It’s hard to say goodbye. I have a lot of goodbyes happening with my move, but today was a big one. It was time for my beloved family pet, Sable, to be put out of her misery. Her health has been going down and because we love her so much we had to let her go. It doesn’t make it any easier but, that’s part of loving your pets.

Sable joined our family about 12 years ago as a puppy. She was such a lively little thing, brought out the best in our other dog, Misty. Shortly after she joined our family Dad had to stop working due to his health problems. Sable quickly became Dad’s shadow, his side-kick, his ever-ready companion. Those two were inseparable. Wherever Dad went, Sable went with him. Everyone expected to see them together. If Dad was getting sick we always knew it because Sable told us. She always took great care of him for us.

Sable was always there to greet us at the door. If you were going out she’d always look at you with her big eyes as if to say “can I come too?”. More often than not the answer was yes. Camping, trips to the store, going to work, Sable did it all. Even hospital visits, Sable was there.

But, lately that’s changed. Sable didn’t want to leave the house. Here body was hurting, she was slowing down. She wasn’t happy, she wasn’t Sable any more. So, because we love her, we had to say goodbye.

So, Sable, goodbye. Thank you for all the years of fun and love you gave us. Thank you for making our lives a little better because you were there.

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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.