"If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane - I'd walk straight up to heaven and bring you home again". Ah if only we could - wouldn't that be a well traveled road?

Visit Diabella - She will help you with a memorial for your special pal.....

The Rainbow Bridge:

Just this side of Heaven is a place called the Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies, one who has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to the Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends where 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 thing: each misses someone who was very special to them, someone they had to leave behind. They all run and play together, but a day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. The eyes are bright and intent; the eager little body quivers all over! Suddenly that lucky one breaks away from the group and flies over the green grass, little legs carrying him faster and faster. YOU have been spotted and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in a joyous reunion, never be parted again. Happy kisses rain on your face; your hands again caress that beloved head and once more you look into the trusting eyes of your pet-so long gone from your life, but never absent from your heart. Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together.

-Author Unknown

And there is a special bridge spot for Rescues:

Unlike most days at the Rainbow Bridge, this day dawned cold and gray, damp as a swamp and as dismal as could be imagined. All of the recent arrivals had no idea what to think, as they had never experienced a day like this before. But the animals who had been waiting for their beloved people know exactly what was going on and started to gather at the pathway leading to The Bridge to watch. It wasn't long before an elderly animal came into view, head hung low and tail dragging. The other animals, the ones who had been there for a while, knew what his story was right away, for they had seen this happen far too often. He approached slowly, obviously in great emotional pain, but with no sign of injury or illness. Unlike all of the other animals waiting at The Bridge, this animal had not been restored to youth and made healthy and vigorous again. As he walked toward The Bridge, he watched all of the other animals watching him. He knew he was out of place here and the sooner he could cross over, the happier he would be. But, alas, as he approached The Bridge, his way was barred by the appearance of an Angel who apologized, but told him that he would not be able to pass. Only those animals who were with their people could pass over Rainbow Bridge. With no place else to turn, the elderly animal turned towards the fields before The Bridge and saw a group of other animals like him, also elderly and infirm. They weren't playing, but rather simply lying on the green grass, forlornly staring out at the pathway leading to The Bridge. And so, he took his place among them, watching the pathway and waiting. One of the newest arrivals at The Bridge didn't understand what he had just witnessed and asked one of the animals that had been there for a while to explain it to him. "You see, that poor animal was a rescue. He was turned in to the rescue just as you see him now, an older animal with his fur graying and his eyes clouding. He never made it out of the rescue and passed on with only the love of his rescuer to comfort him as he left his earthly existence. Because he had no family to give his love to, he has no one to escort him across The Bridge." The first animal thought about this for a minute and then asked, "So what will happen now?" As he was about to receive his answer, the clouds suddenly parted and the gloom lifted. Approaching The Bridge could be seen a single person and among the older animals, a whole group was suddenly bathed in a golden light and they were all young and healthy again, just as they were in the prime of life. "Watch, and see," said the second animal. A second group of animals from those waiting came to the pathway and bowed low as the person neared. At each bowed head, the person offered a pat on the head or a scratch behind the ears. The newly restored animals fell into line and followed her towards The Bridge. They all crossed The Bridge together. "What happened?" "That was a rescuer. The animals you saw bowing in respect were those who found new homes because of her work. They will cross when their new families arrive. Those you saw restored were those who never found homes. When a rescuer arrives, they are allowed to perform one, final act of rescue. They are allowed to escort those poor animals that they couldn't place on earth across The Rainbow Bridge."

~Anonymous~

Far to many babies die during the spring and summer months because of Feral Cats and Backyard Breeders. Please help stop this senseless assault on these tiny living beings and have your friend spayed/neutered today.

