Rainbow Bridge

Friends Forever In Our Hearts

In tribute to the other half of team Rottweiler
Who have left paw prints across our hearts
and will forever be in our memories
until we meet again on the Bridge!


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The Legend of Rainbow Bridge by William N. Britton

This heartwarming and comforting story is a must for anyone who has ever loved an animal.   This little book, sweet, and inspirational, is filled with hope, comfort, beauty and possibility for all who have experienced the loss of a devoted and faithful companion.   Animals create bonds in our hearts that can never be broken.   The Rainbow Bridge, based on a Shaman's stories of Native American legend shared personally with Mr. Britton, brings renewed hope and comfort to our hearts, knowing that one day we will all be united at Rainbow Bridge.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies who has been especially close to someone here on earth, 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 and 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 miss someone very special to them who had to be left behind.  The animals 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 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 together, you and your special pet cross the Rainbow Bridge.

The sacred circle is now complete






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This web site and all efforts with Happy Tails Rescue Association are devoted to the loving memory of my unforgotten and first Rottweiler, Ludwig.  Ludwig and I travelled many miles together, shared both good and bad times, feast and famine, iced tea, Hollandaise sauce, pizza, laughter and tears;  Ludwig taught me what unconditional love really meant.  At times he had been my sole companion, my refuge, peace from the storm, only solace, brave defender and my loyal buddy until his last breath.  Other than parvo vaccines when he was a pup, Ludwig was  vaccine free  his entire 13 years of life and would have been 14 his next birthday, had it not been for a freak incident/illness.  Surpassing by a couple of years what has been considered as a normal Rottweiler life span  (although some live even longer) , but not nearly long enough.  My only lasting regret are those few parvo vaccines from my hand, in good conscience, I cannot vaccinate myself or any of my dogs, cats or horses.   This photo was taken after his Ludwig's 10th birthday, still going strong!

Currently these are Happy Tails Rotts, we do offer memorial placement for ALL Rottweilers, please contact us if you'd like to acknowlege someone.




Xena was adorable as rotties get.  Like Seabiscuit, though she was small, she was mighty.  I have been blessed to know 5 rottie females.   The first 2 where purebreds from champion lines.  One of which was the sweetest pup I have ever known until Xena.  But Xena was not outdone and fairly matched my sweet Maggie.

Xena is missed greatly by her two brothers Taj  (a chow/dobie mix), and Strider (a Gordon Setter/Border Collie mix).   The only thing that these boys ever agreed on was their love of Xena.  She kept the both in line and happy as all get-out.

Although she was generally accepting and friendly, she was super protective while riding around in public.  To both dogs and people she was vehement should any approach her beloved car and family.   Car riding, walkies, playing with her brothers, belly rubs were all her favorite things.  My wife and I dearly love and deeply miss our short-legged, barrel-bodied, nub-wagging friend and sister.

We only hope our next female rottie will be half as sweet and loving as our Xena.   My God, how they grow right into our hearts.   Bless you sweet sister.   I hope you are enjoying the Kingdom of Bliss.  Bob & Jacque



Get the feeling someone's missing?
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief
My earthly passing has brought relief
Don't remember me and weep
Lift your heart.    I do not sleep
I am not dead.    I'm just not here....
I'm running in a thousand winds that blow
I'm swimming in a creek, and rolling in the snow
I'm the twinkling stars at night
I'm the Raven in her flight
I'm running with wild horses in every gentle dawn
I'm always with you and never gone
I'm the early morning dew
I'm the sun that kisses you
When you awake during the summer moonlight
I'm the gentle breeze at night
I'm close beside you during every Rescue whirl
and barking in your ear, ever your Rotti girl
I'm embedded deep in every rescued face
and full of compassion, wisdom & grace
I'm singing our enchanting nightly song
and close beside to keep you strong
And when you too are ready to be free
Straight ahead without mourning!
Focus on Rainbow Bridge and look for me!
Jessse Jane joined the Spirit World May 2, 2005



SIOUX PROPHESY
"There will come a time when the earth is sick and the animals and plants begin to die.
Then the Indians will regain their spirit and gather people of all nations, colors and beliefs
to join together in the fight to save the Earth"   ~ The Rainbow Warriors.



