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Rainbow Bridge

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....

This page is for all the dogs that have been through the doors of Second Chance Kennels and have sadly passed away.

We will put up photos and stories here as memories to the dogs that were loved so much by us and their owners.


Song: Tears In Heaven by Eric Clapton

Harry >>
Posted: 8th November 2008

Well, we had some more really sad news on Thursday. Our wee Harry the Griffon has sadly gone to the Bridge. He had only been with his Mum since the 13th April this year. He must have been about thirteen years old and was quite poorly to start with when he was here.I remember Mhairi and I had to take him to the vets as he was really unwell. He was in the vets a few days and we went to see him, we were devastated as he looked as though he was going to leave us then, but no he rallied round and he came " home ".Then Alexis saw him and that was it love at first sight. He had another two wee Griffons for company.He was such a special wee lad everyone loved him and we are just so sorry he didn't get longer with his family but at least the seven months he did have were very happy ones filled with love. Rest in peace wee man you touched a lot of hearts while you were here.
Ena and all your friends here at Second Chance xx.

Harry
 
Shamus >>
Posted: 1st November 2008

Hi folks, I just read your bit about shamus and wanted to let you know how sad we were making that last call to the vet. Shamus was not the sharpest card in the pack and a bit of a bozo at times, however he was a lovable bozo and was very good with people and other animals including dogs, cats and horses. He even played with the young horse that Rhonda has. He supposedly hated cats when we got him but he had never met a "Maxi" cat. Maxi soon had Shamus trained and they became best buddies. Unfortunately at around two years old he took ill and everything was tried, he had all sorts of blood samples, skin biopsies etc and the only conclusion was that he had a form of "Sebboraic eczema" Not sure about the spelling. Apparently it is a genetic thing that strikes at about two years of age. We managed to bring him back from the dead once with the aid of steroids and other pills. Unfortunately, he started going downhill again and we just could not watch him suffer.Although it was all a bit sad, Rhonda and I were happy that we were able to have the pleasure of his company for two short years. He really was a nice dog. Best wishes : Ben & Rhonda ps : he is buried in a lovely spot under a tree by a burn - rest in peace Shamus.

********

Well it's been a really sad week here at the kennels two of our past residents both young dogs have gone to the Bridge.

We have about seven dogs on the Isle of Skye two of them are at the Lodge Hotel Edinbane owned by Hazel & Peter, who have become dear friends.We call them our Skye branch of Second Chance Kennels. They do home visits for us on the Island and it is because of them we now have such lovely homes for our dogs on the Island.

Well Hazel called me on Wednesday the 29th Oct. To tell me that Shamus our lovely Shepherd has gone to the bridge again a youngster about 3 years old. Shamus lived on Skye with Rhonda & Ben until quite recently and had a great life, loads of space and Sam his special friend the collie to keep him company. Then his folks moved down to the borders and of course he and his collie friend went with them. He hadn't been keeping well,he had a really bad skin condition latterly, his folks tried everything they could to help him but then he was finding it difficult to walk, so with much sadness decided it wasn't fair to let him suffer and let him go to the Bridge.
We would like to thank Rhonda and Ben for giving him such a happy although way to short a time with them.
You are the first dog from the Skye branch to go to the Bridge Shamus and Hazel & Peter send their love and hope you know you were so well loved rest in peace , Hazel says goodnight god bless. xxxxxxxx

Shamus
 
Pheonix >>
Posted: 1st November 2008

Some of you may remember Pheonix our handsome Alaskan Malamute,
Your mum called us last Saturday 25th Oct :to say you weren't very well.They took you to the vets but sadly you were so ill, you didn't come home with them. Angela & Billy are devastated as are all of us at the kennels, it's so hard to take in you were so young, not even two years old and had everything to live for.We all feel so sad for you at last you had found the home of your dreams, we were so happy for you,( especially Ena as Frank was making noises about adopting you himself) and then this happens, you were such a sweetheart Pheonix and everyone loved you.life is so unfair sometimes.. At least your last few months were very happy ones both here at the kennels and then at home with your folks, who already have a Second Chance dog wee Susie who is now ten years old, you and she were getting on so well and she still lies at the front door waiting for you to come home.Rest in peace big man knowing you were so loved and will be so missed by everyone who knew you.xxxxxxxxxxxxx

We would like to thank PAWS R-I-P for the very caring professional way in which they dealt with Pheonix's cremation. I would have no hesitation in recommending them, they are truly caring lovely people, and Pheonix is now at rest in his own home.
Thank you Brenda & William.