	Euphanie' 2/1/80 - 8/13/99 Euphie was our very own very special boy for 19 1/2 years. We had to have him put down after he suffered a stroke but we stayed with him till the end, Very VERY heartbreaking. He is missed so much!
	Bert Lahr 2/20/91 - 3/15/06. Bertie was actually my boy although he did love Chris as well. He was only 15 which is young for us but a good age for a Persian. He left in my arms with me sobbing into his soft fur. Age had taken it's toll but not his dignity. I love this boy as much as he loved me.......He is, once again, with his beloved Euphanie'
	Charlie Brown - May 5th 1995 - September 21st 2008. Charlie Brown was brought to us at 2 weeks of age - a very ill little boy that required so much hands on work but SO worth all the time we spent with him. He became very dependant on Chris and I and was our most personable guy. He was always the center of attention. When people came in he was front and center greeting them and making sure everyone felt at home. Charlie was diagnosed with a malignant tumor in his right nostril on April 8th and we were told 2 - 12 weeks. We were diligent about his care and kept him with us for 25 weeks, even taking him tent camping with us to Yosemite for a week. His cancer spread into his eye and we knew it was time. This very special boy will always be a huge part of us both.
	Boyfriend - 6/8/96 - 9/7/06. This sweet little boy was taken out of a Feral Colony at almost 3 months of age. Because he was so ill I was able to hold him and medicate him. Then he got to big to release so he lived with us for the next 10 years. We loved each other and though nobody was ever allowed to see him except Chris and I, we really did not care. He was happy in his own environment. His kidneys gave out but the last face he saw was mine. As it should be! I do love this boy!
	Alf - 6/8/96 - 5/26/07 Alfie was Boyfriends constant companion. They were both brought in at the same time - both to ill to release so he too, lived with us. Alfie was first and foremost a "Colony Cat". He ate when the other guys ate and even tried to join them in the litter box. He was tossed out a few times before he understood. Alfie's kidneys gave out but I made sure I was with him when he left. Such a sweet boy. Alf only wanted to be loved -he was.
	Daphne Duck 4/94 - 12/05 Actually I'm not really sure of the date of her passing, the Duck lived a very sheltered life with my son but one night he got up to investigate a noise on his Patio. The Duck followed him out and slipped under the fence. Just like that she was gone. The Duck, in her almost 11 years had never gone out, never shown any inclination to leave so this is a mystery. Reward posters were put up all over but we have never heard a word. My guess is she went off somewhere to die which is not unheard of with cats. She was a VERY special little girl.

	Annabelle Carr - 4/23/94 - 11/2/09 I so vividly remember her home coming. It was about 15 years ago. My sister had gotten her, at two months old, from a Maine Coon breeder who proudly said nobody had ever handled her. Oh! Bad breeder. Annabelle started out life in a boisterous family being deathly afraid of people. She ended her life, as you can see, content and loving everyone. Amazing what love can do - how hearts can open. Annabelle left with her Dad (my super Brother-in-law) by her side. She had quit eating, gotten very frail and just said, as plainly as she could, it's time. We all miss this lovely and gentle girl.
	Harry Carr - 4/1994 - 6/2004 - Harry was one of the first Kittens I raised and belonged to my sister. He was such a sleek black boy with the typical Black Cat personality. Always an absolute delight. Harry had a bowel disease which was taking it's toll on him. Then his Kidneys failed and just as Lynn learned how to give him fluids, he said No, it's time. She and Mike stayed with him as he started his next journey. Lynn always said it would be to hard but when the time came she knew he would do as much for her. This is the way it should always be - when our friends leave our face should be the last thing they see....I really do miss this sweet boy.
	Eric Carr July 4, 1999 - January 29, 2007 Eric lived on the street for the first 3 1/2 years of his life. Then he wandered into my sisters back yard and her heart and stayed for the next 3 1/2 years. Eric had just started to live when he was called home. It is so frustrating to lose a young boy like this. The streets took their toll on his body but never his sweet nature. He was put down when he said it was time, he stopped drinking water and using the litter box. Eric had stomach cancer and the last thing we wanted was for him to be in any pain. Lynn and I were with him so the last voice he heard, face he saw and person he smelled was his own Mom as it should be. I just love Orange boys and Eric was so special.
	Michael was adopted and went to his new home on a Monday Evening. Thursday morning I got the call he was dead. This was a perfectly healthy and happy boy when he left me. We do what we can but sometimes it really hurts!
	We lost Hank after fighting failing kidneys on July 30. He was a sweet old guy and will be greatly missed.
	Little Orphan Annie was brought to me right after birth. She was left in the parking lot of a complex by her mom. There is usually a reason why Moms desert their offspring but we can't say you're going to die anyway so who cares. We take them in and try our hardest - it's never quite good enough though.




