German Shepherd Rainbow Bridge

Welcome to the German Shepherd Rainbow Bridge.

This page is dedicated to "Sampson," my German shepherd, who I recently had to put down for untreatable metastatic hemangiosarcoma. He was only 7 1/2 years old but was still a puppy in my eyes. He will truely be missed by myself and those who had the priviledge of knowing him.

Sampson (2003-2011)

Handling the death of a beloved pet is never easy, but grieving for that pet is an important part of your recovery. If you have lost a special canine companion, the emotions can become overwhelming. Take some time out to grieve for your dog. Celebrate the bond you had with your dog. Don't be afraid to cry. It takes time to heal.

Because your pet was an everyday part of your life, even the most mundane tasks can be heartbreaking. You might catch yourself getting ready to feed your dog or let him out, only to remember he is gone. Chances are, you will come home sometimes expecting your dog to greet you. Little things like scratch marks on the floor from doggie nails can trigger an an emotional response. Items like dog beds, toys, bowls, leashes, collars, etc. are obvious reminders. However, getting rid of all the things that remind you of your dog is not the answer. If you wish to remove your dog's belongings from sight, simply store them away somewhere. You might want to go back and look at them in the future.

The most important thing to remember is that grief takes time. You will always miss your companion, but things will get better. At first, there will be more bad days than good, but you will have fewer bad days, and it will be easier to focus on the happy memories with less sadness. Your pet's memory may always be bittersweet for you. Future pets cannot replace your lost companion, but they might help fill a void. As pet owners, we know that we will most likely outlive our pets, so we are grateful for the short time we can share or lives with them.

A poem was given to me by a special friend who also knew and loved Sampson very much. Hopefully this poem will ease your heart that someday you will be reunited with your beloved dog.

RAINBOW BRIDGE 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....

Author unknown...

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