January 14, 2010

I am sad today. One of my CCI friends, an amazing graduate dog named Ellie, has gone to the Rainbow Bridge. In case you are unfamiliar with it, here's the Rainbow Bridge poem by Paul C. Dahm:

"There is a bridge connecting heaven and earth. It is called Rainbow Bridge because of its many colours.

Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows, hills, valleys with lush green grass.

When a beloved animal dies it goes to this special place. There is always food and water and warm spring weather.

The old and frail are young again. Those who are maimed are made whole again.

They play all day with each other. There is only one thing missing.

They are not with their special person who loved them on Earth.

So each day they run and play until the day comes when one suddenly stops playing and looks up!

The nose twitches!

The ears are up!

The eyes are staring!

And this one suddenly runs from the group!

You have been seen, and when you and your special friend meet, you take him or her into your arms and embrace.

Your face is kissed again and again, and you look once more into the eyes of your trusting friend.

Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated."

Hoo-boy. That always gets me. [sniff] I'll wait a moment while you find a Kleenex.

Ellie was only seven and a half. She graduated with Buddy Hayes in August of 2005, and Oh! the adventures they had together.

Buddy is a veteran, a retired teacher and recreational therapist,an athlete, a motivational speaker, and former Ms.Wheelchair Virginia. I can't even begin to tell you about all the things Buddy does, but you can read more at her website, Gimp Girls Rule. Honestly, I'm not sure I could keep up with her. Ellie was one busy service dog!

I met Buddy and Ellie last July when they were in Denver for the National Veterans Wheelchair Games. Buddy competed in swimming, air rifle and javelin, winning two gold medals in swimming and a bronze medal in air rifle.

Before the Games started we had a birthday party -- for Ellie. It was her seventh birthday and the puppy raisers made sure she had plenty of presents and even a special just-for-dogs cake. I had a piece....well, OK, two pieces, and it was YUMMY. The humans had a good time visiting and the pups played with Ellie in the back yard. A good time was had by all. Ellie told me she didn't feel like she was 7, and she played as hard as we did. She also told me she loved her job and was always excited to find out what new adventure was in store for her with Buddy.

Ellie's death was very sudden, very unexpected, and completely heartbreaking for Buddy, who said, "My dear sweet Ellie has gone to heaven. She had inoperable nasal cancer. She lived a full life with many adventures. I hoped that we would have many, many more years together. God saw her angel wings under her working vest and called her home."

Rest in peace, sweet Ellie while you wait for Buddy at the Rainbow Bridge. May I some day be as good a service dog as you were.

Chow for now...

Mars

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