Jackson

Steve and Laurie lost their precious Jackson after a wonderful, fantastic,
happy, joyful but very short five years together. He was six years old when
his owner could no longer keep him. We gladly took him into our home. That
same day we went and got our Boomer to be a sister to him. Her family had
too many pets and she was getting lost in the shuffle. Jackson and Boomer
tolerated each other and played daily. Never a "loving couple" as we had
hoped for -- but adopted brother-n-sister they were. They were both
totally black. He was a short-hair and looked like a panther. She is a
long hair and precious and beautiful. They both started to get some white
hair as they aged. Jackson loved to "rain-dance" on his stuffed animal
toys. He has been gone for almost four months now. We still have not been
able to put away the stuffed animals that were his and only his. The pain
is too strong. My husband Steve misses Jackson even more because he always
slept with him cradled in his arms, under the covers, head on his Daddy's
shoulder. More than once Jackson would wake Steve up by lightly biting his
mustache and pulling. Never hurting. Just saying "Dad -- Get Up and Feed
Me!" On weekends he would wake us both up by pawing at the window shade --
making such a racket you would have to get out of bed and go to him to make
him stop. Once you were up -- he knew he would get his breakfast. We love
and miss him so very much. Boomer still walks the house looking for her
brother. His illness came on so quickly -- in July -- and after multiple
doctor visits and many tests, he was just too weak and elderly. We believe
he is at Rainbow Bridge waiting for us. (Read about The Bridge below.)

Steve and Laurie

* * * * *

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,
someone who was 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 begins to quiver.
Suddenly, he breaks from the group,
flying over the green grass, 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 those trusting eyes,
so long gone from your life, but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together...

*Author Unknown*