, very unconcerned. He was not lost or missing, just waiting for someone to set him free.

Solution to our missing PR:
Earlier in the day after using the dishwasher, it was put back in it's place and behind it was PR.
We mentioned before that PR was a very easy going dog, never chasing our cats.However, not only did our cats chase PR, but they would sit in front of the area after they had cornered him and he would just sit there. It was a game as to who could outwait who. Usually the cats were the victor and we would have to rescue PR.

Here's a picture of PR in his better days asking Candy to dance. Looks like he's vicious, but not PR. He wouldn't hurt a flea.

Here's a picture of PR and Kurt. Kurt is my sister's spouse. (Please see my Okeefeenoke Page in memory of Kurt. Now Kurt and PR are together after they have both crossed the RainbowBridge. We know when PR left us, Kurt was waiting on the other side holding his arms out for PR to jump into. This picture was taken at that time in Mississippi on a camping trip when Kurt was holding PR so PR could get a little tan. This upside down position was quite common for PR. He would go outdoors at home and lay in this position in the sun or just walking through a room, you would find him in the middle of the floor lying on his back.

We need to mention one instance is still a concern for PR's adopted sister and brother, Candy and Stonewall Jackson. They love their older brother and miss PR too but now have to decide who will take over the reign of "alpha dog"

THE 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....

PR's BEQUEST

Now PR was a pretty carefree, easygoing dog and never required much. Food had always been his biggest priority in life, but most likely, this would have been his bequest:

"If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep
Then you must do what must be done
For this, the last battle, can't be won.
You will be sad - I understand
Don't let your grief then stay your hand
For this day, more than all the rest
Your love and friendship stand the test.
We've had so many happy years
What is to come can hold no fears
You'd not want me to suffer, so
When the time comes, please let me go.
I know in time you too will see
It is a kindness you do to me
Although my tail its last has waved
From pain and suffering I've been saved.
Don't grieve that it should be you
Who has to decide this thing to do
We've been so close, my family, these years
Don't let your heart hold any tears."
Author Unknown

Anyone losing a pet will understand the meaning behind the following:

I got to the gate of Heaven yesterday after we said good-bye.
I began to miss you terribly, because I heard you cry.
Suddenly there was an Angel and she asked me to enter Heaven's gate.
I asked her if I could stay outside for someone who'd be late.
I wouldn't make much noise you see, I wouldn't bark or howl.
I'll only wait here patiently and play with my tennis ball.
The Angel said I could stay right here and wait for you to come
Because Heaven just wouldn't be Heaven if I went in alone.
So I'll wait right here, you take your time, but keep me in your heart.
Because Heaven just wouldn't be Heaven without you to warm my heart.
Author Unknown

In memory of PR, we now leave this candle burning on the internet.