Rainbow Bridge

The Story
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...

Ike
Ike was a very carefree boy who loved to just roam free and explore. He didn't like to get his feet wet so he needed a little push on wet days. Once on the grass he will go about his daily business and exploration. He spent most of his time wondering around the house or backyard and playing with his toys and the other family dogs. He got along great with my dogs who took Ike in without hesitation. He found great curiosity when it came to the cat. And would attempt to chase him. Ike loved to run and jump in his own special way, and enjoyed every day just like the last, and to spend his evenings with his head planted in my lap for a good head rub and some loving before bed.

Koah
In August, a little black Bahamian Potcake puppy found his way to the United States and into the arms of Justin Barltett Animal Rescue. His name was Koah. Shortly after, Koah was diagnosed with Ehrlichia, a tick borne disease, which wouldn't have been more than a course of antibiotics, but we soon found out that Koah's bone marrow was not doing it's job. For the past two months, people watched Koah's fight through three emergency hospital visits full of IV's and oxygen, and several weekly visits to Petcalls Animal Hospital, just to find out that his platelet and red blood cell wouldn't improve. JBAR consulted with a top tick disease researcher in the country, other specialists, and vets, but on October 7, 2014, Koah continued to decline and because completely oxygen dependent. In a last ditch effort, we had one more treatment to try, but right before we started it, the doctors felt the risk was greater than a possble benefit and we all decided, Koah couldn't suffer anymore. It was a battle that lasted for months, it took thousands of dollars, but we wouldn't give up on Koah, until Koah said it was time. And it was time. In the arms of his foster mom and foster sister, Koah lost his fight.