Pheonix
 
Marcus >>
Posted: 16th October 2008

This is Marcus he came into us with his brother Chad ( 8yrs) after their family moved abroad. Marcus was 11yrs young they were both rehomed together in February of this year. Their mum absolutely adored them both and they went on to have a very happy secure life. Sadly, Marcus has gone to the Bridge. We are so very sorry he didn't have longer with his mum but the time he did have was quality time and we are so grateful he had these few months of happiness.
Rest in peace wee man you were well loved this year xxxxxxxx

Marcus
 
Jason >>
Posted: 16th October 2008

This is wee Jason he had originally been kept in an indoor kennel most of his younger life. Then we were asked to take him in.He was such a sweetheart,then this lovely couple came to the kennels looking for a wee dog and there he was of course they both fell in love with him and have had him since 23rd March 2004, he was eight years old. Sadly, Jason has gone to the Bridge and his mum & dad are devastated, he was just over twelve years old but had the most fantastic loving home he could ever have hoped for.
Sleep easy wee man you were well loved xxxxxx

Jason
 
Robbie >>
Posted: 23rd July 2008

This is Robbie isn't he handsome, he was adopted from here back in 2004 this was his third home and thankfully his last, he was then joined by Loca a Second Chance puppy and some kittens. All totally adored by their family.
The family had been out for a lovely walk when something startled Robbie and he headed for home, someone who thought they were doing the best thing tried to head Robbie off and he ended up running onto the railway track, and you can guess what happened next.His family and his best pal Loca are devastated.
We were so very sad to hear about Robbie because he had at last found his perfect home.
Our condolences go to his family at this very sad time.

Sleep easy Robbie xx
Ena / Mhairi and all at Second Chance.

Robbie
 
Leah >>
Posted: 6th July 2008

It was with great sadness we learned that Leah had gone to the Bridge.

When Leah first came to us she was about 6 years old , she had to have an op for stones in her bladder., then she had to be on special very expensive food.
I can remember her mum Andrea coming to look for a wee friend, she saw Leah and it was love at first sight even though I pointed out the cost of her food ect: it made no odds this was her girl and she needed to take her and give her a good home.Well that was about nine years ago. Leah you had such a wonderfull home with your mum and will be so very sadly missed by everyone who knew you.

Sleep tight Leah xx

Leah
 
Nana >>
Posted: 6th July 2008

Dear Lydia & Derek,

So very sorry to hear about your beloved girl, but what a happy life she had with you both and of course with Dylek, both so much loved thank you so much for being there for them. x

Go find Dylek,Nana and then if he lets you have a lovely rest xx

Dear Ena,

With completely shattered hearts and tremendous sorrow we would like to let
you know about losing our beloved girl Nana. On Friday 4th July, after 10
months of very courageous fighting, Nana finally lost her battle with
cancer.

Since the very first day we met Nana almost 7 years ago, she made our lives
joyful and more fulfilling. She also instantly created a life lasting bond
with her companion, playmate and dear rotti pal - Dylek.

We gave Nana many pet names to reflect her different personalities. "Nana-
piranha" - because she had very sharp teeth and was very quick with them.
"Niania" - a very soft very caring and sweet "puppy" - she was playful like
a puppy, always with a ball in her mouth, always happy to run and show how
obedient she was in bringing it back. Nana was also our guardian, protector
and tough - as she thought the rottie should be. She was everything we ever
wanted her to be.

