Anyone who’s owned a pet knows all too well the pain of losing that special companion, but they continue to live in our hearts yet every once in a while, something you see or hear reminds you of them in an especially significant way. Today is the day we honor and remember them through Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day. Not a day goes by where I can’t imagine any day that went by over the past 4 years where I don’t recall my two most recent angels.
How did this day come about you ask? The day was created by author Deborah Barnes as a way for people to share their memories of the pets that were lost after she had to say goodbye to her kitty, Mr. Jazz back on August 28, 2013. Deborah published a heartfelt book detailing the journey of letting Mr. Jazz go, called “Purr Prints of the Heart – A Cat’s Tale Of Life, Death and Beyond” wherein she expressed her feelings and the anguish she felt.
Reaction to the book was profound and Deborah realized other pet owners shared a similar journey when they lost theirs. Then in 2015, Deborah created Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day as a chance for people everywhere to share their stories and memories of pets who were loved and lost.
These two sweet and precious Angels remain missed ever so much.
So today, I can’t be remiss by not acknowledging and honoring other beloved pet such as my beloved McKenzie, the black standard poodle who was rescued from the Denver Dumb Friends. He was one of the most fun, loving companions who made me laugh countless times over his 13 years with me. He passed on August 29, 2002, shortly after I moved into my current home so today is particularly poignant.
There was Eliot, my first sheepdog, also adopted from the Denver Dumb Friends who introduced me to the Old English Sheepdog breed and Crosby, the lovable Airedale/shepherd/mastiff mix who had the goofiest mohawk and who also was an epi-warrior, passing away far too soon. He taught me so much about the condition which has definitely benefited Elsa. Puck, my second Old English Sheepdog was also rescued from the Denver Dumb Friends two years after Eliot was adopted, after she had been taken away from an abusive family. That girl was a pill of a dog if ever there was one and the cleverest counter surfer I’ve ever known.
All these special dogs brought a deep richness into my life and I still miss them all through tears, smiles and memories from our time together. I’m a better human for having had each one of them in my life.
Hope you take a moment to recall the beloved pets from your life, especially today.
Live, love, bark ❤️🩹
****sighs**** Oh Sam how I miss you~~ BellaSita Mum
****sighss**** Mee-yow Sweet Norman how mee missess YOU~~BellaDharma
Thanks BellaDharma. We’re right there with you. 💙
A beautiful tribute to your amazing angels Monika 💜 They teach us so much and live on in our hearts forever 🐾💖🐾 xxx
Thank you so much. Yes, they may be gone, but the memories of their time with us remain firmly embedded in our hearts.
Five cats and four dogs over the course of 41 years. All fond memories and holes in our hearts.
Aww, very sweet. They may be gone but never forgotten. ❤️🩹
Thanks for sharing all your precious angels!
All those memories are such cherished treasures.
Thank you. Indeed, they were all special in their own unique ways. Still miss them every day. ❤️🩹
Beautiful post and love the pics!
We never do forget our furry angels! Each one of them special in their own unique way! Still miss my Lassie girl! But glad she is free of pain. ❤️ Love and Hugs!
Thank you. They truly are unique in their own special way. While they may be gone, they are never forgotten. Sending you tender thoughts of comfort for your Lassie girl. ❤️🩹
💛💛 Thanks!
Guess my Post will be late for Rainbow 🌈 Remembrance Day thanks for reminding me
Not a problem; remembrance is always on time. 💙
so much love shared, dogs are such giving creatures, just wanting us happy and maybe a treat or three
you’ve loved and lost and know despite the pain, it’s important to love again each time
LeeAnna
Exactly. They may be gone but they’ve never been forgotten.
I did not know it was Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day. I certainly would like to make a post about that too. I am so sorry for the loss of your angels 💖
Thanks, Thomas. I think about Norman and Sam every day but today I’m also thinking of those who passed before them.
The absolutely worst part of pet ownership is saying goodbye. 🙁 However, forever after, in our hearts, they remain our furever friends. 💕
So completely true. Thanks Eliza. You nailed it.
Thanks for the nice pause to remember. Thanks for the memories you shared.
Thank you, Monika, for sharing all these precious pups with us. I had no idea you previously had standard poodles and OSD. Other than Stormin Norman and Sam, of, course. Now I understand… They’re “your breeds.” I’m sure you’re aware that mini schnauzers are “my breed.” This really struck a note and I’m blinking back tears.
