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....

Author unknown...

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Malaysia passed away at 14 years old. She was my soul mate, my buddy, the best companion I could have ever asked for. I don’t remember now exactly how I was led to Sheltie Rescue of Central Indiana, but what Malaysia had together can never be repaid. There are tears and sadness, but remembering the joy we shared somehow overcomes this. We had 11 WONDERFUL years together. I can only hope, as is promised, that we will meet again and have a joyful reunion. I love you, Malaysia.
Marianne

Archie

December 3rd, 2007

Archie was a little stray found walking the streets of Indianapolis and taken to the local shelter. No one claimed him and he would have been put down if not for Sheltie Rescue of Central Indiana. He was rescued and taken to the adoption coordinators home for evaluation. Archie was about 14 yrs old and not in the best condition. His legs didn't seem to work very well and he would fall down numerous times. He had a hard time getting up but he kept trying until he made it. He needed neutering and dental work and did not look like the best candidate for adoption. Yet he had that little spark of determination, courage and "spunk" and it was decided to place him in a permanent foster home to live out his days. He settled in his new surroundings and immediately took over my house and my heart. Archie didn't know that he was handicapped. He was like the little engine that could and he never gave up He enjoyed laying in the spring sunshine on the deck and rolling in the new green grass and getting his tummy tickled. He was so sweet and affectionate that he made every day a happy day. Spring passed into summer and fall and Archie was finding it harder and harder to get up and he slept more and then one day he stopped eating. I could see the signs that the end was near and my heart ached knowing that his days were numbered. On that fateful day he went out into the yard and fell down and could no longer get up. I carried him into the house and made that dreaded call to the vet.

Archie passed to the Rainbow bridge Dec. 3, 2007. He lives on in my heart.

Shadow
October, 30 2006
Today I lost my sweet Shadow. She will be missed. Shadow came into rescue in May have 2002 when her owner could no longer care for her. She had been used for breeding purposes in the past, She was first fostered by Rita Ubelhor and when Rita had some medical problems of her own, Shadow came to live with me in May of 2003. I adopted her in June of 2003. Her sweet disposition and spunk is what drew me to her. She had a role to play in my home and it was to keep all the new foster boys in check. They soon learned as they came into my home that she was the Queen B. She was in control and everyone had to stay out of her way. I knew about 6 months ago that she was slowing down when she quit jumping up in her chair and allowed one of the other dogs to take it over. Then in March of this year, I acquired a new puppy and Shadow rallied to the challenge. She loved my new puppy and played daily with him until two days ago. Up until two days ago, she would have a daily run at the fence and play briefly with Cappy. She always initiated the play being the complete control freak that she was. I had over 3 years with this gentle giant of a sheltie and loved every minute of it. She will be missed by everyone in my household.

Allie
October 2006
Allie has given me so much pleasure since my fiancée, now my wife Renee, brought her into our house over 2.5 yrs ago for my birthday. She was the best birthday gift, by far, that I have ever received. We were best buddies from the beginning. Little did I know that she was my doggie “soul mate”. She adored me as much as I adored her. I know in my heart that she could not have had a better home. I just wish we had more years together.

She was only 6 yrs old when she was diagnosed with Lymphoma. We decided against the Chemo and chose to make her as comfortable as possible for her last few months here. She left on a good day. She didn’t appear to be suffering, but the Lymphoma was getting worse and we knew it was only a matter of time. We laid her to rest on Friday, October 6th, 2006.

She was still able to have a fairly normal life her last few months. We gave her anything she wanted to eat. I was cooking chicken on the grill for her every night. She ate better than we did. We adopted a 3-month old Sheltie puppy a few weeks ago named Matilda (Mattie). She actually brought some life back into Allie. Allie was playing with the puppy and enjoying it most of the time. Every once in a while, she would show some frustration with Mattie. I figured that was one of Allie’s off days. Of course, Allie still claimed me as hers. After all, she was my Allie.

I appreciate all the concerns and support from the Sheltie Rescue. Shelties have a way into our hearts. Unless you’ve ever owned one, it is hard to explain the love for this breed.

I will once again see Allie at Rainbow Bridge. Goodbye Allie. I love you. -- Carl

Miss Millie didn't get to spend nearly long enough time as a member of our family missing her one year anniversary by about two weeks. We can't really believe it was that short a time as she was such an integral part of the family Millie was a beautiful 9 year old blue merle girl when she came to us. She had the bluest, brightest eyes that showed her love, devotion, and interest in everything, and a pretty tail that waved with kindness. She loved to play ball and her favorite place to be was with her people and preferably on our laps. We were fortunate to be with her until the end and that she didn't have a prolonged illness. No, Miss Mille didn't get to be with us as long as we would have liked, but every day a great joy and a great memory until we see her again.

