Thursday, May 22, 2014

For My Buddy Russ

RIP Blackjack
Faithful Companion
My good buddy Russ, (I will always think of him as as SSgt Kinion from my days at Kadena AB, Okinawa) lost his buddy Blackjack the other day. Fourteen years old, Blackjack went like many hope to, in his sleep, knowing that he was loved.

Hope you don't mind Russ, but I "borrowed" the following from your Facebook post. I thought it was beautiful, too beautiful not to share...


On these premises are buried the remains of one who
possessed Beauty without Vanity,
Strength without Insolence,
Courage without Ferocity,
and all the Virtues of Man,
without his Vices.
This Praise, which would be unmeaning
Flattery if stated over human remains 
is but a just tribute to the Memory
of Blackjack, our Dog.

Condolences to Russ and his family.




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....

18 comments:

  1. Wow, I am truly touched that you'd devote a blog for Meathead. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!

    Here's a little something to go with your Rainbow Bridge:

    I explained to Saint Peter
    I 'd rather stay here
    Outside the pearly gates
    I wont be a nusiance,
    I won't even bark,
    I'll be very patient and wait.
    I'll be here,chewing on a celestial bone,
    No matter how long you may be
    I'd miss you so much
    If I went in alone
    It wouldn't be heaven for me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That says it very well Russ.

      I have a number of cats and dogs waiting for me. Good friends all.

      Delete
    2. it's really dusty here... @Russ, I'm sorry your buddy is TDY but you'll see him again. It's so very hard to see our friends leave before us, I know mine have given me so many happy times that while my eyes may water up I can't help but smile and laugh thinking about the adventures we shared.

      Delete
    3. So true Goat, you understand. Thanks.

      Delete
  2. It was a sad day when I had to put my Black Lab to sleep.

    Condolences.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The hurt is there always, sometimes deep, sometimes shallow.

      It's a hard thing to do.

      Delete
    2. Joeh, you've had the tougher choice. I think it's even harder when you have to put them to sleep.

      Delete
  3. Damn shame. Been there and it hurts like hell. But it's a small price to pay, that few days of sadness in exchange for years of friendship, devotion and good times. Always remember the good times.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's all you can do Murph. I always remember my furry guys with a smile.

      Delete
  4. How REGAL!!! I wish there was a rainbow heaven. I'd love nothing more than getting mowed down by all the furchildren I've lost. I figure I'm the next one to go, and the worry I have DAILY concerning my little dog is tearing my heart out.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, but there is such a place.

      Stay strong Lotta!

      Delete
  5. Our family Beagle Molly, 10 yrs old, died from a brain tumor 2 years ago this month. It still hurts sometimes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You never forget. It's my experience that the happy memories outweigh their passing.

      But yes, sometimes it still hurts.

      Delete

Just be polite... that's all I ask. (For Buck)
Can't be nice, go somewhere else...

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