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.
Kirby was already an adult (estimated to be 3-5 years old) when he arrived at a Sacramento shelter as an emaciated stray in 1996. He was rescued by a Rio Linda couple who fostered him for two years before Mark and I adopted him in 1998. If you do the math, that made Kirby at least 16 years old. Kirby participated in parades and fun field trials, met people at rescue/information booths and home visits, and attended many parties and costume events. His debut at a Basset Club costume party in 1999 as a Tomato Hornworm is legendary! He reigned as King at the 2010 Waddle in Novato. His favorite activity was hunting and digging for gophers. For us, Kirby was "the start of it all"; he was our first basset hound and our first rescue, and he inspired us to help other lost or abandoned basset hounds to find loving homes. Over the years, Kirby shared his home with 6 other basset housemates, (outliving five of them), and with countless foster dogs. Kirby’s gone to join Gus, his wingman; Gus didn’t have to wait long for him. He’ll also rejoin his best girl, Lulu, as well as Bubba, Nancy and Ralph. It’s hard to imagine our home and our lives without him. Fran and Mark Madden, and Jackie, August 18, 2010.
Gus, Gusmo, Gusmoto, Goose, Gooseman. Gus came into our lives in June 2007, on his second pass through rescue. His age was unknown, but his shelter record from his first rescue in 2005 listed his general appearance as “old”. A nice couple adopted Gus and even adopted another dog to keep him company, but in 2007 Gus turned up again in a shelter. Through his microchip, Gus was returned to GGBR. Gus had deep-set eyes, which, with age, sunk farther and farther into his head. It eventually interfered with his vision, but it also gave him a goofy look. I always thought Gus looked a little like Walter Matthau. Our dogs, Kirby, Ralph (a.t.b. September 2009) and Gus made up the three GOM (grumpy old men). Gus was never grumpy, though; he was just a happy, bumbling old guy. Gus was not a low maintenance dog. In December 2007, Gus underwent emergency surgery for bloat and gastric torsion, but he came through the surgery and even walked out of the emergency clinic the next day. Gus had arthritis in his spine, which, in summer 2008 caused him hind limb weakness and paralysis. Fortunately, it didn’t seem to be painful, and with rest, acupuncture and mild exercise, he regained the ability to walk, and although his feet went out from under him frequently, he could get himself back up on his feet again. Gus didn’t let much get him down or keep him down, and he trucked around on his wobbly old legs for two years. He lost his sight and his hearing and was unsteady on his feet, but he could negotiate either of our two homes, and even get himself up and down ramps and stairs. Gus was a dog who needed the company of another dog, and was always more content if he knew that Kirby was nearby. I called him Kirby’s wingman. We miss the noisy old guy, and his constant wanting to go out, and then come back in again. He was a kind, happy, wonderful old dog. Fran and Mark Madden, Kirby and Jackie. June 12, 2010.
The hounds and I have an agreement - I promise to keep routines as normal as possible, to love and cherish the babies, and they promise to not leave me at the Holidays - a very difficult time for me for many reasons. Bodie tried to leave just before the Holidays - we were faster. Bodie is doing great. And I thought we would actually make it thru the Holiday - and be on the other side. Not to be. Amos. Well I remember the night he arrived from Golden Gate - a warm breeze blowing, late at night when Kevin & Danielle pulled up with the cantakerous Amos and his cookies and food. Amos told everyone off, and then he let me pick him up. He let me pet him, and he walked onto the ranch and started humping every young male dog he could find. Amos. Stealer of Pizza and surveyor of Hamburgers. Originally he chose the bathroom, however after some time he decided the bathroom was not as much fun as a crate and he and Morey grumbled at each ot her - two old guys arguing about crate space. Both would grumble until one fell over and rested and thus the winner would claim the preferred crate. Morey went to the bridge earlier this year - and Amos remained. No longer enjoying a crate without argument - typical Amos. And so he chose the runs. A different run every day, a different bed mate every evening. Today - although a bit chilly with wind, we had blue skies and the hounds enjoyed Christmas - last night Jim & Sherrie and Denise all participated in the annual toy giving - and special cookies baked by Bob Hohman (Delivered by Dodson along with the incredible volunteer spread) and Sherrie Strachan. Amos had more than his share of yummy home baked cookies and snuggled up with a stuffed monkey. Today - he enjoyed the ranch. Throughout the day he was in various sun bathing spots and grumbled at me if I made an attempt to pet him during bleach down. He chose his run tonight - and ate his dinner. Just as it was close down, he left to give the rainbow bridge a try out. I suppose there may be grumbling tonight as Amos finds his old buddy Morey and they once again grumble for bed space. So typical of Amos to choose Christmas Night for his passing. I cried and cuddled his earthly remains - the only time outside of bath day that he allowed a cuddle. Bath Days he tolerated it but you always knew if given a choice he'd rather tell me off. I guess he had the ultimate tell off. He left us on Christmas. I am breaking tradition with Amos. I shall bury him forever to live at Daphneyland - at the tree line, where his gaze never faltered. We shall miss you Chunky Monkey. Many tears Dawn of the West Basset Rescue Network (Barni) at Daphneyland
Columbo unfortunately passed away on December 7, 2009 after a rapid deterioration in his symptoms. An inoperable brain tumor is suspected to be the cause. RIP Columbo (and many thanks to the Bart-Johnsons who gave him such loving care in his last months). Columbo was an owner-surrender who we took on knowing that he had something neurological going on. Sandi Bart-Johnson and her family stepped up to be his foster home, and it soon became obvious that he was going to stay a forever foster as his seizures had never been treated medically before. Columbo was loved with all their heart, and came to the Novato Waddle in July, where he was much admired by all. He seemed very happy that day, and we are so glad that he got to share a waddle with us. We know that Columbo had the best of care over the last year and knew soft, warm beds and good food, and a family who cared for him through all the trauma of seizures that were getting worse and worse. He had recently lost the use of his legs and it was obvious that he was not going to get better. Even then, it was a very hard decision to have to let him journey on to the Rainbow Bridge, where I am sure he is now leading the pack in a joyous romp to the buffet! RIP sweet Columbo.
