Why cats & dogs don't live longer

[CJ Swartz]

While working on the special Mini-Art Challenge re: Pebbles, and looking for the Rainbow Bridge poem, I found this:

Rites of Passage
from http://americancockerspaniel.com/rainbow.htm

"...Some of the most poignant moments I spend as a veterinarian are those spent with my clients assisting the transition of my animal patients from this world to the next. When living becomes a burden, whether from pain or loss of normal functions, I can help a family by ensuring that their beloved pet has an easy passing. Making this final decision is painful, and I have often felt powerless to comfort the grieving owners. That was before I met Shane. I had been called to examine a ten-year-old blue heeler named Belker who had developed a serious health problem.

The dog's owners - Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their little boy, Shane--were all very attached to Belker and they were hoping for a miracle.
I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family there were no miracles left for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home. As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for the four-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt Shane could learn something from the experience. The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away. The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.

Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why." Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me - I'd never heard a more comforting explanation.

He said, "Everybody is born so that they can learn how to live a good life - like loving everybody and being nice, right?"
The four-year-old continued, "Well, animals already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."

Author unknown...

[DJ Dubovsky]

I guess that means that Parrots and tortoises are just as bad as we are.

That was a real nice story CJ. I always hated the fact that my animals would die to soon for my comfort.
DJ

[CJ Swartz]

I guess that means that Parrots and tortoises are just as bad as we are.

Ooooops! My apologies to all the tortoises and parrots and their friends!

[Ed_L]

What a perfect time to post that! Thank you VERY much.

Ed

[chiquitita]

I turned around tonight to go check on a deer I saw lying next to the road - (he was okay, just chillin') and when I turned back around I ended up checking on a cat I saw, but then noticed that the Gas Station was feeding him, so finally I could come home. My cat died in Jan ( I think I posted about that before) and I miss her so much. I am always checking on animals whenever I see one that looks lost or homeless.

In reading books about death and dying, there seems to be this issue where people see the dead as always in a suffering state, because most of the time that is the last way we saw them, and their passing is such a mystery that we cannot comprehend - kids don't have as much clutter in their minds so it is much clearer to them.

[CJ Swartz]

In case you haven't ever read this, or seen it lately --
For Ed, chiquitita, DJ, and any others of us who have lost a dear animal friend...
(I had to help Shadow cross over in late March)

The 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.

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...

[Ed_L]

Thanks for sharing that CJ. That was great. Sorry to hear about your loss. I know it's tough. I've been there more than once.

Ed

[chiquitita]

CJ - was Shadow a cat or a dog? Shadow was my cat's name! I am so sorry

[CJ Swartz]

chiquitita, Shadow was a dog, but a very cat-like dog. He lived with me and 3 cats for several years before we found Squirt, a very dog-like dog, who moved in with us. Shadow would moderate the cat disagreements in the household, giving a body slam to the overly aggressive male, Blackjack, when he jumped on one of the lady cats. Sorry for your loss also -- we know they won't be with us forever, but it's still a shock when they have to leave.


Ed -- thanks, sorry for your losses also. I have a long string of cat and dog memories dating back to early childhood, and I imagine that you do also. I had some sheep when I was young also -- have you ever seen lambs jump stiff-legged (like on a pogo stick) when they play? Even had a grown ram that would play like that sometimes.