	Bumper was born with his umbilical cord wrapped around his leg - hence no leg. He died at 3 weeks of age - very peacefully for him - but not for me!!!
	This was a "special needs" kid - Quasi . I did everything I could to give him a chance at life but he simply couldn't make it. His loss is deeply felt.


	Kitty Hawk -March 1989 - February 24, 2K This beautiful child was a "throw away" - out a car window and luckily into the loving arms of Pattie Cantella. She died at the Vets office of cardiac arrest. Kitty Hawk provided a lot of love and will be greatly missed.
	Howard - The beloved companion of Katie Atwood died from Cancer this March. Howie was 15 years old and would only tolerate Kate - no other humans. She was born in March of 1985 so she really just made 15 ye ars. Kate and Howie were very lucky to have found each other. She is missed daily!

	Shawnee was another of Pattie Cantella's guys. I met him about two years ago and he was just a lovely as he is in this photo. Shawnee was born on July 18, 1983 and went to the bridge on June 14, 2000. Pattie gave him the dignity of a peaceful passing at her Vets office and for that I will always be grateful. Shawnee will be greatly missed by both Pattie and everyone whose life he touched.
	Bubba didn't have a long life but he had a very happy one. He was born May 5, 1998 and went to the bridge July 19, 2000. He broke his leg while still a kitten and, being the nice guy he always was, allowed Tiny to nurse on him. Bubba was the very loved pet who owned Trina and Paul Tobin. A week before his body was found he simply crawled away to die - not wishing to impose on anyone. His paw prints are firmly entrenched on Paul and Trina's hearts.
	Louie was one of my favorite boys (maybe because I like his Parents so well). He went to the bridge Sept 3, 2000 after a short well fought battle with Liver Cancer. Louie owned Carol and Jerry Zavalney and will be so missed!
	Sydney - This darling was my brothers dog - and very much loved. He was only one year old when, tragically, he was playing with their older dog - got his collar tangled up and died within minutes. This happened while my brother was trying frantically to free him so it becomes a double tragedy. You lose your best friend but gain these incredible guilt feelings. Sydney was so cute and will be sorely missed.
	Oscar was the most cherished Darlin of my Niece Rani. He was born July 14, 1992 and was sent to the bridge on Sat, Nov.18, 2000. Oscar developed a cancerous tumor in his leg and it grew so fast that nothing could be done. Rani and Larry made the hard decision to allow him an "out" with dignity so when his quality of life was compromised they both were with him. This is so difficult but we agreed that he had always been there for them. Oscar will be missed by so many of us!
	Pippin - 4/24/1982 - 9/7/1987 Pippin was the most beloved companion of Shirley Davis. Pippin was abandoned on a highway and brought to Shirley's Apt. Building where he immediately chose her, running to her and never leaving her until he was called home. This beautiful child was struck with failing kidneys but his heart was always so large and full of love. Pippin left a big pair of shoes to fill and is still greatly missed.
	Teasag (pronounced Chessa) was the cherished pet of Tisha Bakke. She was born on October 4, 1996 and went to the bridge Nov 26, 2000. Chessa's name is Scottish Gaelic and means gift, which she was to Tisha during her very short time with us. She got into some thread, ate it and it severed her bowels. She died from Toxic shock just nine short hours after an operation to save her life. We grieve with Tisha.
	Alex - this beautiful boy was the owner of Wendy White. Wendy found Alex hanging around her mailbox - she took him in and had to have him shaved to get rid of the mats. Wendy made sure Alex got all the Vet care he needed and he settled in quite nicely to her home where he has ruled for the past 12 years. Alex developed Cancer which was a fast growing type. Wendy was with Alex when he went to the bridge on Dec. 29, 2000. This is probably the most difficult decision we make concerning those entrusted to our care. I can not think of allowing them to go through this alone. Wendy did the only thing that could be done and for that I am eternally grateful. I grieve right along with Wendy!
	Jenny White - the female half of Alex and Jenny who both owned Wendy White. Wendy just lost Alex in December and then lost Jenny on Feb 7th. Jenny was at the Vets for a week prior to her leaving but they simply could not save her. Jenny was another rescue for Wendy and just about the same age as Alex. How sad is this? Wendy did these kids a tremendous favor by rescuing them and they repaid her by loving her for the last 12 years.
	Olivia Jones - May 1, 1984 - May 18, 2001. This beautiful girl was a rescue - at 6 weeks of age she picked Mike and Ann Jones to live with, moved into their house and hearts and stayed firmly entrenched there for seventeen years. Livie left for the bridge much the same way she entered their life - in her Dad's arms. She was one of two girls in a house full of boy cats and pretty much set the pace as girls will do. I have met Livie and was struck by her regal attitude and lovely presence. Everyone was lucky the day she picked the Jones' and we all grieve at her passing. It's always so difficult to lose a cherished friend but Livie went beyond that distinction. She was an extra special girl.