Her entire life was full of adversities.almost constant cysts in the paws,
twice near death experiences - one during paralysis from dislocated disc and
then after being hit by a car.But being very hungry for life she fought back
and won each time. She was not very lucky in her life but we feel very
privileged having her in our lives and being able to fight with her.

For the last ten months, we were trying to do as much as we could to help
her battling this horrible cancer and she did everything to co-operate - even
eating garlic and drinking so bitter tinctures and remedies that many
people would not even smell. She enjoyed every moment during this difficult
time and we cherished every day like a special bonus.

The cancer got stronger and in the end affected her nose. She was began
gasping for air and was continually panting.We could not let her suffer
anymore and had to let her go.

Nana, you will always be our little sunshine and there will always be a very
warm and special place in our hearts for you. We love you so much.
Run across the Rainbow Bridge and find Dylek. He is waiting there for you
and will look after you as he always did. We will come and join you there
one day.

God bless.
XXX

Nana  Nana
Nana  Nana
Nana   
 
Zara >>
Posted: 5th July 2008

Hi Ena

As you know we are sad to say we lost our Zara. We were very lucky when we ended up with Zara (originally Maddy) as we got her back in December 1998 and she was only 8 weeks old and a full pedigree black lab, She had came from a farm and had only just came in to you but there was someone else interested in her for his son/daughter but he wanted you to keep her until Christmas and we were very lucky you said no so we could have her. We will never forget the day she arrived as she was hiding inside your jacket and at first we thought you never brought her until her wee head popped out, Zara was for our daughter Claire who had harped on for ages about getting a black lab and as she did not have any brothers or sisters she was to be a companion for her as she was only 12. Claire will never forget the day when she came home from school as Zara was a big surprise for her. Over the years Zara was a great companion for all of us and was a very clever and special dog, she brought tears,joy and laughter to us all for the whole 10 years of her life. Zara will be sadly missed by us all and all her friends and adopted family she had as she was very popular, adorable and loved by everyone. Putting our Zara to sleep was the hardest thing we have done but it was for the best to stop the pain as she had developed a tumour which unfortunately affected her nervous system as well.

Zara we want to say thank you for lighting up our lives
We will never forget you and you will be in our Hearts forever
Sleep tight

Brian,Tricia & Claire
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx


Claire Tricia & Brian,

We were so sorry to hear your beloved Zara has gone to the bridge.

Do you remember Brian, you were in a queue in Asda when Frank and I first told you about this wee lass.She had only been bought the week before by someone and the three year old in the house wouldn't leave her alone. Talk about fate this wee black lab puppy needed someone and there you were, and what a wonderful life she had with you all thank you.

Sleep in peace at the bridge Zara xx

Zara
 
Meg >>
Posted: 8th June 2008

Hi Alison & John,

It was nice to see you yesterday I'm just so sorry it was to bring Meg's bit's & pieces to us. What a difference from the wee waif you adopted eight years ago. x

Hello Ena

Here are a couple of pictures of our wee black friend. They were taken on the first and last days that she was with us. What a difference!

John & Alison Nicol

Meg  Meg
 
Meg >>
Posted: 2nd June 2008

This wee girl was left tied to the kennel gates way back in September 2000 only about 12 weeks old with only her blanket & toys for company. She was such a lovely wee soul and found such a wonderful home with Alison & John. When they came to the kennels they needed a dog that wasn't car sick as they went to France for holidays. Guess what they chose our wee Becky ( back then) her folks chose Meg for her name. and she was sick in the car ect: Good news was on the long journey to France she was absolutely fine. She used to send post cards to let us know how much she was enjoying her new life.
It was with great sadness I opened an e-mail today to find she had lost her battle with cancer.Our sincere condolences to Meg's family and thank you so much for giving " our " girl such a wonderful life, just so sorry you didn't have her longer.This is a photo of her on her last visit to the kennels to see us.
You will be at the Bridge now sweetheart and there will quite a lot of Second Chance dogs there to meet you and keep you safe x