Francis aka Frannie Britches was a silky soft show girl!  A retired career Model, aka show dog who came to us at 6 years of age because who human died, completely inexperienced in life.   She knew how to look sweet and beautiful and could be put in position and would remain, thinking it was some strange sort of show competition stance.   She didn't even know how to walk up stairs or do anything besides stand pretty.  She quickly learned to run with the wind, tracking distant scents and dashing off in search of them.  Sweet, sweet girl considered me her platform to the world outside the window!  She was always smiling!  Frannie went to be with Jesse in November 2006.  Francis was about 10 years old.





One who possessed beauty without vanity
strength without insolence
courage without ferocity
and all the virtues of man without his vices
This praise would be unmeaning falttery
if inscribed over human ashes
Is but a just tribute to the memory of My Dog~Lord Byron

Rockford, aka Rocky, aka RockyPaws, aka Rockerdoodles and a dozen other names that met his many faces and moods.  His unique characteristic was that when he was happy he would develop an inner city  "bro"  walk that was hilarious.  He loved fruit, veggies, yogurt and all good, natural food.  He could put on an act that was incredible, if he thought he wasn't getting his share of goodies, he could jut out his lower jaw and chatter his chin as though he were freezing!  Rocky was a gentleman, a sweet spirited, always good natured, loyal companion.   Rocky joined Jesse, Frannie Britches & Ludwig on June 29, 2007.  Rocky was about 10 years old.






Xena girl truly was a Warrior princess and an excavation contractor who could dig square & plumb holes better than most contractors!  This girl developed the habit of using a 2 x 4 to measure her excavation progress and make sure all was square and level, truly amazing.  She loved life, ran like the wind and was loved by all, including the vet who gave her acupuncture.  Xena was powerful, strong until almost the end.   She joined her Rainbow Bridge friends just before Christmas 2007, while she lay comforted in our arms.  Xena was about 12 years old.








NATIVE AMERICAN SPIRITUALITY:   THE DOG

Scientists estimate that dogs were domesticated by humans between 8,000 and 14,000 years ago.   Since then, dogs have resided in most areas of the world, working and living beside their human captors and friends.

Native American spirituality has an honored place for our canine companions.   One legend says that Dog made a conscious choice to link their lives to humankind.   The legend says that as the  'door'  to the spirit realm began to close to humankind, Dog lept through to live alongside humans.   And because of this singular devotion and sacrifice, Native American spirituality has since revered the dog.

If you feel that Dog is your totem guide, you probably are in a giving, selfless occupation such as nursing or social work.   If Dog is your totem, you may wish to meditate on what this means.   First, think about what makes a dog so special.   Its loyalty, devotion, protectiveness?   Just as a lovely rose still has thorns, think of these traits  -  as they pertain to your life - in positive and negative light.   Are you loyal enough  (or is your loyalty given even if not warranted or deserved)?   Are you territorial  (or not guarded enough)?   Are you devoted (or is your devotion too needy)?   Shall we talk about food aggressive?

According to a Native American legend, the dog freely chose to become a companion to man.   This legend has the virtue of being romantic - and, in a way, true, at least according to some scientific theories.




Ringo unexpectedly went to the Rainbow Brdige January 24, 2008, where he will be the ever vigilant Protector of his companions and the Bridge.  The pain is too raw to say much more.  Ringo was retired from an Oregon police department at 7 years old, or so and given to the pound where he was picked up as a junk yard dog.  His life there was miserable, already rejected by his former owners, the other dogs would bite Ringo and he made no defense.  Eventually he went to another shelter, another rescue, another short adoption and then to us.   He didn't look so good, sad, dejected, bites and scabs on his neck, no friendly interaction.  He was so stiff that he couldn't even reach with his leg to scratch himself.  He had given his all and all he got in return was to be dumped.  His prey drive was incredible and extended to just about anything that moved, more than one time we'd come home to find our horses huddled in a corner with Ringo challenging them to move.  With his background, we felt Ringo woudl be better with us then ending up making a mistake in the civilian world that would cost him his life.  Slowly we decommissioned him until he would leave the horses alone, leave the llamas alone and not bother any of our cats except the Calico who offended and taunted him.

He did learn to relax and became a happy go lucky roll-on-the-back-swishing-from-side-to-side-legs-pumping-retired-boy!  Ringo was truly one of the sweetest, most loyal animal we ever knew, he tried very hard to be good.  A few days before he transitioned into the spirit world he would curl up in my purple leather chair, now every time I sit in it, his warm, protective presence cradles me.   Jesse Jane, Frannie Britches, Xena, Rocky and the others must have needed him more than we did.

