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Rainbow Bridge

Author Unknown

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 the 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 have 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 begins to quiver. 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 hand again caresses 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 the Rainbow Bridge Together...

This page is dedicated in loving memory to those special and loving companions, our dogs, we have loved so dearly and have now crossed over.

Our forever friends

Summer

Summer is so missed as she was such a big part of our family. Our house seems so empty without her. I know when the time is right, there will be another Shorthair waiting for us to love. Peace to Summer who crossed the Rainbow Bridge.

Kathy Williams

Kathy Williams was a true friend to Illinois Shorthair Rescue and to rescue dogs everywhere. Her dedication, insight, and candor made ISR better. Kathy liked to remind us of her rescue philosopy--and the one that we should always remember--"it's all about the dogs!" We miss her every day but feel she's still with us offering guidance. Whenever we're facing a particularly tricky issue, we apply the WWKD (What Would Kathy Do) test and usually can tell if we're headed in the right direction. Thank you, Kathy! We feel the best place to honor and remember you is here at the Rainbow Bridge among all the dogs you loved so much. Until we meet again...at the bridge.

Pal (Boscoe)

Boscoe died in his sleep recently after getting a fairly clean bill of health. He was lucky enough to get to run the lakefront beach in Chicago in the summer and run along Miami Beach in the winter. Boscoe's dad says, "My previous two GSP's were 14 at the end, so when Boscoe died so suddenly at about 8; it's been the hardest to handle. He was also the only pointer I've known who only pointed other dogs."

Sara

ISR rescued Sara, who was around 12, from a horrendous shelter in July of 2010. We believe she had lived outside her whole life and never really knew love. She was fostered for several months by a kind volunteer in Springfield, and then she came up to WI and joined another loving foster family. There, Sara was treated as part of a family and frolicked with a younger GSP who became her buddy. Sara came down with bloat one day in February of 2011 and went to the Bridge. Sara never got the forever home she hoped for, but the homes she lived in treated her with the utmost care and love. Goodbye sweet Sara...until we meet again...at the Bridge.

Sake

Sake was adopted in May of 2007 when she was about 7-8 years old. Sake was a wonderful, lively gal who had the best years of her life as a Sr. Citizen. Sake was happy GSP who loved walks on a leash, visiting other canine friends, mushy kisses, and napping in her crate. Sake loved to run laps around the yard too. Sake was such a good girl that she'd just lay her head in your lap while you clean her ears and trim her nails. Everyone will miss her and appreciate the best three years of her life and we know Sake feels the same. Sake has a photo in her owners home to remember the good times together. Goodbye Sake until we meet again.....at the Bridge.

Mocha

Our sweet girl Mocha is now in heaven with her brothers and sisters. All I can say is her last few years were probably the most attention she had ever received. She was spoiled rotten, got to go for a ride everyday, had her own couch and just loved to eat. Goodbye Mocha, until we meet again.....at the bridge.

Bearishnikov

Our Bearishnakov's ballet dancing days are over. No longer could he run or leap into the air due to advanced arthritis in both of his elbows. Bear was an impounded stray who went unclaimed by his owner. He was a smaller male GSP at only 40 pounds. The vet estimated his age at 5 years and his hips, knees and eyes checked out favorably upon exam. Little Bear liked other dogs and got very excited when they sniffed hello. His favorite past-time was lounging on the dog sofa. Goodbye Bearishnikov, until we meet again.....at the bridge.

Heidi

She was a rescue dog from Utah and we were uncertain of her exact age, but placed her about 12-13. She had been on thyroid replacement for a number of years which we believed weakened her heart over time. She died doing what she loved best, chasing animals. My husband last saw her in a perfect “point” on a rabbit in the neighbor’s yard, went in to put some groceries in the frig and came out minutes later when he heard a yelp. We believe when the rabbit ran so did she and then had a massive heart attack. We are grateful that she died quickly, close to home, on a warm evening, and doing what she loved best. Goodbye Heidi, until we meet again.....at the bridge.

Franklin

We remember you, Franklin, and our hearts go out to all the other dogs that are dumped in shelters everyday! Franklin was a 12 year old boy, sent to the horrific confines of a shelter because his owners new wife was allergic to him. Despite our attempts to let Franklin live out his life, stress free and loved, Franklin lost his fight to testicular cancer. His poor deformed body was sent to the bridge so he may be whole, run and play forever. We are sorry for all you had to endure because your owner felt you were no longer worthy of being a member of the family. You will also be a member of our family and may you never suffer again! Goodbye Franklin, until we meet again.....at the bridge.

Tessa (Lily)

Tessa was found in a field in Indiana where she and her three siblings were dumped. She was a very outgoing little girl whom her family loved. Her crate was moved into bedroom at night so everyone could get some sleep and Tessa was very well behaved since the family did that. She puts her beautiful little head down and goes right to sleep. She was doing great on potty training, and was learning to work on her obedience, etc. She absolutely loves running around outside and she has even climbed the deck and come into our pool a few times when we are swimming! Tragically this 12 week old baby girl was struck and killed by a car. Tessa slipped her collar and fled across the street. Goodbye Tessa, until we meet again.....at the bridge.

Trudy

Trudy's owner died and his family took the poor dog to a city shelter. Stressed, sad and depressed, Trudy needed desperate help. At 12 years old her chances of getting adopted from the shelter were not good so ISR took her into foster care. It had been a tough time for Trudy. She was on a hunger strike but we were doing everything possible to encourage her to eat, even force-feeding. Trudy's severe depression and medical problems led to her giving up on life even though we tried not to let her. Trudy passed away and crossed the Rainbow Bridge in the early morning hours and is now at peace, happily reunited with her human in heaven. Goodbye Trudy, until we meet again.....at the bridge.

Buford

Buford was an 11 year old beautiful boy that was rescued from the concrete confines of a shelter. He was with us for less than a day, but touched all of our hearts! You see, Buford came in late one night and was taken to the vet the next morning. Buford was riddled with cancer and it was in his spine. He had decreased neurological functions, severe lung congestion, and enlarged lymph nodes. The massive scarring around his neck gave the vet indication that he had been chained up most of his life. Buford was extremely uncomfortable and could not lie still. It was suspected that he was also diabetic. Buford was euthanized, and possibly for the first time in his life he was comfortable and peaceful. Goodbye Buford, until we meet again.....at the Bridge.