In Honor of Casey the Wonderdog

When we love a pet, we experience God.

My beautiful sister Sarah is taking her golden retriever Casey to the vet today.  The reason for the visit is truly somber. Casey has been fighting cancer for many months and today is the day he will cross over the Rainbow Bridge.

There are tears in my eyes as I write this, as I recall all the amazing pictures of beautiful Casey and the love and light that always emanates from his eyes.  Sarah and Casey are family to each other, so Casey is family to me.  And always will be.

Dogs have so much to teach us.  Their raw vulnerability, enthusiasm for life, and unconditional loving are deeply angelic qualities.  Dogs have not forgotten where they come from or who they truly are.  They are SUCH souls having an animal experience.

Sarah, I love you.  You are such a loving mom to Casey and so brave for making such a difficult decision full fo so much support and care.

Casey, thank you for gracing our lives with your unbelievable spirit.  Your legacy will live on in our family and beyond.  May we continue to learn and grow from from your presence with each day.

When Ben and I had to put Babicat to sleep, Sarah was the first person to write us sending so much love, and emailing us the following poem:

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....

Casey, soon "absent from our lives, but never from our hearts".  We lift your life to the sky today, and we are forever grateful for your time on this Earth.  We love you.

When we love a pet, we experience God.