All Dogs go to Heaven

This has been one of the hardest weeks of our lives. On Tuesday, we had to make the tough decision to send our sweet Buddy to be with God. For the last 8 years, Buddy has been the most amazing dog! We were so blessed to have him in our lives and we are so thankful for the time that we had with him. It has truly been the toughest thing for us, having to say goodbye and go about our daily lives without him here. There are so many reminders of Buddy in our home...like the slobber on the walls, the dog hair on the kitchen floor, the nose prints on the windows, and the distinct smell of BIG dog in the vacuum cleaner. All of those things were annoyances before and I often complained about them. But the last 2 days, I can't bring myself to clean up his "mess". I know that his memory will live on in our house, but for now, until I get his ashes back, I want his mess here. In some strange way, I feel like it keeps us closer to him. As sad as we are about Buddy's passing, we are also rejoicing in the fact that he is no longer in pain and that he is able to run and play again! Watching him struggle with arthritis was very sad for us and we are so happy that his body is now healed and whole again.

Last night, As we walked the neighborhood as a family, an older dog that always stays in her yard and is known for being so behaved and always listening to her owner, bolted towards us and snuggled up to Randy's leg while wagging her tail and looking for him to pet her. Her owner was so upset that she wouldn't listen to him when he called her back to the yard, but Randy expressed to him that it was okay. We immediately looked at each other and I said, "it's like she knows", as my eyes welled up with tears. We both felt the same "SPIRIT" of Buddy in this dog, saying "I'm in good hands guys" - It was a God moment and one more positive step in the healing process of losing our Buddy.

Buddy, thank you for always being the most loyal and loving dog anyone could ever ask for! Thank you for being so gentle and kind to everyone you ever met. You were known to many as a "Gentle Giant" and that makes us so proud! Thank you for always loving and protecting us...especially, our babies. From the day we brought them home, you were always so wonderful with them and we will make sure they never forget you. You truly honored your breed and your family. God knew what he was doing when he placed you in our lives. We will truly cherish all of the memories we have with you. We know that you will continue to watch over us and protect us from Heaven. Go run and play and eat all of the pizza you want! You deserve it! We will love and miss you always, Big Boy!

Sir Harry Buduncle Voelp "Buddy"
03/03/03-05/31/2011
Forever in our hearts

"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...."