Salute to Dusty
Those who will meet her at the bridge
&
The three newborn 'Barclay' puppies April 10 & 12, 2003
(poem about the Rainbow Bridge follows)
From the moment that little package slips out of the mother's birth canal and lands with a rather abrupt splat, hopefully in our waiting hands, we have acquired a life that is our responsibility. We know, if the puppy stays with us, we may also have to make the decision to send it on its way. We hope we have a long time before the end comes. We often wonder how we do it. Why we do it. We make a choice. We feel that the amount of time we are given with that particular entity, will be worth the pain of having to end its life. Every time we make the horrible decision, our hearts break. It doesn't matter if they are young or old. It doesn't matter how many are left behind. They are all special and all individuals.
We know with certainty that they have given us everything they were capable of giving. Even if they did not reach our expectations or their full potential. We know they gave it an honest try. We know they failed with honor.
We know they gave us unconditional love without ulterior motives, without deception. And, they considered our love of them, a precious gift. A gift they guarded and held with the deepest respect.
Dusty didn't become a champion. She only garnered one title, that of a "AKC Canine Good Citizen" CGC. But Dusty gave us all she had to give. She gave me one litter. From that litter came Tiger Lilly, Ch Trifecta's Alouette and Theo, Ch Trifecta's Allegiance. She was the matriarch of the family for five years. She replaced
Elsa, Summit View's NW Elegance CDX, when I sent Elsa to the bridge.
Dusty was the best mother. A very reliable responsible matriarch. She knew instantly which puppies needed more guidance than others. She was never unfair, unduly strict or wrong.
She now passes the torch to nine year old Punk, Ch Dornlea's Daring Damsel. Heaven help us all. Punk isn't ready. Punk probably never will be. She still thinks she is a puppy.
Karmel's Wildflower CGC ......Dusty
(Ch Cynra's Summer Knight x Ch Karmel's Tess D'Urberville)
5.18.92 - 2.05.03
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...