"Until one has loved an animal,
part of their soul remains unawakened"


Violet was a very special girl. My niece chose her first name. Elizabeth was after my dear great aunt, and Louise is a family name passed down through three generations. (Mesh or Meshus was her nickname, a loving version of "precious".)

Without Violet, I would not have survived my husband's untimely death. She was my reason for living, for getting out of bed in the darkest hours. She was always by my side, giving me comfort and a reason to laugh. We had great fun together. Violet was my link to my life with Ron. Sadly, at the age of 3.5 years, she was diagnosed with advanced liver cancer. I begged the doctor for answers that I knew would not come.

I decided that afternoon to let her go to the Summerland, where she would play with my other beloved pets forever. I knew that Baby, Stormy, Baron, Brandy, and a host of the other pets throughout my life would be there to greet her.

I held Violet for two hours, talking to her about how much I wanted her, reminiscing with her about the first day I went to get her; holding her against my shoulder as I drove to my parents' home to show off my new "baby".

I sang to her, You Are My Sunshine, which was "our" song. I held her as the vet did his work and whispered to her over and over, "Thank you, thank you"...for being my baby, for your love, comfort, laughter, being in my life. Violet, I love you...I miss you...and I thank you.

The final chapter has yet to be written. The same night as Violet's death, she sent me a very special gift. I found a scroungy, starving little dog on the street. She (Jenny) needed me as much as I needed her...and that is how Violet took care of me, one more time.

Today, I share my home and life with that sweet little dog. There is no doubt in my mind that Violet sent this new baby to me. Violet knew that her Mommy needed someone to love and care for, and mostly to make her Mommy smile again. My baby's name is Genesis Ming Mai, which means Genesis (the beginning) Ming Mai (something beautiful), and indeed, she was the beginning of something beautiful. Thank you, Violet, for sending Jenny to help fill my life in your absence.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

God promised at the birth of time,

A special friend to give,

Her time on earth is short, He said,

So love her while she lives.



It may be six or seven years,

Or twelve or then sixteen,

But will you, till I call her back,

Take care of her for me?



A wagging tail and cold wet nose,

And silken velvet ears,

A heart as big as all outdoors,

To love you through the years.



Her puppy ways will gladden you,

And antics bring a smile,

As guardian or friend she will,

Be loyal all the while.



She'll bring her charms to grace your life,

And though her stay be brief,

When she's gone the memories,

Are solace for your grief.



I cannot promise she will stay,

Since all from earth return,

But lessons only a dog can teach,

I want you each to learn.



Whatever love you give to her,

Returns in triple measure,

Follow her lead and gain a life,

Brim full of simple pleasure.



Enjoy each day as it comes,

Allow your heart to guide,

Be loyal and stead fast in love,

As the dog there by your side.



Now will you give her all your love,

Nor think the labor vain,

Nor hate me when I come to call,

To take her back again?



I fancy each of us would say,

Dear Lord, thy will be done,

For all the joy this dog shall bring,

The risk of grief we'll run.



We'll shelter her with tenderness,

We'll love her while we may,

And for the happiness we've known,

Forever grateful stay.



But shall the angels call for her,

Much sooner than we've planned,

We'll brave the bitter grief that comes,

And try to understand.



~Author Unknown~



REQUEST FROM THE RAINBOW BRIDGE

Weep not for me though I am gone,
Into that gentle night.
Grieve if you will, but not for long,
Upon my soul's sweet flight.

I am at peace, my soul's at rest,
There is no need for tears.
For with your love I was so blessed
For all those many years.

There is no pain, I suffer not,
The fear now all is gone.
Put now these things out of your thoughts,
In your memory I live on.

Remember not my fight for breath,
Remember not the strife,
Please do not dwell upon my death,
But celebrate my life.

Author Constance Jenkins

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I stood by your bed last night,
I came to have a peep.
I could see that you were crying,
You found it hard to sleep.

I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear,
"It's me, I haven't left you,
I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here."

I was close to you at breakfast,
I watched you pour the tea,
You were thinking of the many times
your hands reached down to me.

I was with you at the shops today,
Your arms were getting sore.
I longed to take your parcels,
I wish I could do more.

I was with you at my grave today,
You tend it with such care.
I want to reassure you that I'm not lying there.

I walked with you towards the house,
as you fumbled for your key.
I gently put my paw on you,
I smiled and said "it's me."

You looked so very tired,
and sank into a chair.
I tried so hard to let you know,
that I was standing there.

It's possible for me to be so near you everyday.
To say to you with certainty, "I never went away."

You sat there very quietly, then smiled,
I think you knew in the stillness of that evening,
I was very close to you.

The day is over...
I smile and watch you yawning and say "good-night,
God bless, I'll see you in the morning."

And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide, I'll rush across to greet you and we'll stand, side by side.

I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see. Be patient, live your journey out ... then come home to be with me.

- Author unknown



A Letter From Your Pet In Heaven

To my dearest family,
some things I'd like to say.
But first of all, to let you know,
that I arrived okay.

I'm writing this from the Bridge.
Here I dwell with God above.
Here there's no more tears of sadness.
Here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy
just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I am with you
every morning, noon and night.

That day I had to leave you
when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me
and He said, "I welcome you.
It's good to have you back again,
you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family,
They'll be here later on."

God gave me a list of things,
that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list,
was to watch and care for you.

And when you lie in bed at night
the day's chores put to flight,
God and I are closest to you...
in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth,
and all those loving years,
because you are only human,
they are bound to bring you tears.

But do not be afraid to cry:
it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers,
unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you
all that God has planned.
If I were to tell you,
you wouldn't understand.

But one thing is for certain,
though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now,
than I ever was before.

There are rocky roads ahead of you
and many hills to climb;
But together we can do it
by taking one day at a time.

It was always my philosophy
and I'd like it for you too;
That as you give unto the world,
the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody
who's in sorrow and pain;
Then you can say to God at night...
"My day was not in vain."

And now I am contented...
that my life was worthwhile.
Knowing as I passed along
I made somebody smile.

God says: "If you meet somebody
who is sad and feeling low;
Just lend a hand to pick him up,
as on your way you go.

When you're walking down the street
with me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps
only half a step behind."

"And when it's time for you to go...
from that body to be free.
Remember you're not going...
you're coming here to me."

-Author Unknown


Thank you, Renee Rybanski, for honoring my Violet by sponsoring her memorial. My heart is warmed by your kindness, generosity, and love of furry babies.