Thank you. My first ‘adult’ dog was a black standard poodle (alas I don’t have any digital pics of Mandy, or her two ‘sisters,’ Buffy and Zoey). Fell in love with the breed…smart and they didn’t shed. Eliot was my first sheepdog and I was attracted to him because of his adorable face, which was much like Norman’s. Most sheepies have the white heads. I’ve always been a big dog person and both breeds filled that need. Plus they are both way too clever and keep me on my toes. Always thought of Eliot as a wool sweater with paws and Puck was just a pistol of a dog-she was sooo cheeky.
I did figure you for a mini schnauzer lover and saw the love you had for Lexi. I joined your adventures just around the time she was heading for the Rainbow Bridge. I cried when she passed. Such a precious girl who is still fondly remembered. Sending you digital hugs of comfort today. ❤️🩹
Such a lovely tribute to your beloved doggies, Monika. We never forget angel Norman and angel Sam, they became dear to us too💗Soft Pawkisses as you remember your purrecious angels🐾😽💞
Aww, thank you. You’ve touched my heart with your sweet comment. Today I also remember adorable Binky. 💙
A wonderful tribute to your Angels. Furrever loved and furrever remembered.
Many thanks. I remember all mine plus all who I’ve grown to love from Blogville. They all have touched my heart. 💙
Big tears here. Not only for those who have gone over the bridge in the past , Coco, Bailey, Lucy, but from my daughter’s four year old doberman Kizzy who crossed suddenly from cardiomyopathy, yesterday. We feel for these loved ones and thanks for the reminder, Monika
Oh gosh, no, John! I’m so sorry. Didn’t you just feature her meeting the girls recently? I’m so very sorry. Cardiomyopathy is an insidious disease. Just heartbroken for you and your daughter. Sending tender thoughts of comfort on her loss. 💔
Thank you so much Monika. Yes, two weeks ago they all had a playdate and I featured it on my post. Kizzy was at our house last Sunday. We are heartbroken.
I am truly sorry. I totally understand how heartbroken you all are. 💔
I know you do. 🤗
I know how hard it is to say goodbye, but your endearing photos brought such a smile to my face. I am grateful to know of all the love you were given over the years by your precious angels. Love from Deb and Purr Prints of the Heart on behalf of Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day.
Many thanks, Deb. I’ve been so blessed over the years to have had such loving companions. Hugs and tail wags from all of us at the Ranch. And thanks for swinging by-we 💙 visitors!
Your angels were beautiful. We never forget those we love. XO
Thanks, Ellen. It’s true, we continue to think them forever, even if they’re no longer under foot. ❤️🩹
I couldnt write a post today… too much tears… hugs to you all and tonight we will watch the sky and all the stars there…
We totally understand. It took me a few days to compose myself enough. It’s a wonder I didn’t short out the laptop. Sending you hugs and tails wags. While Easy may be gone, he will never be forgotten.
Lulu: “Awww, so many sweet fluffy angels!”
Chaplin: “Puck was your clever counter surfer? I wonder if she and Tucker are trading thief stories over the Rainbow Bridge …”
Puck was quite the thief. And very unapologetic about her thievery to boot. I can only imagine the stories at the Bridge.
I loved them both, but Norman stole my heart immediately. Such a precious pup he was.
Big healing hugs on this day of remembrance.
Have a fabulous day, my friend. Scritches to the pups. ♥
Many thanks, my friend. Norman was especially wonderful though Sam was probably a better therapy dog. All these dogs got me through some tough times and I will always be grateful to have had them in my life, even for a short time. They may be gone, but never, ever forgotten. 💙
Love this post…..love in every line – in every memory – on every sweet little face and certainly in a whole lot of hearts. I still get quite teary when I think of my first cat and every one after her who have been my children and my honor to have and hold and love. I know today is the official day for remembrance but love is always and forever and hardly a day goes by that Teddy doesn’t remind me how wonderful having pets can be!
Hugs, Pam
Thank you. They all brought such joy to me and all who met them. We are so lucky to have these wonderful pets in our lives.
thank you for sharing all of your babies with us! I am happy I knew Sammy and Norman but sweet Norman left much too soon. Sending (((hugs))) as you remember today.
Thank you. Aye, yes…sweet Norman was definitely a heart stealer. They never stay long enough but the 3-1/2 years he was with me seemed particularly short.
My goodness I didn’t not know your angels but one thing I do know is you have an exquisite eye for selecting beautiful K9. All of the angels paved the way to your heart each pup who came after them
Hugs Cecilia
Thank you. All but Crosby were rescues (Cros & his littermates were an accident). Each one were all so special and shared their love freely, even the hooligans but they were all loved deeply. 💙
Such a wonderful tribute to those beautifu souls who had to report for Angel Duty way too soon. Always loved and forever remembered.