Lots of Love
Ena and all at Second Chance xx

It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to tell you that our beloved and beautiful Meg left us this morning. Her battle against stomach cancer was lost and we had to let her go. For almost 8 years she was our greatest companion and dearest of friends and it is very hard to contemplate life without her. I can only offer you our hearfelt thanks for having brought us together and wish your enterprise every success in the future.
Yours,
John and Alison Nicol

Meg
 
Alfie >>
Posted: 1st June 2008

We were very sorry to hear that " our " Alfie has gone to the bridge.
His mum & dad are absolutely devastated by his loss.

Alfie came to us one Saturday afternoon a few years ago, he had been found wandering about in a car park up Falkland Hill. Fiona his mum was there when he arrived and she totally fell in love with him.He was dirty and his coat was all matted.We had to wait and see if he was going to be claimed, but he never was, so Fiona brought her husband Ronnie to meet him again love at first sight.He has had the most wonderful home where he was adored, even had his pet passport and travelled back and forwards to France regularly.

Sleep tight Alfie in the knowledge that your last home was such a wonderful one.

Lots of love
Ena xxx.

Alfie
 
Lassie >>
Posted: 23rd May 2008

Trying again to get our girl's pics through to you. The first one is trying to stare Dad out to make sure he leaves some food for the starving! The next one is having had a drink after a tiring day out at Lochore Meadows and finally at attention-this was the nearest to a pose as she turned her back if the camera came out.

Marion xx

This lovely girl was adopted by Marion & Dave way back in 2002 she was five years old then. Sadly, we have just heard that Lassie has passed over to the Bridge and everyone is devastated. Lassie was such a lovely girl and will be very sorely missed. Especially by her mum & dad.

Rest in Peace Lassie you were such a special girl.

Love from Ena and all at Second Chance Kennels xx

Lassie  Lassie
Lassie   
 
Floyd >>
Posted: 27th April 2008

This is Floyd we arrived at the kennels one day to find him tied to the gate, poor lad we didn't know his name or anything about him. So he was named Floyd and was such a gentle dog. Sadly we found out he was deaf and was so miserable in the kennels, we all felt so sorry for him. However, Traci who runs Staffie rescue found a foster home for him and the best news was his foster dad kept him. We found out a few weeks ago that Floyd hadn't been well and had passed over to Rainbow bridge. We are so sad but a least he had a few years with someone who loved him.

Sleep easy Floyd you were such a well loved boy xx

Floyd
 
Sophie >>
Posted: 16th April 2008

Dear Ena, Frank & co

As you know we lost our adorable Sophie on 28 December 2007. It has taken
Roy and I, a long time to come to terms with loosing Sophie hence the reason
it has taken me so long to write a little something about her. Roy and I
cannot thank you enough for allowing us to bring Sophie home. She was a
great companion for Digger (he adored her and misses her terribly). Roy and
I loved her dearly as she was the most loving, caring and cuddly rotti you
could wish for. She was also adored by all who met her. She made a huge
difference to our lives and brought lots of happiness.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts

Take care

Alison and Roy Jenkins

Lots of licks Digger xx

********
SOPHIE ‘OUR LADY’


On Friday 28 December, I woke up as usual with Digger by my side. We were both tired from the night before as mum and dad’s visitors had arrived for the New Year celebrations.

Dad was away to work but mum had a few days off – yippee!

Mum prepared our breakfast whilst Digger and I went out to the garden to potter about. Mum called us in for our breakfast! And what a treat, we had a little chicken mixed in with our food – yum yum! Mum patted my head and told me I was a good girl for finishing my breakfast (as if I wouldn’t!!).

Digger and I returned to the garden. I was barking as there were people passing by. I always bark to tell my mum that someone is passing our house, mind you, my mum says that I bark if a fly goes by ha! ha! Must be a dog thing!!

I didn’t feel too good and then had a little pain ……………………………..