	Zoe Tobin 12/30/91 - 6/24/02 Zoe was a beloved member of Paul and Trina Tobin's family. About three months before her passing Trina took her to the Vet and got the very sad news that she had cancer. Trina gave this a lot of thought and decided to allow Zoe let her know when she was ready to leave. On the 24th of June she had their Vet come out to the house and Zoe was given a shot to relax her and then she died in Trina's arms. There is no nicer way for a pet to leave - it is difficult for the people left but they give us so much, it really is the very least we can do for them. Trina did the only thing she could have and grieves daily for her loss. We also grieve.
	Penelope came to me from a back yard in San Francisco. She was more dead than alive when I took her but she responded well to treatment. She only had a few days out of isolation playing with the other kittens and play she did. She was taken to the Vet's office when she started getting ill and died there suddenly. I console myself that she had one good week here. Not long enough though....
	Molly Eosta Peters-Brown. Feb 1, 2002 - December 3, 2002 This is one Photo I never wanted to put here - Molly was not even a year old and one of my first Kittens in 2002 and was such a joy to have. She never was ill - and was always so eager to pose that I called her my Calendar Kitty. Molly got exceptionally lucky with her choice of parents. Ron and Summer adored her and kept me up to date with Photos and notes telling me about her growth. Molly got ill about a week before she went to the bridge - she had a neurological problem that could not be helped. Ron and Summer stayed with her as she passed from this life to her next and boy, do I EVER grieve with them.
	Miranda Davis. She left us December 26, 2002. Miri was just shy of her 20th birthday. She shared her home with Shirley Davis for all those years and on Christmas day decided to start telling Shirley she was ready to go. Miri simply outlived her body - no particular problem could be attributed to her passing. Shirley took her to the Vet early on the morning of the 26th and stayed with her as she passed through this life onto the next. This is SO important to me. This beautiful sleek black girl left surrounded by love. Miranda joins Pippin waiting for Shirley at the bridge while we left behind grieve.
	Missy Davis - 2/21/89 - 7/27/99 Missy was the other part of Miranda. Although she went to the bridge 3 1/2 years ago Shirley misses her just as much today as she did the day she left. This sweet child suffered a blood clot and nothing could keep her here. Look at that face - 10 1/2 years is just not long enough around such cuteness.....
	Yogi Huson 2/8/1994 - 1/16/2003 This gorgeous Orange Boy shared his life with Judy Huson for close to nine years. Yogi was quite an escape artist and managed to get out one day without Judy seeing him. When she saw he was gone she looked but was not able to find him. He came home early in the morning - in bad shape. Judy rushed him to their Vet around Midnight. He was transferred to another Vet but Yogi had gotten into anti-freeze, went into convulsions and died at the Vets office. This is such a tragic loss - Yogi will be missed daily.
	Sioux, one of Pattie Cantella's little tribe of Indians left for the bridge on May 12, 2003. Sioux was just 2 months shy of her 20th birthday. Pattie had the pleasure of the entire litter and they had the pleasure of a safe and secure life. I have met all of Patties Indians and it just breaks my heart when each one leaves. There is such a void when we lose one of our friends. Pattie was with Sioux when she left and said she went very quickly. The rest of the Indians were, I'm sure, waiting for her. There must be a huge celebration going on.....
	Phinneas Cryan - He owned Patty and Michael for many of his almost 23 years. Phinny belonged to a friend of theirs who was leaving this earth herself and extracted a promise from Patty and Michael he would live the rest of his days with them. Phinny lived long and well and left for the bridge on September 2nd. with Michael and Patty by his side. One can not ask for more - a loving family and a dignified parting. We certainly do grieve this huge loss.
	Casey Jones - 2/19/96 - 1/26/04. Casey owned Ann and Mike Jones completely. Having lost her little girl Abyssinian, Trouble, Ann decided she wanted another of this charming breed. She and Mike met Casey but Ann had her heart set on another girl. Home they went but didn't quite get there, turning around to return to Casey. This adorable little boy worked his magic on them every day for his short life. Casey didn't make his eighth birthday due to failing kidneys. Ann and Mike made the decision which was best for him and stayed with him till the end. My heart just breaks for this tragic loss.
	Seanie Pie Waylam - 6/8/96 - 1/30/04 Seanie Pie owned Barb Waylam for his entire short life. Seanie Pie was rescued by me shortly after his birth in 96. I named him Sean and took to calling him Seanie Pie. He traveled with me that August, on a plane, to Reno where I was meeting a group of friends. He captured the hearts of everyone on the plane and one of the flight attendants wanted to keep him but I had my eye on another friend. Barb already had two of my rescues and I knew she would not be able to resist this little charmer. She hardly said hi to any of us but picked him up and never did let go. Barb called him Pi and up till his passing he did not show any signs of illness. He just suddenly stopped eating and playing - just being himself. Barb took him to the Doctor and made the painful decision to let him go in peace. Another bright star extinguished to soon......and the tears just keep falling.
	Sprig; 4/27/04 - 5/27/04. Sprig was a "preemie". He came to me weighing only 2.4 ounces. Newborn kittens weigh around 4 ounces so I didn't hold a lot of hope for this sweet little boy. I fed him every two hours and he really did thrive for the first three weeks but then he started losing weight and spent the last week of his life in an incubator. When he started having trouble breathing we made the decision to give him a dignified out. Sprig certainly took a part of me with him. He was such a little fighter but just didn't have enough to fight with.

