Gammy

My heart has been so heavy this week as Tuesday morning we had to put our pug, Gammy, to sleep. She was our "old lady" dog....at almost 15 years old, and almost completely deaf and blind. Her poor little body started to shut down on Friday and by Monday I knew it was time. I held her at the vet's office as we put her to sleep and just cried and cried. She didn't flinch, or struggle or whimper...she just laid her sweet little head down and she was gone. My heart aches each day when I come home and only two dogs are here to greet me instead of three and her dog bowl sits empty on the counter.

This is the poem on the urn where we will keep her ashes:

"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 the Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all 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 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 from you life, but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together..."