Dignity

Dignity, in all it's incarnations, means a being has an innate right to respect and be assured ethical treatment.

Any being.

To live ones' life with dignity is a quality we should all strive for. And at at the end of our lives, we should hope for the same.

So, too, should our companion animals, our pets. Live life with all the energy God has given them, and when the time comes to depart, pray that there is no pain, only dignity.

We, as humans, have been given a most amazing gift; to release them from any pain they may have incurred in their lifetime and let them go with dignity.

We let one of our dogs go this morning, Princess. After taking a few too many tumbles down stairs, she wasn't getting around as well as she once did, and though she was still eating well and doing her business outside, the quality of life wasn't there any longer. She had problems remembering where she was, and would walk herself into a corner, not being able to rescue herself.

Last night, her last on earth, we gave her the best wet food, cookies and cheese. But where there once was a dog who would literally jump with excitement at her evening cheese, she stumbled and almost fell over.

Yes, it was time.

This morning, Princess went to 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...