in memory of

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. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….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.

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Domino was with us less than two years.  He came to us on angel wings after winning the hearts of workers at the animal rescue.  He was about six months old and had survived, even though his litter mates were mauled by an aggressive dog.  Despite his feline leukemia, he seemed healthy and won our hearts easily.  We couldn’t resist him—he was a talker, a kisser, and a lover!  He taught us so many lessons, especially a concept we needed to learn: Not MY way is OK.  He showered us with love and supported us as we went through some very difficult health challenges.  We still see his phantom shadow in all his favorite corners of the house. We took him to the Rainbow Bridge and know that he waits there for us to join him.  He marked our hearts and we didn’t resist—we realize he’ll be with us forever.

A few word from his sitter Lisa:  From my first meeting Domino also marked my heart.  I have always referred to myself as  being Domino’s girlfriend and what an honor that was.  He always turned on the charm and spent most of our time together flirting.  I enjoyed every moment of it.  Having known Domino, no matter how short of time it was,  he has left a lifetime impression.  Domino is always with us all.

 

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CASSIE (l) – CALLIE (r)

Cally and Cassie’s Mom Deb shared these remembrances with us:
Cally was a stray who chose me when she was about 2 years old. She was so affectionate and loving, with the loudest purr ever heard – she loved to stick her nose in my ear while I held her and purr away. She never met anyone she didn’t want to be friends with. She became the foreman of various repairmen who came to the house and loved to check out their tool boxes. She’d follow my maid service workers and supervise them mopping the floors and vacuuming. Her favorite place in the evening was to sit on my lap and sleep while I watched TV or read. Cally loved the attention and brushing she got from her Gentle Pet Protector caregivers Jean and Lisa when I had to travel.

Cassie came into our household as a 5-week old when Cally was 4 years old.  Cally became her surrogate mother, creating a strong bond between them for life. Cally would groom Cassie every day when she was a young kitten. Cassie didn’t like to be held, but liked to sit next to me or right behind me when I sat on the couch or would lie next to my computer when I worked at my desk. Those rare occasions that SHE decided she would come sit on my lap were a special treat. She slept on my pillow next to my head each night.

I lost both of my girls within a year of each other due to kidney failure. Cassie died in May, 2010 at the age of 14 and Cally died in January, 2011 at the age of 19. I miss them both every single day. I was so blessed to have them with me for so long.

Jean and Lisa at Gentle Pet Protectors shared their thoughts:
Cally and Cassie were regulars for me. Cassie was very shy at first and each step in getting to know her and gaining her trust was a highlight. Cally, on the other hand, was always there with a greeting. She would carry on a conversation while I did the chores and got their supper ready. This pair of loved and loving friends is both greatly missed – It was a privilege to look after them…………..Jean
My nickname for Cally was “love bug” and “baby girl”. She was the most content being held like a baby or nestled near your neck /ear. She always had so much to say and purr about. As Jean said, it truly was a privilege to care for the girls. They are both missed……….Lisa

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Dakota Phelps, -November, 2010 – Dakota was more than the beloved companion of Gentle Pet Protectors founder Lisa Phelps.   If your dog was lucky enough to stay at Lisa’s home, Dakota welcomed them in and became their friend.   There are many dogs who were happy to see their parents go out of town because it meant a stay with their good buddy Dakota.  He had the sweetest disposition, he loved a cold, snowy day, and playing with his favorite blue ball in the backyard.  Sadly for Lisa and the rest of us who loved him, Dakota has crossed that rainbow bridge, but there were many of his GPP pals to greet him when he arrived on the other side, and we suspect they are now all playing with a bright new shiny blue ball.   We will never forget this special friend to so many.