We do not give them life, our Creator does, and as such how can it be our place to artificially terminate that sacred life?   Each animal transitions into the spirit world having lived their entire natural life span and spends their last moments cradled in our arms, comforting them just one last moment.    To show the spirit and immediacy of that Baby Face Ringo, just a minute or two before he passed, he managed to do a couple more lay-on-the-back-legs-pumping-in-the-air-tummy-boy-back-wiggles.......he enjoyed life to the fullest possible nuance and to the last second.

Life is a circle that continues in a different dimension.    Animals are very much in tune to that other dimension, one that we humans have lost our ability to see.    All of the great religious beliefs share a similar view.   I'm a woman of strong convictions, but needed some sign that the Rainbow Bridge was real.  On our first trip back to PETCO to pick up a ton of donated dog food, as we were driving through the Columbia River Gorge, a beautiful rainbow appeared.    This was our first trip to PETCO without Ringo as our faithful navigator.   On the return trip many hours later another dazzling Rainbow greeted us.   Each time the Rainbow appeared so did an image of majestic Ringo running free and happily.   It was a comforting confirmation, on that day, a day Ringo would have been with us, that he was in fact on the Rainbow Bridge and still very much spiritually with us.  Ringo was at least 11 years old.






Chewy was the type of dog not to be ignored, his sheer size impressed everyone.  He was fit at about 185 lbs and with his wavy coat looked much like a small bear.  Only his gentle nature and sweet disposition exceeded his size.  On July 21, 2008. the world seemed much emptier place without Chewy's loving presence, he had many human friends, and helped trained many Rotti pups.  Chewy was a big, big baby.   Chewy would have been shot by his owner in 2000, instead he gave us 8 amazing years.   Chewy was at least 11 years old.





2008 would be a sad year for losing too many Happy Tails Rotts, and the year isn't over yet, we currently have several more, healthy, robust 12 year old Rotts with us, time is not on their side to find a compassionate people who would open their homes and give a small piece of their hearts in return for the joy of sharing the winter years with a noble Rottweiler.

Passing onto the Rainbow Bridge to join the others, in 2008 Happy Tails said tearful  "see you laters"  to these amazing spirits:

  Ringo

Cody

Bear

Angus

Riley

Tazo

Chewy

Cujo


Tyson was a lucky senior with a very youthful attitude, gentle, loving, kind.  Pretty much neglected previously, Tyson enjoyed a life complete with personal massage therapy, acupuncture and the best possible treatment.   He is very much missed by his humans Lisa and other friends.








Gentle Soul Brody was one in a million, a true gem who learned how to be a puppy at nine years of age!   Being hugged by Mike and sharing his life with Michelle, Mike and his other Rotti family.    Brody gained a life time of love and weight to boot in the one short year he shared with his humans surrounded in love.    The bathroom seems so empty without him!









Rainbow Bridge ~ VIP section

Unlike most days at 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 knew 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 to, the elderly animal turned towards the fields before The Bridge and saw a group of other animals like himself, 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 awhile to explain it to him.   "You see, that poor animal was a rescue.   He was turned in to rescue just as you see him now, an older animal with his fur graying and his eyes clouding.

He never made it out of 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 him 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 his 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."

"I think I like rescuers",   said the first animal.  "So does GOD", was the reply.




Sheba spent her entire life before us breeding...she lived in a crate outside in Canada, all year long, without any bedding or much exercise.   In fact she was part of the group of 12 Rottweilers that came with Brody.   Living and producing  "puppies"  took everything she had, including her life.    Just 11 days after her arrival, Sheba died peacefully in her sleep, apparently from a heart attack or exhaustion.    We discovered her curled up in her Igloos which was stuffed with fresh straw.    The first comfort she had known.    We were told that she was only 6 years old.   It's not how many breaths you have, but how many breathless moments you enjoy, and she did enjoy some, finally.   PLEASE consider adopting a rescued Rottweiler.







What if Happy Tails Rescue earned a penny every time you searched the Internet?    Or how about if a percentage of every purchase you made online went to support our cause?    Well, now it can!

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Since it doesn't cost anything and you get proven search results, there's no reason not to use it!   We hope you'll not only use GoodSearch as your main search engine from now on, but will also tell your friends, family and co-workers so they, too, can start using GoodSearch to support their favorite cause!   Every little bit really does add up and can make a big difference for Happy Tails and the animals it supports.  Why wouldn't you do it?   Every little bit really does add up and can make a big difference for Happy Tails and the animals it supports.




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