	Scruffy Miller August 2002 - August 2004. Scruff owned Curt and Janet - he had their hearts completely. He adopted them in August 2002 at the age of 2-3 months. As a kitten he sat in their driveway until they took him in for good. Scruff made himself at home from the very first and became Curt's best buddy. Curt and Janet adopted Mario from me and he and Scruffy became best friends, playing together all day. When Scruff got ill he was taken to the Vet and diagnosed with FIP. Curt and I talked about this insidious disease and I knew it would be extremely difficult to release a cat as young as Scruff. On August 24th of this year Scruff told Curt and Janet it was time. They took him to the Vet and shed many tears but Curt told me he knows Scruff is in a far better place. I love his attitude but Scruff's loss is still felt deeply.
	Shadow Lutz May 1997 - September 14, 2004Shadow is another tragic loss of failing Kidneys. He owned Dichele and filled her life with laughter with his funny ways. His secret hiding spot? his water bowl. Dichele would put a bowl of cherries out and Shadow would take them, one by one, and add them to his water along with his toys. Shadow never complained about the fluids he had to have due to his kidneys. He was such a good boy. Dichele stayed with him, so the last face he saw before he began his journey was hers. I know how much Dichele loved this boy and my heart just breaks for her.
	Fluffy January 2002 - September 30, 2004.Fluffy was rescued after living a few months on the cold streets by Maria Garcia. She lived with Maria and her 8 other rescues and seemed to love her time there but the mean streets took their toll on her body before Maria saw her. Fluffy really was a lovely little girl and deserved a chance at life, which Maria gave her. This is a tragedy that should never have happened. Maria has a huge heart that has been certainly seen it's share of abuse and neglect. God love her for doing something about it.
	Whisper - Left us at 6 weeks after a valiant fight that ended sadly early one morning. She was under a Doctors care, in fact had spent 1 full week in the Hospital but there are just some fights you cannot win. I really liked this sweet adorable little girl.
	Misha Dopp- Left for the bridge 12/9/ 2004. Misha led a very unhappy life until she met my Sister-in-law in 1999. Jill had bought a "fixer-upper" house and Misha came with it. Jill found her after she moved in and took her to the Vet. She was badly matted and tested positive for FIV. Jill just wanted what was best for this poor little girl who had, up till them, led a very nomadic existence. She brought her home and moved her in where Misha immediately made her place at the top of Jill's head in bed and in her heart all the time. Misha was 17 when her body finally gave out. I do grieve for both Jill and Misha. She is missed so much!
	Maggie Jones. March 10, 2005. Maggie came to live with Ann and Mike quite by accident. Mike found her sitting in the middle of the road during a rain storm, brought her in and there she has stayed for all of her 19 years. Maggie became ill about 4 months ago with cancer of the bladder. Ann and Mike take excellent care of their cats and Maggie did get the best care money can buy but sometimes, no matter how hard you pray the answer is no. They were able to get 4 extra months with her but it's just never long enough. Maggie really was a gorgeous girl.
