Until we meet again, my FRIEND…

I lost a dear friend early this morning. I lost a faithful companion. I lost a good buddy. I lost Brewster.

Brewster was my German Shepherd Dog. He was 12 years, 3 months old. He died at 12:02am. He developed Canine Bloat. The onset was rapid and he passed away within 8 hours.

Brewster has been with me since he was 7 weeks old. He was whelped on November 12, 1994. My daughter Dee and I picked him out of a litter of 8 or 9 other happy, jumping GSD puppies. His markings were what struck us, so we picked him.

We took him immediately to a Veterinarian to establish a record and care plan. The doctor that examined him called him “Bright Eyes,” because of his attentive gaze at everything.

He was ever vigilant, even as a young puppy. Whenever I was outside doing any kind of work, he would patrol our yard. He would circle the perimeter making sure I was safe. He did the same with my wife as well. He stayed on high alert as long as we were out working the yard. When we stopped to rest, he would continue his vigil, until we quit and went inside. Then he would take the luxury of rest.

He loved to walk. He loved to jump. He loved to play. He was comfortable outside, but he slept indoors, keeping watch over us and the house, his domain.

He was getting older. He was moving slower, but still kept up his vigil. He was showing signs of arthitis, but did not let that slow him down. There were times I had to restrain him, so he wouldn’t be in so much pain after a day of yardwork. He was a good dog.

As I said, he was my friend, my buddy, my companion. I will miss him.

Brewster, my friend, you have gone to the Rainbow Bridge. You are free of pain now. You are once again that young and vigilant dog, keeping the demons at bay. I know that one day I will re-unite with you. Remember that you were always loved and that I will forever miss you. Thank you for every moment of joy you gave me.

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…

The Rainbow Bridge

17 Comments

1. Our family is thinking of you. We are getting ready to go through the same thing soon with our oldest and sick “baby”

   Take care and know that you gave him a wonderful life, the pictures say it all!

   Comment by LMT — February 12, 2007 @ 4:45 pm | Edit This

2. LMT– Thank you.

   Comment by Echo9er — February 12, 2007 @ 5:26 pm | Edit This

3. I am sorry to hear you lost you buddy. I know how it feels. My german shephard mix is getting old too, and not much longer I will be facing the same thing. I truly believe that there is a place in Heaven for dogs.

   Comment by Ron Simpson — February 12, 2007 @ 5:30 pm | Edit This

4. Ron– Thank you.

   Comment by Echo9er — February 12, 2007 @ 7:04 pm | Edit This

5. Awww, I’m so sorry to hear this. The most devastating thing I’ve ever been through was losing my dog. Maybe because they love so unconditionally, it is more painful to lose them.

   Comment by Laurie — February 13, 2007 @ 3:45 pm | Edit This

6. Laurie– Thank you.

   Comment by Echo9er — February 13, 2007 @ 6:03 pm | Edit This

7. I was so sad to read that you lost your buddy. I cannot find the words to help you. Our dogs are a part of our family and it is hard to see them go. Take Care!

   Comment by Laura, Marine mom from Ohio — February 14, 2007 @ 8:06 am | Edit This

8. Laura– Thank you.

   Comment by Echo9er — February 14, 2007 @ 9:41 pm | Edit This

9. What a terrible piece of news on my way to the Z-Zone. I know how much Brewster meant to you. I haven’t been to your site for a couple of days because Potter was staying on top and not of interest to me and because of the weather - I only answered E-Mail yesterday - too cold by the computer (Northeast Ohio).

   Checking back tonight has made me feel a little empty. We lost a dog we had with us for 10 years (left to us by our son when he left for California) - About six weeks ago.

   Brewster had become an important part of my Sunday - as I’d visit on his day of rest. Brewster was one of the blessings in your life and he’ll always be there for you - especially when you need a “memory smile!” I know - I think of our Gremin often.

   Be Well Friend - You are thought of by many of us who knew Brewster. Thanks for letting us know.

   Comment by chrys — February 15, 2007 @ 12:51 am | Edit This

10. Amazing how familiar most of us are with the loss of a dog and a wonderful companion. Went to see Brewster at Dogster! We had Gremin there for about a year. Couldn’t sign in any more - guess we’ve been gone from there too long. A lady from Florida was getting too personal and even mentioned travel to the area for a relative. It all sounded (when put together) as though they were dog thieves or stalkers. There were so many nice people there - it was a hard decision close to two years ago now - An other wise “happy” place to spend time.

    God Bless You, your wife and Buffy. “Rainbow Bridge” is a beautiful offering of almost magical words. Thanks.

    Comment by chrys — February 15, 2007 @ 1:02 am | Edit This

11. Chrys– Thank you.

    Comment by Echo9er — February 15, 2007 @ 5:49 am | Edit This

12. My heart aches for your loss and the empty place left when these magical members of our family depart. The past two years have seen several departures for us, and it is never the same.

    But, how lucky you were to have had such a magnificent animal as Brewster in your lives…

    God Bless You all.

    Comment by Flag Gazer — February 15, 2007 @ 3:42 pm | Edit This

13. Flag Gazer– Thank you.

    Comment by Echo9er — February 15, 2007 @ 9:30 pm | Edit This

14. I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. When we lost my cat Loki last fall, and then my dog Sam a few weeks later, I was devastated. But I feel so blessed to have had both of them for the time they were with us. I still miss them both almost daily, but I wouldn’t trade the pain for anything if it meant I wouldn’t have been able to have them in my life. My heart is with you.

    Comment by Pam — February 20, 2007 @ 8:13 pm | Edit This

15. Pam– Thank you so much for you kind words.

    Comment by Echo9er — February 20, 2007 @ 10:44 pm | Edit This

16. I am so sorry Brewster is gone. I was not aware that other breeds experience the terrible bloat.
    I had a cockapoo Tarah that I told when I was deployed that she could not die until I returned. She was faithful to her word and passed away the day after I returned (cancer). It was so heartbreaking. She was 14 years young. I still had her daughter who took it hard, and the cat whom they both raised. It was Feb 05 while I was away visiting my grandchildren that Tayler passed away and she was just shy of 13 years young (heart disease). Tayler was my son’s dog who left her with us and she was loyal only to him. Her passing was equally difficult. They are both cremated and in the same urn but really they are running and playing on the other side of the rainbow and I will see them again one day. I still have the cat Heidi who is going on 13 this May and has a new buddy named Kat’rina the Borzoi whom she loves to terrorize.

    Comment by Denise — February 26, 2007 @ 10:43 am | Edit This

17. Denise.

    Thank you. It means a lot to hear from you.

    Comment by Echo9er — February 26, 2007 @ 6:26 pm | Edit This

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