This page was supposed to be a page about my puppy Puddles. I had planned to write all about him and post pictures of him because he is a huge part of our lives and my best friend. I kept telling myself I would do this and I never got around to it until after he was gone. I have better pictures but I need to get them scanned, but I am so happy to finally have some pictures up of my sweet boy!

Our sweet puppy had to be put to sleep on January 2, 2002. He seemed fine until Christmas and finally when we got him to the vet we were told he was in the highest stage of kidney failure. We originally had planned on having him put to sleep on our first visit to the vet. I just knew it was his time. But our vet mentioned some possibilities of illnesses that he may have that were treatable. We got our hopes up and had our vet do blood tests on Puddles so we could know for sure if it was his time.

We got Puddles back home and he just got worse. He hadn't been eating or sleeping for days and he just walked around aimlessly. I just wanted to take his pain from him because he was the most loving dog and he did not deserve to feel that pain. No dog does.

The vet's assistant finally called and told Jeb the results. I could tell by the tone in his voice that Puddles would not be ok. His kidneys were not working at all anymore for our buddy boy.

We then requested to bring him in to end his suffering. But the vet was out on a house call and wasn't expected back for 2 hours. So far it had been 4 hours since we originally had planned to end his suffering and he had to wait 2 more hours. I couldn't bear to see him in that pain.

Finally the vet called and told us to bring him in. It was after 7 pm and I was so grateful Puddles didn't have to keep on suffering the rest of the night. We rushed over to the vet clinic and within a few minutes my puppy relaxed in my arms and within seconds he was gone. I felt so relieved at first because I know the pain was too much for our baby to bear. I was so relieved because I knew his suffering was over, but mine was only beginning.

It's been so hard. He was a wonderful dog. I find myself wishing that he was in my way in the kitchen and getting into the garbage and the fridge. I reach out for him even though I know better but it's so hard after over 13 years of him being my shadow and now he's gone just like that. I just want him back. I love him so much.

Puddles and I had SO much fun growing up together! I got him when I was around 9 years old and he was a dream come true! I had begged and begged my parents to get me a dog and finally they did! We did everything together! He was my shadow and could not stand to be without me! My parents made a really silly rule that the dog could not be on the furniture or go upstairs. So Puddy would quietly sneak up the stairs when they weren't paying attention and jump up on my bed! Then he would just have this proud look on his face knowing he got away with it and that he was with the one he loved!!! I was always happy when he broke the rules just to be with me!!

I can't remember life before Puddles. We were perfect together! He was there during my childhood and there for me during those crazy teenage years...even though I was busy with school and friends, he was still there waiting for me every evening! And he was there with me when I became an adult and moved out and faced the big scary real world. It means so much to me that he was there. He was there for me when I was sad, and would never leave my side. He was there for me when I was happy and was so excited when I was feeling so good! Whatever my mood was, he was always there for me. I could count on him always.

I have so many wonderful memories of him and I hope to add more on this page in the future. He was so fun to be with. He loves me more than I probably even know. I love him more than I can even express in words and it's so hard accepting that he won't be coming back to me.

I can't wait to get to heaven to see my wonderful sweet puppy. I hope that he is up there having a wonderful time at the Rainbow Bridge waiting for the time when we can be together forever!

Please stop by and visit Puddles' Rainbows Bridge Residency.

Rainbow Bridge

There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth. It is called Rainbow Bridge because of its many splendid colors. Just this side of Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows, hills, and valleys with lush, green grass.

When beloved pets die, they go to to this place. There is always food and water and warm spring weather. The old and frail animals are young again. Those who are maimed are made whole again. They play all day with each other.

There is only one thing missing.

They are not with their special person who loved them on earth. So each day they run and play. Until the day comes when one suddenly stops playing and looks up!

The nose twitches.
The ears are up!
The eyes are staring.

And this one suddenly runs from the group.
You have been seen!

And when you and your special friend meet, you take him in your arms and embrace. Your face is kissed again and again and again, and you look once more into the eyes of your trusting pet. Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together...

...Never again to be separated.

LEND ME A PUP

I will lend to you for awhile,
a pup, God said.
For you to love him while he lives
and mourn him when he's dead.

Maybe twelve or fourteen years,
or maybe two or three.
But will you, 'till I call him back,
v take care of him for me?

He'll bring his charms to gladden you
and (should his stay be brief)
you'll always have his memories
as solace for your grief.

I cannot promise he will stay,
since all from earth return
But there are lessons taught below
I want this pup to learn.

I've looked the whole world over
in search of teachers true,
And from the folk that crowd life's land
I have chosen you.

Now will you give him all your love
Nor think the labour vain,
Nor hate me when I come to take
my sweet Pup back again?

I fancied that I heard them say
"Dear Lord Thy Will be Done,"
For all the joys this Pup will bring,
the risk of grief we'll run.

We'll shelter him with tenderness,
we'll love him while we may,
And for the happiness we've known
forever grateful stay

But should you call him back
much sooner than we've planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes,
and try to understand.

If, by our love, we've managed,
your wishes to achieve
In memory of him we loved,
to help us while we grieve,

When our faithful bundle
departs this world of strife,
We'll have yet another Pup
and love him all his life.
~author unknown~

TO OUR SPECIAL FUR BABIES

What would I do without you My precious, furry friend?...
Part mischief, but all blessing, and faithful to the end!

You look at me with eyes of love: You never hold a grudge...
You think I'm far too wonderful to criticize or judge.

It seems your greatest joy in life is being close to me...
I think God knew how comforting your warm, soft fur would be.

I know you think you're human, but I'm glad it isn't true...
The world would be a nicer place if folks were more like you!

A few short years is all we have: One day we'll have to part...
But you my pet, will always have a place within my heart.

-Hope Marrington Molb

"He is my other eyes that can see above the clouds; my other ears that hear above the winds. He is the part of me that can reach out into the sea. He has told me a thousand times over that I am his reason for being; by the way he rests against my leg; by the way he thumps his tail at my smallest smile; by the way he shows his hurt when I leave without taking him. (I think it makes him sick with worry when he is not along to care for me.) When I am wrong, he is delighted to forgive. When I am angry, he clowns to make me smile. When I am happy, he is joy unbounded. When I am a fool, he ignores it. When I succeed, he brags. Without him, I am only another man. With him, I am all-powerful. He is loyalty itself. He has taught me the meaning of devotion. With him, I know a secret comfort and a private peace. He has brought me understanding where before I was ignorant. His head on my knee can heal my human hurts. His presence by my side is protection against my fears of dark and unknown things. He has promised to wait for me... whenever... wherever - in case I need him. And I expect I will - as I always have. He is just my dog." -Gene Hill

"You fought hard to stay alive, my friend. In the end, though, you couldn't conquer death. But neither did death conquer you. Death cures all diseases, mends all broken bones, breaks all chains... and made you free at last." -Final Call (A Scottish Lament)

If I know what love is, it is because of you. -Herman Heese

©Copyright 2001-2003 Danielle

Updated April 21, 2003 by Danielle