Welcome to the roadhouse...

Red was a Rhodesian Ridgeback -- my second one.
1994-February 7, 2005

 

2PM: Red died today; I just got off the phone with the vet. He was there for a dental cleaning (he had advanced gum disease), but his heart stopped while under anesthesia. My sweet Rhodesian Ridgeback was just over 10 years old, an age that he was at risk when putting him under, but I'm still in shock. Our other two dogs, Bailey and Chloe are not going to know what to do.

8:45PM: The vet called; Red will be cremated and we'll pick up his ashes on Thursday. He'll be buried with Jade (our cat, who passed away last June) in our backyard. Bailey the Lab has already picked up on our grief and has been moping about. Chloe, the Bichon, seems like she hasn't quite figured it out yet. We've received lots of emails and comments. Thank you all for the kind words and understanding. Virtual hugs are meaningful.

2/9: I still receive emails from time to time from people that randomly end up on the page about my first Ridgeback, Addison, who passed in 1996. Many of those that write are surfing for consolation as they deal with their own grief at the loss of a beloved pet. I answer every email like that. Red's page will hopefully serve the same purpose. Knowing that at any given time that there is someone out there dealing with that grief makes you feel less alone. All pet owners know the gift of unconditional love they receive when a pet touches their lives. That bond is not severed when one passes on, it's why the pain is so great and the memories bring tears of joy and sadness all at once.

See condolence letters from around the world.


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 runand 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...

Before his passing...

Red came to live with me in June 1998. He's the first adult dog I've gotten and it's been wonderful -- no housebreaking, no pulling on the leash, no separation anxiety when I go to work. He even likes the cat, and he had never been around them. I've taught him "sit" and "down", but cannot get him interested in frisbee or fetch yet. He's starting to come out of his shell. I'll keep trying...

Red, enjoying some late fall sun in the backyard, November 1998. I'll eventually start raking all those leaves....[sigh].

Red, looking for the hungry squirrels that come to raid the bird feeder...

May 1999. One month before his first anniversary with me!






Visit my first Ridgeback's site, Addison's Domain.

Email.