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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.
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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... |
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Mikki July 2007 - June 8th, 2011
A year and a half ago, this amazing little yorkie, Mikki, had a horrific life. He was living on the end of a chain for what appears most of his life.. when AC officers went to the home on an unrelated call they found Mikki, tethered in mud at the end of a chain.. malnourished and a horrible, terrified, mess living in filth his coat was so matted and full of mud he had dreadlocks and sores on his skin and every bone showed through... The kind hearted Stokes County AC officer was upset and made it clear he was not leaving the dog in that condition... the people who had him had enough sense, at this moment anyway, to turn him over... thus his amazing new life began.
Stokes County Humane Society took him in..he was placed with foster Mom and dog trainer, Anne Standen.. who knew the bond that would develop would be so strong and that Mikki would turn out to the amazing little soul that he did!
Anne quickly learned that Mikki was extremely smart but had some serious health problems.. she traveled hours to a vet she knew that could help him.. the diagnoses was finally discovered and he had liver problems... he also had a terrifying fear of storms which left him inconsolable and having seizures.. and at times self mutilating so great was his fear and had to be put on medication when storms approached. But that did not deter either of them... Anne decided Mikki was her dog and she loved him and would provide him anything he needed. His bond was so strong to her that he would have spells if she was out of his site.. and when he was with her.. he eyes always stayed focused on her.. he knew she was his guardian angel and nothing bad would ever happen again to him.. and he was grateful...they were together 24/7!
Mikki and Anne began working together to get Mikki well and his coat in top shape.. as he required a very special food and could only eat very small amounts it took a while to get him where he needed to be.. and boy was the end result amazing.. we will always remember that bent ear tip and that quizzical look on is face! She got Mikki AKC registered so that he could compete in agility trials.. something near and dear to Anne's heart.. she trained him to be a certified therapy dog,and along with her other two therapy dogs they visited cancer patients weekly. By now he was blowing away the competition in his class at the agility trials and winning alot of ribbons and recognition. Mikki as it turned out was a natural and LOVED to compete!
Mikki has thrived under Anne's care this past year and a half, and I have received so much joy hearing of his antics during this time and seeing the pictures she shared... I was devastated to get the call on Thursday that she had lost her little Mikki on Wednesday... after competing in a show just last weekend and doing great..
We at the SCHS always considered Mikki the official Mascot of our mission as he was so representative of what people do to dogs in ignorance and what they can become with a little bit of love and training... Mikki will always be remembered for his spirit and fight and will to live.. to the very end... all he wanted was someone to let him show how his little light could shine.. and we are ever so thankful he got that chance. We will all miss you Mikki and we love you!
As you read this.. please think of those animals tied up in the back yard with no companionship and nothing more then the basics for survival.. alot of times not even that.. .. let Mikki's story motivate you to try to help that dog or if its your dog.. do better by them....
RIP Mikki, you are gone but not forgotten!
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McKayla Mastin
December 24, 2009 - November 6, 2010
We would like to give our heartfelt thanks to the CVS staff and Dr. Banner for his honesty and commitment and for working so hard to save McKayla's life, they pulled out all the stops and cried right along with us when we had to send her on her journey.
We would also like to say thank you to Animal Hospital of Walnut Cove, Dr. Debbie Cowan for your commitment in fighting so hard to give McKayla a chance, your a wonderful inspiration and we appreciate all you do for your patients and their humans! Lynn and Randy Mastin
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Sammy Burton
8 Years Old Pass Away November 25, 2010
I got Sammy my freshman year in high school at the first adoption fair
for
the Animal Rescue of Stokes County. It was like love at first site
when he
drug his foster and ran straight to me and jumped on me. My
parents were
not pleased to say the least, but I eventually convinced
them to let me
have him. He was between 1-2 years old when I got him.
When I came to
college, Candis Loy fostered him for my first two
semesters. I then moved
off campus and he came with me to Raleigh. We
went on numerous road trips
and camping trips. He also loved going to
Umstead State Park in Raleigh. He
was crazy about water and loved to
swim. He also loved car rides and
sticking his head out the window. He
was an extremely sweet and loving dog
and could always seem to sense
my emotions. Through high school, I dealt
with a lot and he was always
there for me. He became more than just a dog
to me and more of a best
friend. I knew at the end of the day he would love
me no matter what.
In college, I went through a really tough breakup and I
would've been
more of a wreck without Sam around. He also helped me keep my
sanity
during finals. He was the perfect study break. Last August, at 7-8
years old, he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma. I had noticed him
limping one day so I took him into the emergency vet clinic I work at.
When we took x-rays, we noticed a growth on his bone. After a bone
biopsy, the results came back as osteosarcoma, which is the most
deadly
bone cancer in dogs. It is extremely malignant and often
spreads to the
lungs. Dogs usually have 6 months to a year to live
after diagnosis (even
with an amputation) without chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy costs thousands of
dollars and usually only prolongs life
a few months. The bone tumors are
incredibly painful, as they grow
from the inside out, and amputation is a
good way to increase quality
of life for the time the dogs do have left.
Sammy had his back left
leg amputated and did just fine on 3 legs. However,
he somehow became
paralyzed in his back leg when I was in class just a
couple of months
after surgery. He may have twisted his spine or fallen
just right by
losing his balance or it is possible that a tumor had
developed that
was causing neurological side effects. With heavy doses of
prednisone
and weeks of nursing him (expressing his bladder, carrying him
everywhere, and a lot of affection) he was able to walk again for
about
a week. He then had another relapse and never fully recovered
from the
second relapse and began seeming more painful and week by the
day. I knew
I'd soon have to say goodbye. He had become my child for
those couple of
months. He was so dependent on me post surgery and
after he became
paralyzed. I was exhausted carrying him 4 times a day,
constantly cleaning
his bedding, and expressing his bladder, but it
was the least I could do
for him and I'm glad I was able to at least
help him recover for a week
where he could walk again. On the way to
the vet clinic, with tears
streaming down my face, I stopped and got
him a cheeseburger which I let
him have when we got to the clinic. I
held him in my arms and talked to him
as he fell asleep. I will never
forget him and I cannot thank Mona enough
for uniting us.
After he passed, my house seemed so empty. I couldn't
stand it. I have
now adopted Charlie from the Stokes County Humane Society
and he is
amazing. He has really helped me get over the loss of Sam and I
have
fallen totally in love with him. I am beyond excited for him to grow
older with me. Emilea Burton
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Memorials
They are devoted companions who give us their unconditional love and acceptance. For a pet caregiver, the loss of an animal friend can be one of life's most difficult experiences.
Making a donation to The Stokes County Humane Society is a personal way to honor the memory of a pet or person a kindred spirit. This meaningful gesture will keep the spirit of a lost loved one alive, while helping all animals.
The SCHS will send a card of sympathy to the person or family you designate, acknowledging your thoughtful donation.
As a lasting tribute, the name of the deceased will be added to our sites memorial page.
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LAST NIGHT
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 re-assure 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
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