Rainbow Bridge

By Roni Sumner

I promised her that I would love her and be with her even if her time left was only a few days, weeks, or months. I have kept that promise after less than two weeks.

Beautiful Dina bounded into my life straight from a shelter where she had been held on stray hold. No collar or microchipping led to a wait for someone to claim her; SEVA GRREAT was ready to rescue and I to foster when the hold time was up. It was noted that the vet at the shelter recommended euthanasia for this fifteen year old girl because of a huge tumor on her side that another vet later stated probably weighed fifteen or twenty pounds. The thought was cancer, a thought that later proved to be the case.

It was instant love for and by Dina when she arrived. Her manners were impeccable, she loved playing ball, and her energy level was high. It was an adrenaline rush, and what a joyous time we had! She quickly decided that I was her person and would drape her red leg over my arm and rest her head against my chest wanting her ears rubbed and her face stroked continuously. She adapted to her spot to eat and was content to lie anywhere as long as it was close to me. Together we enjoyed walks around the park while she explored what nature had to offer. Fifteen was probably an inaccurate guess at her age, but the years are just numbers and inconsequential.

The first vet check resulted in a conclusion to let her enjoy life. She had a raspy and continual pant then later a cough, so two days later she spent the day at the vet’s for more testing. Pneumonia was starting, so oral drugs were given. She also had vomited several times the second day with me, so anti-nausea pills were also given. A CT referral was made with the hope that the huge mass could be removed and offer her some relief though again the fear of cancer loomed in the background.

Things declined fast. Dina felt safe and secure, and she let herself slip into peaceful naps always waking with the others for potty breaks. She began to stumble, and soon walks and then even the trip out the door was almost impossible. Play no longer interested her, and food held no appeal nor did water. Her back legs could no longer hold her, and her eyes lost their sparkle. The future was not looking bright. Still there was hope that maybe something could be done, so back to the vet she went. X-rays showed that the pneumonia was worse despite the oral antibiotics, so she had stronger doses sent through her with an i.v. The plan was to see her rally some, be able to walk without assistance, and to eat. Then I would transport her to an ER hospital for overnight observation. Dina did not follow the plan.

When blood work showed that her calcium levels were dangerously high, a jump from the week before when they were normal, the conclusion was cancer which would account for everything that she was enduring. It was a full circle back to the shelter vet’s recommendation but this time with medical proof of her condition. She was ready now, and it was time for me to fulfill my promise.

I held her tightly and once again stroked her face and rubbed her ears and told her the truth — that she was beautiful and wonderful and soon would be able to breathe without difficulty and to run without pain or fear of collapsing.

It was such a short period of time yet so much was accomplished. Dina had come home and was content at last, and she let me guide her on the final journey.

our sweet “Dixie Mae” crossed the rainbow bridge on october 3, 2022 after several deteriorating conditions that made her immobile. She was a “Turkey dog” that we adopted in January 2019. Even though we had a short 3 1/2 years together, she became a therapy dog for TDI. She loved her weekly visits to the nursing home until her arthritis prevented her from continuing. She loved being the center of attention and most of all, rolling in the grass! We loved her dearly and will miss her being with us everyday! –Copeland-Miller

This past Saturday, our beautiful golden boy , Cooper, (aka Dabbie) crossed over the rainbow bridge at home surrounded by those who loved him most and cared for him in his last difficult months. Cooper came to us as a SEVA foster three years ago after he arrived in the united States from Turkey. He had been placed with a previous foster who could no longer care for him. our family had just lost our boy Max, another SEVA boy, a few weeks earlier and we were not certain that we were ready for a foster or a permanent adoption because I would most likely be a foster failure!! Well, the rest is history. Despite numerous health issues including debilitating arthritis and being dangerously overweight, our Coop began to progress, lose weight, get healthy, and as a result, so much happier. With patience, love, time and hard work on his part he became healthier and part of our family permanently. Cooper loved running and exploring in Bandy Park. He loved his walks, swimming therapy, and most of all he loved eating, eating, and more eating, (which had to be strictly managed and controlled which resulted in many a “stink eye” from our boy). Coop also loved his cold laser treatments and deep massage from Emma, the wonderful therapist who treat him for the last few months. Most of all he loved his brothers Charlie and Eric and his Mama and Daddy. Cooper’s life is a testament to what love can do. Cooper’s message to all is don’t give up on us in the difficult times. Stay with me, love me, care for me and I will return that love tenfold. We will miss my sweet baby but I do take comfort in the fact that his last days were filled with love and dignity as he crossed over at home in the arms of those who loved him most. We will meet again sweet boy. My last words to him as I looked him in the eyes were, “I love you sweet boy, run free now.” –Cooper Hoyt

We extend our deepest sympathy to Debby, Abigail and Seely on the unexpected loss of their beloved Karley. She crossed the rainbow bridge yesterday after a brief illness. Karley was present at many SEVA GRREAT events but was probably best known for her daredevil swimming at the spring membership meetings and her many trips with her mom. She was a great traveling companion. She welcomed several senior foster dogs into her home as well as her sister, Seely, who is one of the 2018 puppies. From her first birthday to her last, she was one wonderful pup. Here are some thoughts in her mom’s words: “She brought great joy to my life for almost 11 years. She was the bestest ever. My final gift was one of love; the gift of peace. She has all the energy of a pup now, she runs without pain, and there are endless treats. There is no cancer in heaven. Rest my beloved baby girl; we shall meet again.”

Jane wrote: I know that “the worst day of my life” is an overused expression, but today is one of those days. Please send prayers and positive vibes as we send lacey over the Rainbow Bridge this afternoon. The kidney disease and arthritis have taken too much of a toll, so it’s time. lacey’s having a good day today, which gives me comfort as she deserves a great last day. I’m sure I’ll have much more to say in the coming days about this special girl, and I am trying to stay positive. So I’ll start with pretty much a classic picture of the girls - looking AWAY from the camera. Boy, could she be stubborn about having her picture taken. Soon she’ll be running free, no longer needing the harness lift, and chasing all the tennis balls she wants. We will miss her so much. – Jane Krom