Thursday, May 26, 2011

Crossing Rainbow Bridge

This morning, Mr. Murphy crossed over the Rainbow Bridge.  He had been in poor health since before Christmas.  He had a cancer around his right eye area that continued to grow with additional tumors showing up in his head area. He went to sleep about 10:15 A.M. at the Westwood Animal Hospital surrounded by those he loved, Guy and Cathy.
Mr. Murph adopted us in October, 1994 when he was about 2 to 3 weeks old. He was so tiny and had a Christmas tree shaped tail.  He lived in the bathtub for a period of time.  Cathy would come home in the middle of the day while she was a junior in high school to feed him with a medicine dropper until he could fend for himself.  I remember the first Christmas that we had him.  When we went out to look at the Christmas lights, Murphy was wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a Blazer.  His two greatest friends were Miles and Bagel, our two beagles.  In fact, for a while, Mr. Murph thought he was a beagle.

Murphy was a wild child and a tough old bird.  He outlived his beagle friends and fellow brother cats,  Claw Paws and Velcro. Recently, he grew to love his new Husky friend, Kahlo. He and Cathy became best buds in recent months.  During the day, he slept under her bed, and at night he crawled up on top of her covers, snuggling against her head and snoring into her face.  
Mr. Murph, we will miss you dearly.  For almost 17 years, you've been quite a little buddy and companion.  Someday, we will meet you at the Rainbow Bridge.

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....

10 comments:

Mid-Atlantic Martha said...

Joan -- I'm so sorry -- they do take a piece of our hearts with them and leave their paw prints behind.

Sharon said...

Joan,

I am so sorry about Mr. Murphy. I know you will miss him!

Your banner on your blog is beautiful! Love it1

Johanna Gehrlein said...

Dear Joan,
your blogpost brought me to tears. It is a lovely tribute to your little friend, Mr. Murphy. He was a handsome guy and I love him from the moment I saw him. He had a heaven on Earth in your house, I am sure. Joan, there are so many other little fellows who need a warm loving home. Take another cat in your home. Mr. Murphy will not been forgotten and I am sure he would love that also.
Best greetings, Johanna

Bonnie @ The Boatwright Family said...

I'm so sorry to hear about Mr. Murphy!

Paula@SweetPea said...

I'm sorry to hear about Mr. Murphy. It sounds like he had a very good life with your family.

KDinOK said...

Animals only stay in our lives for a short period of time but make the longest impression on our lives.

I know that you will miss Mr. Murphy and I bet it is extremely hard right now but always remember the joy that he gave you.

The Old Parsonage said...

Hi Joan

It's been awhile and now I understand why. Sorry to her about Mr Murphy. Love the Rainbow Bridge story.

Take Care
Leann

Sue said...

I always get a big lump in my throat when I read this poem. So sorry to hear about Mr. Murphy. We never forget our beloved pets, do we?
To answer your question- yes, I live in Washington Township, which most people consider Centerville. Waynesville is a cute little village. I like to shop there during Christmas when everything is decorated so nicely. :-)
~ Sue

different types of hypnosis said...

Your cat and your dog looks adorable together.

dana said...

Well, my heart is just hurting. I know that your Mr. Murph lived a long, happy and much loved life. He certainly made your hearts happy....and I'm certain his was a happy one, too. Your story reminded me so much of our kitty Buffy who was a wonderful family member, too. I've never cried as hard in my life as I did the day we had to have him put to sleep. He'd lived with diabetes for five years...tolerating shots twice a day the whole time. Finally, at the end, when our vet said it was "time" (and we all knew it), we also surrounded him while he crossed the bridge....purring until he took his last breath. I'm crying right now as I type this.

What a beautiful tribute to your furbaby!

Dana