ALR Says Farwell to Trevor

by Fern Garber

"If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went." Will Rogers

Although it’s never easy, and despite our best efforts, sometimes we at Atlanta Lab Rescue must say good-bye to one of our charges. It is with sadness that earlier this month we helped Trevor cross the Rainbow Bridge.

Trevor arrived at Atlanta Lab Rescue in June of 2009. At that time, he was taken to the vet to be neutered where it was discovered he had a grade 5 heart murmur (grade 6 is the max). Yet, even with this condition and although he was an older rescue (his age was ‘guesstimated’ at about 14), Atlanta Lab Rescue Board Member and volunteer extraordinaire, Frank Conn, agreed to foster Trevor to make whatever time he had left comfortable and dignified. For almost eight months, Trevor played and ran with Frank’s other dogs. He loved everyone, made people laugh and never created problems in the home. When Frank traveled, Becky took on the fostering care.

Frank was planning to bring Trevor to the January 31st Adoption Day at the Buckhead Petsmart, but on Saturday, Trevor’s health took a turn for the worse. His systems were failing and he was losing the battle. So, in the afternoon on February 4, Frank took the gentle soul to the vet and bid him farewell.
 

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...