"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, someone who was 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 begins to quiver. Suddenly, he breaks from the group, flying over the green grass, 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 those trusting eyes, so long gone from your life, but never absent from your heart. Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together..."

Bebe was only with me a short time. She chose to live with me around Labor Day weekend of 1990. I guess she knew that I was a cat-lover and would take care of her...she just started hanging around. The vet estimated she was two years old. Puff liked his new girlfriend...they played and romped all over the house. Unfortunately, only two years after Bebe came to us; she got sick, and was diagnosed FIV Positive. I had Puff tested and he was negative. The vet suggested I put Bebe to sleep. It was very hard to do...I comforted her and she purred before the shot took effect. This beautiful delicate little diluted calico cat crossed the Rainbow Bridge in July of 1992.

We rescued Puff from an animal shelter in May of 1980. He was a tiny ball of fluff back then that soon developed into a handsome cat with a magnificent tail. Puff lived a long and happy life and brought us much joy. We had to say goodbye to him in October of 1994. I will always miss Puff...his constant burbling and chirping...the way he held his tail up like a flag...his affection and companionship. Puff was a good friend.

Puff enjoyed a good nap.

Stormy was a well-traveled dog. She lived in five different houses in Texas, survived a divorce and remarriage, and moved with us to Maryland in 1995. She was born February 9, 1982. She earned her CD (Companion Dog) degree in obedience in 1983. This dog never growled or snapped at any human or animal. She was a friend to all and faithful and trusted companion to me. She suffered from arthritis in her old age and soon became deaf also. Her condition deteriorated soon after our move. She would fall and have trouble getting up and down. It became evident to my husband and I that her quality of life was not there anymore. I hated making the decision...I wanted her to pass away quietly in her sleep...but it was not to be. On the fateful day, I gave her a treat of glazed donuts, a favorite of Stormy's, and drove her to the doctor's office to say goodbye forever. I cried like a baby for a long time... It isn't easy saying farewell to a great friend you've shared life with for 14 years.