Thank you. It’s so true-they never stay on this earth long enough but will always be remembered for their loving devotion.
We did not have the privilege to know many of those “who came before”, but we are certain all were very good, special and beautiful each in their own way and may each now rest well beyond the rainbow. We did know that humorous, magical, wonder of wonders ~ and loved him from afar ~ Stormin’ Norman! And we miss him MUCHLY! As with all your other angels, Norman, sure hope you’re doing your thing, up there, beyond your “rather unique”, one of a kind rainbow, and helping make some little ones smile and laugh! Good job!
Many thanks, Ann. I’m sure he’s providing loads of loving in heaven and looking out for us down here. I think he’d be so proud of Elsa finally wagging her tail. I’m convinced he taught her that after years of simply being a Ninja. We miss them all every day but know they’re waiting for me. ❤️🩹
Cannot stop crying. Miss them all.
Me too, Helen. It was a hard post to write but between the tears were lots of smiles. ❤️🩹
Ah yes – the numerous four-legged friends who pass through our lives.
Tim-Tim: A ginger tom-cat and childhood friend.
Rumble and Tumble: Two California White bunnies from the early 1970s.
Skeeta: A very friendly Siamese cat from the late 70’s.
Friday and Robinson: Two cats with sweet dispositions who were later joined by a cat Scooter (a total rebel in every way).
Brewster Bun: A dwarf rabbit who “filled the gap” when Scooter left us. It was such a pleasure to watch Friday, Robinson and Brewster Bun running around the house together, and watching squirrels together. A perfect trio!
Then of course, there was our Shepherd/Rotti ……. Ray. He was my first live-in dog, and I still really miss him.
Of course we now have Nigel (Standard Poodle), who cuddles up to us and reminds us that while we should always remember our past furry friends, we should never forget our future with him, and perhaps others.
That Nigel is quite the clever Standard Poodle. I still fondly recall Ray and miss him. There’s a doppelganger of him in my neighborhood who reminds me of him.
Lovely tribute, Thank you. Our list, between cats and dogs, is sooo long. But we have a nice shelf where all their ashes reside. A nice reminder.
Thank you, Debra. They may be gone, but they will never be forgotten.
Just yesterday I was telling a neighbor (huge cat lady) about my Jake (passed in 2015). I shared stories and we both were laughing. I miss them all. Still cry about Mollie who got sick during the pandemic and got the worst vet care ever. All of them were special in their own way.
It’s good to remember those happier days-they help us get by until we join them. Here’s to all the special pets from yesteryear.
Awww yes, thank you for letting me know this is a special day. I have shared Zeke’s pic as a result.
You have had some fine furry friends over the years. xoxo
Thank you. My pleasure. Yes, I’ve been ever so blessed with some amazing pets over the years.
Yes, indeed. If I had some digital images of Chakotay, I would have included her (she was also a long-haired GS). And then, I could also include Juanita, our fox terrier/chihuahua mix. Old bitch lived for 17 years, or was it 19? She was our first dog when we were kids.
I know i have still pics of dogs I grew up that have never been scanned. I should do that at some point. Easier to manage digitals than a box of photos! Sam was the oldest of all my dogs when he passed at 14-1/2. I probably took his passing the hardest though Norman’s was particularly painful-he just was with me for 3-1/2 years. I’m convinced all the remarkable pet therapy memories added to the intensity when both those boys earned their wings. The 3 of us shared some truly amazing encounters with patients, visitors and staff.
I keep promising myself that I am going to scan all the slides and photos and get rid of the hard copies. Lordy they take up space!
Sam, for sure was hard; Norman’s was so out of the blue – those are almost hardest. You have been very blessed with these two. And not taking anything away from the Ninja and House Pony, either!
💙 ❤️🩹 💙
Exactly! 💕💞
Such sweet memories. We are thankful for all the photos Mom has to bring back all the memories of past dogs and cats. She started taking photos when she was seven years old so she has all her pets including the gerbils. They all have special places in her heart.
The photos of our beloved pets from the past help comfort our hearts. Sending loads of comfort to all pet pawrents today.
Beautiful tribute 😍 Our furry friends may be gone, but they’ll never be forgotten. Sending you love and hugs on Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day.
Thank you. Yes, they may be gone but always remain in my heart. And thanks for the love and hugs especially today. Right back atcha, friend. 💙
You’re so right, even when they were naughty or pill like, you can’t help but smile recalling all the memories you shared. Frank the cat…what a great name. 😻
Like you, I think of them often. Sweet angels all even Frank the bad cat. ❤️