Rainbow Bridge
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.... Author Unknown.

rainbow bridge for rescuers
Unlike most days at RainBow Bridge, this day dawned cold and gray, damp as a swamp and as dismal as could be imagined. All the recent arrivals were confused and concerned. They had no idea what to think for they had never experienced a day like this before. But the animals who had spent some time waiting for their beloved people knew exactly what was happening and began to gather at the pathway leading to the Bridge to watch. They knew this was something special. It wasn't too long before an elderly animal came into view, head hung heavy and low with tail dragging along the ground. The other animals on the pathway...the ones who had been at RainBow Bridge for a while...knew the story of this sad creature immediately. They had seen it happen far too many times. Although it was obvious the animal's heart was leaden and he was totally overcome with emotional pain and hurt, there was no sign of injury or any illness. Unlike the pets waiting at the Bridge, this dog had not been restored to his prime. He was full of neither health nor vigor. He approached slowly and painfully, watching all the pets who were by now watching him. He knew he was out of place here. This was no resting place for him. He felt instinctively that the sooner he could cross over, the happier he would be. But alas, as he came closer to the Bridge, his way was barred by the appearance of an Angel who spoke softly to the old dog and apologized sorrowfully, telling him that he would not be able to pass. Only those animals who were with their special people could pass over the RainBow Bridge. And he had no special beloved people...not here at the Bridge nor on Earth below. With no place else to turn, the poor elderly dog looked toward the fields before the Bridge. There, in a separate area nearby, he spotted a group of other sad-eyed animals like himself...elderly and infirm. Unlike the pets waiting for their special people, these animals weren't playing, but simply lying on the green grass, forlornly and miserably staring out at the pathway leading to the Bridge. The recent arrival knew he had no choice but to join them. And so, he took his place among them, just watching the pathway and waiting. One of the newest arrivals at the Bridge, who was waiting for his special people, could not understand what he had just witnessed and asked one of the pets who had been there for some time to explain it to him. "That poor dog was a rescue, sent to the pound when his owner grew tired of him. They way you see him now, with graying fur and sad, cloudy eyes, was exactly the way he was when he was put into the kennels. He never, ever made it out and passed on only with the love and comfort that the kennel workers could give him as he left his miserable and unloved existence on Earth for good. Because he had no family or special person to give his love, he has nobody to escort him across the Bridge." The first animal thought about this for a minute and then asked, "So what will happen now?" As he was about to receive his answer, the clouds suddenly parted and the all-invasive gloom lifted. Coming toward the Bridge could be seen a single figure...a person who, on Earth, had seemed quite ordinary...a person who, just like the elderly dog, had just left Earth forever. This figure turned toward a group of the sad animals and extended outstretched palms. The sweetest sounds they had ever heard echoed gently above them and all were bathed in a pure and golden light. Instantly, each was young and healthy again, just as they had been in the prime of life. From within the gathering of pets waiting for their special people, a group of animals emerged and moved toward the pathway. As they came close to the passing figure, each bowed low and each received a tender pat on the head or a scratch behind the ears. Their eyes grew even brighter as the figure softly murmured each name. Then, the newly-restored pets fell into line behind the figure and quietly followed this person to the Bridge, where they all crossed together. The recent arrival who had been watching, was amazed. "What happened?" "That was a rescuer," came the answer. "That person spent a lifetime trying to help pets of all kinds. The ones you saw bowing in respect were those who found new homes because of such unselfish work. They will cross when their families arrive. Those you saw restored were ones who never found homes. When a rescuer arrives, they are permitted to perform one, final act of rescue. They are allowed to escort those poor pets that couldn't place on Earth across the Rainbow Bridge. You see, all animals are special to them...just as they are special to all animals." "I think I like rescuers," said the recent arrival. "So does God," was the reply. --Author Unknown--

Tank
My pretty boy Tank. You came to us from Kern County Animal Shelter. They had you listed as an older female basset. Your face looked a bit beagaly in the picture and it was difficult to tell if you had any basset in you at all. So,off to the shelter I went. One look at you and it was obvious that you were not a basset, not even close. What you were was a train wreck. Long leggy legs, full of arthritis and several lumps, bumps and warts covering your body. I should have said I am sorry we cannot take another mix. I should have left you there. But, one look into your eyes, and I knew you would be GEBR's newest rescue. We named you Nancy and off to the vet we went. While waiting for the vet to call us in you went to the bathroom. Wait a minet..........That was a boy stance not a girl........So after a quick check it was confirmed, you were a boy. So your name was changed to Tank. The news was not good at the vets. There were a few masses that were inoperable due to their position. So the plan was to keep you comfortable. You were placed in a foster home and there began your education of the nicer things in life. Like those last few french frys, the last bite of steak, being allowed in the house, having a soft bed to sleep on.... And the biggie, not being hit or yelled at. Unfortunately your foster home did not work out and so you came to stay with me. You got along with my pack and enjoyed yourself. Of course you and Clemmentine about drove me nuts bellaring at each other. :) You began to loose weight and were not as steady as you usually were on you feet. I went out of town on Memorial Day weekend and took you and the rest of the geriatric set to vacation at the ranch. You went down while there. We thought it might have been due to your arthritis and the near snow conditions. You were started on prednisone and we waited, hoping you would soon be able to walk again. It was not to be. while we will never know what caused you to go down....blown disc.....the cancer you most surely had.............a combination of the two....you were in pain and it was becoming harder for you to get around. We went to see Dr. Stout this morning and he told me what I already knew, it was time for you to journey on to the bridge. As I held you in my arms you peacefully left this earth. Thank you Tank or being a part of our lives for these past few months. Till we meet again, Jill and the hounds of GEBR......a special thanks to Dawn of the West for her loving care of Tank while he was at the ranch. __._,_.___

Bella
Bella was an owner turn in. She was a longer haired basset. Bellawas a gentle old soul and got along with everybody. She enjoyed her walks taken at her own pace. She also loved her food and was not happy when she was placed on a diet. Bella began to have mobiity problems that I put down to arthritis and the colder weather. One day she was just not herself and so off to the vet we went. Her blood work was fine with the exception of a slightly elevated blood count. She went on antibiotics and a steroid. Two days later she was down. She was started on crate rest and steroids. No improvement. She was in pain and so we tried to get that under control. No matter what we tried we could not control the pain. Bella left for the bridge 1-2-10. Thank you Dr. Stout for taking such good care of our babies. Bella, you will be missed. The house just does not seem the same without you here. Yo have taken a piece of my heart with you. Till we meet again........ Jill and the hounds of GEBR

Grace
Grace came into rescue from KCAC. She was picked up as a stray and was a total wreck when we picked her up from the shelter. She had been dumpster diving and had a rough coarse coat that was falling out by the handfulls. She also had erlickia and an infection in both eyes. After getting her on a decent diet, her coat was much better, the erlickia was cleared up with antibiotics and the eye infection was also cleared up. Unfortunately the infection in her eyes had done it's damag and she never regained her sight. She quickly adjusted to life without sight. On the night of Christmas day, somebody vandalized my fence and took several boards. Leave it to Grace to find the hole in the fence. I searched and searched for her and finally found her two days later. She had been hit by a train. Grace my girl you will be missed. Have fun at the bridge. Till we meet on the other side... Jill and the hounds of GEBR.