When I woke up, I was amazed and really excited. I was surrounded by hundreds of dogs. All shapes and sizes, all makes and models! It was fantastic. I even met my mum and dad’s first Rotti – Amber!

Looking down from Rainbow Bridge, I can see my mum weeping and my dad trying to hide his emotion and poor Digger looking a bit lost.

Mum and Dad, I want you to know that I am well, and am happy. I don’t want you to be upset any more. I want you to remember the happy times, and loads of them we shared didn’t we? I love you both very much and we shared a magnificent 4 years together. I loved going in the car and travelled everywhere with you. One year, do you remember we went to John O’ Groats and then the next year we went to Lands End. I loved my holidays in the caravan. Each summer Digger and I always looked forward to our holidays.

I also loved going to the beach. If you went in for a swim mum, I was always right by your side – swimming a long side you, making sure you were ok in the choppy waters!

For all the toys you bought me, my favourite was always the large plastic Pepsi Max bottles! I would play with the bottles for ages with Digger chasing me!

The first 4 years of my life were not so good. I was miss-treated and then used as a breeding machine but mum and dad, my last (almost) 4 years with you were fantastic. I couldn’t have asked for a better family to choose and to be with.
And remember what the vet said the first time I visited him for a check up – he said ‘Sophie, you are going to a great home, where you will have all the love and care – you are the luckiest dog in the world’ and he was right. Within a few weeks of living with you both and Digger, I found my place. I soon realised that I could relax and be myself. I was able to show my love towards you both and show my personality off! I even had a character which was loved by you both.

I will miss you mum and dad, Digger too but I am happy here at Rainbow Bridge with Amber and all these lovely dogs. I will always watch over you.

With all my love, Sophie xxx

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx





Dearest Sophie

Words cannot express our sorrow and sadness of loosing you! We only had you in our lives for 4 years but what joy you brought. You entertained us with your lovable character! No matter where we walked, you would always manage to throw yourself onto the grass onto your back and kick your legs up! All you wanted was your belly rubbed. And, the most striking thing about you Sophie no matter where we were or what we were doing you were always smiling! Your tongue would be hanging out with that big grin of yours! So adorable. It was almost as though you were trying to tell us how happy you were. But we knew you had found love and happiness as we did with you.

The pain of loosing you has broken our hearts and you have left a huge void in our lives, but the joy and happiness you brought to me, your dad and to Digger has been over whelming. You were wonderful. So loving, caring, intelligent – an ambassador to the breed. We miss you terribly and wish you were here with us. We will carry the memories of you with us for ever.



Darling Sophie, born a dog, died a lady, “our lady”

With all our love
Mum, Dad and Digger – sleep tight
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Sophie  Sophie
Sophie  Sophie
Sophie  Sophie
 
Dougie >>
Posted: 15th April 2008

Hello Ena,

It’s been a few months now since Dougie crossed the Rainbow Bridge (end of January) but I had to write to thank you for allowing him to become part of our family. He brought us so much fun and happiness it’s almost impossible to describe how much he enriched our lives. Anyone who has met him will understand what I mean.

I can remember when he first came to us nearly 8 years ago as our daughter Jenny’s dog, full of life, ball in his mouth (that became his trademark!) and his tail wagging round and round so hard like the rotor blade of a helicopter that he was immediately nicknamed ‘Chinook’. When Jenny moved away from home to work, Dougie stayed at home with us. (Remember - possession is nine tenths of the law!)

Everywhere we went (and he often came on holiday with us) people would stop to admire him and ask what breed he was. We would laughingly reply that he was ‘a chocolate lab with his legs chopped off’ because as a lab/beagle cross, he looked quite unusual with the chocolate lab body and short beagle legs. Everyone described him as adorable, which made us even more proud of him, of course! We don’t actually think he ever realised he was a dog; we’re convinced he thought he was a human being!