	Simba Lutz January 1994 - October 2004 - Simba owned Dichelle, in fact he was her first baby. He came to her through abuse inflicted on him by the way of a chair a neighbor threw at him. The chair shattered his pelvic bone and Dichele picked him up and took him to a Vet where she was told he would never walk again. Simba did walk and paid Dichele back time and time again just through constant love. I just love his face!
	Cindy Lou Who - April 12, 2005 - June 29, 2005. Cindy Lou came to me right after birth - a preemie weighing only 2.5 ounces. I really had no hope for her but she thrived and did live for the 2 1/2 months she had here. She died during surgery to repair a colon problem. Cindy and many others like her are the reason I am militant about spay/neuter. I really loved this sweet little girl. (and distrust and dislike many humans!)
	Sam Smith. Found in the Spring 94 - 1/4/06. Sam owned and loved my Pal Jen Smith for the last 12 years. He came to her from the Berkley Marina at approximately 9 months of age. Sam learned to trust through Jen and was the hand that pushed her into Rescue. His Kidneys gave out very suddenly so Jen stayed with him as he left this life and headed for his next. Such a pretty boy who certainly fulfilled his mission.
	Cobie came to me right after birth with three litter mates. They all nursed well and grew nicely but suddenly all got ill and died very quickly. I tube fed Cobie for a week, then when his bowels failed, gave him two enemas a day for two more weeks. I finally quit playing Doctor and Cobie was released on January 21, 2006. He wanted to go sooner but I just refused to see it. Cobie, like others before him, taught me so much about life.
	Geoffrey Bogart - 3/1/1987 - 9/30/2006 - Geoffrey owned my Pal Nan, completely! He was a dumpster Kitty that peeked out at her one day. Nan took him home and truly became his slave for the next 19 1/2 years. Geoffrey's kidneys failed and Nan saw to it his last moments here were as his first - peeking at her. I really love Orange boys. This just breaks my heart!

	Charmaine Tobin 4/25/99 - 2/10/07 This lovely little girl left us, quite tragically, during the night of February 10. Trina, (her Mom) lives on several acres in Maryland. She got up in the morning and looked out at the pond. She could see something in it and got her binoculars, hoping it was a bag. Sadly it was not - it was Charmaine. She had gotten out during the night and walked out on the pond but the thin ice did not hold her weight. Trina took a boat out and brought her little body back home for burial. This truly breaks my heart and I know it does the same thing to Trina.

	Pawnee Cantella August 1995 - December 31, 2008 Pawnee was such a special little girl. She chose her person carefully. Wandered around and finally wandered into my friend, Pattie's house. We have no idea how old she was but she made her home with Pattie for 13 years and Pattie loved her dearly. Pawnee is the last of Pattie's little Indians. Pawnee died quite suddenly. She ate her usual dinner and went to bed. Patties other cats got on her bed and suddenly they all got up and stared at the corner where Pawnee was gasping for breath. Pattie got up and rushed her to an emergency Vet but Pawnee died before she got there. I met her several years ago while I was in Chicago and I do treasure that time. I grieve with my friend.