The Three Muskateers

We decided totake some pictures before we took Tigger to the vets. We wanted to remember him and what he meant to us and were fearful that this could be the last time. I wasn't going to post these as I couldn't even bear to look at them until now, but we have come to accept what has happened as best as we can.
Here are the three muskateers:


Karen and Tigger:


Tigger and myself:


Being new to town, until Tigger got sick we didn't have a vet here. We ended up at the "Animal Hospital" on Basin Rd a few miles from our house.

The staff their made an in tolerable situation as tolerable as it could be. Karen had already called and asked how much to to put Tigger to sleep....$50. We didn't have an appointment but I asked if the vet could re evaluate Tigger to make sure that there was nothing we could do. She already knew his history. After a short examination she said that, while there we things that they could do, nothing was likely to change the outcome.

Although we both knew that before we went, we both began to cry. The vet began to cry. It was very sad, but we knew it was the only solution available.

The vet explained the proceedure to us and said that while most people left, we were welcome to stay. We both knew we had to stay. Tigger was loyal to us, so we had to be loyal to him unto the end.

In the end Tigger's suffering ended. As the old cliche goes, he looked like he was asleep. I kept expecting him to look up at me wagging his stubby little tail.
After spending some time with Tigger and saying our final goodbyes, we tried to compose ourselves and go into the office area to take care of the payment and paperwork. When we asked how much we owed the answer was "Nothing, we are so sorry for your loss...."

If I close my eyes I can still feel him jumping up in my lap and wriggling his nose under my hand or just staring at me. I hope I never lose that feeling.


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...