Sadly two years ago he collapsed and was diagnosed with congenital heart problems. Thanks to the vets at Equipet, and especially to the dedication of his vet, Morven Shaw, he continued to have a good quality of life until near the end of last year, when he began to struggle – still strong in spirit but his body had become weak. In January it was finally time to let him go. No words can describe how much we still miss him but he has left us with so many happy memories.
Thank you Dougie XX

and thank you, Ena, for giving us such a special ‘wee man’,

Bill, Pauline and Jenny Marsland xxx

Dougie  Dougie
 
Lady >>
Posted: 5th April 2008

Hi, this is a pic of Lady when she first arrived at her new home.

Lady was seven years old when her mum adopted her, sadly we have just recieved a card to say that Lady has gone to the Bridge, she was fourteen years old. Thank you for giving Lady such a wonderful home I know you will miss her dreadfully, please take comfort that she had such a brilliant life with you and your family x.

Rest in Peace Daisy in the knowledge that you were such a well loved girl.

Lots of love
from Ena and all at Second Chance Kennels xx

Lady
 
Skippy >>
Posted: 17th March 2008

It was with great sadness we learned that wee Skippy who was ten years old when he went to stay with his mum and dad had passed over to the Bridge.

He was originally found lying beside his owner who had passed away. He came to stay with us but for just a short while as his mum & dad saw him on the web site and totally fell in love with him. What a wonderful life he had with them he has been to Ireland and all over the place in their mobile home. We would just have wished for a few more years for them all to spend together but it was not to be. Sleep in peace wee man you'll never know how much you were loved by all who knew you. Our thoughts are with your mum & dad at this very sad time

Love everyone at Second Chance xx

Skippy
 
Rhona >>
Posted: 7th March 2008

Hello Ena

I don't know if you remember Rhona, the black labrador. She came to you November 2000 at only 10 wks old after having already having been in two different homes, one in which she was badly beaten. I called you on the off chance looking for a puppy for my children and you told us about Rhona who had come to you only the day before. My husband came to see her and instantly fell for her. You said it was unusual for you to do so but you let my husband bring Rhona home to us that day, and we all fell in love with her instantly.

Rhona was a poorly wee soul whom the vet told us may only live 6 months. She had very bad hip displaysia and suffered terrible psychological damage from the beatings she had. But we gave her all our love and did everything we could to get her fit and well. We brought her back a few times to see you, but the trauma always made her ill and we had to stop. Rhona grew into the most beautiful, loving and faithful dog and we had so much fun with our funny little girl.

Sadly Rhona became very ill at the start of the year and spent 3 weeks in the Dick Vet hospital where she was diagnosed with an inopreable insulinoma. We got her home at the end of January with the knowledge our Rhona would most probably only be with us for a short time, the cancer was extremely aggressive.

Last night Rhona went into a pre-fitting hypo state. We took her to the vet and asked that she put our baby to sleep to take away all her pain. We all knew the day would come when we would lose Rhona to the illness but it didn't make it any the less harder for us and we are devastated at the loss of our beautiful, faithful dog. We had seven wonderful years with Rhona, but our memories of her will last a life time.

I know you like to hear about the dogs you have helped give a new life to. It is sad though that this is such bad news were are giving you. Thank you for giving Rhona to us.

Catherine McCluskey

This wee girl had such a bad start in life but fell on all four paws when she went to stay with her new family who nursed her through thick and thin. We were so very very sorry to hear she had passed over to Rainbow Bridge and our thoughts are with her family at this sad time.
Rest in peace Rhona, you were so loved by your family and by all who knew you.

Love Ena and all at Second Chance xx

Rhona
 
Pepe >>
Posted: 2nd March 2008

Pepe and Dom two Pekingese came to us back in August 2005, they were chosen by such a lovely couple and were both loved so much.

Sadly Pepe left for the bridge last week and poor Dom and his mum & dad will be missing him so much.

Our thoughts are with them at this very sad time.

Love Ena & all At Second Chance Kennels x.

Sleep easy Pepe in the knowledge in your last few years you were so well loved. xx

Pepe
 
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