This will be a sad day for my sister.

My sister Patty has to put her dog Annabelle down today. Anna is 13, and she's not been in the best of health for a couple of years now (arthritis, hard for her to move, breathes like she's gasping and ready to keel over, etc.). But this week Patty found out Anna has some sort of tumor thing growing in her mouth and throat, and the vet said it was time to take her home, love on her for a few days, and let her go.

So today Patty is taking her back to the vet at 4pm to do that.

It's breaking her heart, Annabelle has pretty much been her 4th child, and she has spoiled that dog rotten. She even calls her from vacation so that Anna can hear her voice! I know how hard this will be for her, and I am asking all my blog friends to say a little prayer for my sister, and give her strength today.

Here is a picture I took of them Tuesday night, so that she'd have one more picture with Anna before she goes...



I'd like to end this with something that I think is really beautiful...

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....