TJ was our first foster dog for SRCI. He was an angel that flew in the Edwards' household. The first day that Kim saw TJ he had her wrapped around his paw. It was love at first sight. On February 14, 2002 TJ officially received the Edwards' last name - mommy's Valentine's Day present. He loved to follow mommy around everywhere she went. You always knew when it was time for bed, as TJ would just sit there and stare at you as if to say "Come on, it's past our bedtime". TJ was a silly little boy when it came to snow. He loved to go out and just roll in the snow, no matter how deep or how cold. When it was time too come in TJ would just stare at you and when you tried to go out and get him he would run off, playing his little game. So in the end, he would just stay out there until HE was ready to come into the nice warm house. Had we been told we only had 15 months with TJ in our life, we wouldn't have changed a thing. Knowing and loving TJ for the short time we had together was worth every minute. TJ, we will miss your sweet little face and loving kisses that you enjoyed to give so much. You will live on in our hearts forever. We love you. Take care of Sadie.

From the very moment that Sadie walked into our house as our foster dog, we knew she was home to say. Why you ask? She was the first female foster that went right up to Jason and loved all over him, without shying away first. Sadie became a permanent member of the Edwards' household on November 6, 2002. "Sad Eye" as we lovingly nickname her, loved to go on car rides and go outside. She also loved to play games with daddy - sometimes I think daddy had more fun with the games they played than Sadie did. Sadie was daddy's sunshine. We are blessed to have known Sadie and being able to make her happy for the short time she was in our lives. Sadly, at the young age of 8 years old, Sadie crossed over Rainbow Bridge to be with her brother T.J. Sadie, we will miss hearing your barking to greet us at the door and seeing the sparkle in your eyes. You will always be in our hearts and remembered in our home. Thank you or sharing some special time and giving us some wonderful memories. We love you. Take care of TJ.

Macy who was adopted by Ward & Bette Hutchkin

My first contact with any rescue group was when I answered an urgent message that came across a sheltie board. Help was needed to get 2 shelties from a shelter in NW Ohio. I answered and found myself headed west on the turnpike early the next day. I finally found the shelter, way out in the country. The warden was so kind to open the shelter for me on a Sunday morning. Little waifs were wandering around inside and while the dog warden was preparing the paper work I sat on the floor to talk to them. She was telling me that neither of the dogs would take a treat from me or get near me... just as JJ had nuzzled my hand and asked for another tidbit. Honey was near, keeping an eye on her youngster, and finally taking her treat from my hand also. I felt kind of proud to have been given their trust in the first few minutes that I me them. We loaded them up in the car, JJ anxious and whining a little, standing guard over his mother for the first couple of miles., I kept talking and singing to them, I didn't realize that they were dear. I had been told I guess, but they both seemed so responsive to me that I kept forgetting. By the time I reached Dayton they were settled in and dozing. Being early, I hopped into the back seat to talk some more with my passengers... big mistake. Anyone that knew JJ had to be aware of his great spirit. His quiet, noble bearing, how he cared for his momma dog, Honey. And Honey looked after her little boy. The first thing they did upon awaking was to nuzzle each other, little sheltie kisses and ear licks. Looking into their trusting eyes, hugging them as they crawled into my lap, I could not resist, I fell in love. The Precious Secret girls shoed up and I had helped load them into their car. All the way home I couldn't help thinking of them. So... several months later, a new fence up and all inspected, I headed to Indiana to pick them up again! I had almost 2 years with these little ones, more then I had expected, considering the health problems and age issues. Honey was around 14 years old, we had been fighting kidney failure and heart problems, she was becoming weak and disorientated. Our last few days she laid on a pillow I put in the living room for her. I would let her out to do her business, but would have to carry her back in. JJ kept watch and rarely left his momma's side. I called the vet and she took me right in. I held my momma dog, my Honey dog as she drifted to sleep, promising her to take care of her boy. Being mid winter, I could not bring her home, I came home alone. JJ looked around for a long time, thin just laid on Honey's pillow for the rest of the day. It broke my hear, but I couldn't take the pillow from him, that became his place. JJ followed his mother less then 3 months later. We battled chronic heart failure and started having seizers and getting so weak. So many tears, but so many good memories. I buried my JJ in the woods beside a creek. I would like to thank all the people that made it possible for me to have these amazing creatures, if only for a short time. they taught me so much, I hope I can reflect their quiet dignity, the way they cared for each other and the love they shared wit me. To have earned their love and trust is one of my greatest accomplishments. I shall always treasure my memories with them and with my current rescue dog, Robyn and I'm sure any more to come.

Colby passed over the Rainbow Bridge on

July 8, 2003.

Although he had many medical problems that prevented him from finding his forever home, his life touched many people both inside and outside Rescue. His two foster Moms loved him dearly for his sweet sole. He will undoubtedly have all the carrots he can eat on the other side of the rainbow.

Laddie Joe passed over the Rainbow Bridge on

July 22, 2003.

Laddie Joe was more than loved and adored by all in rescue, but he was also loved by his new family. Laddie Joe was in rescue after his previous owner had been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Much too all of our surprise Laddie Joe too was diagnosed with Lymphoma Cancer. On June 23, 2003 our very own Dr. Cindy Baker preformed surgery to remove a large tumor under his front leg and a small one under his eye.

Unfortunately Laddie Joe's cancer was not curable and therefore he has passed over the Rainbow Bridge. All of our prayers and hearts go out to the many people who were able to help and love Laddie and to Dr. Baker for all of her efforts.

Cookie passed over the Rainbow Bridge on

October 9, 2003

Cookie was thought to be a 10 year old, sable and white, female, who stood 15" at the shoulder and weighed 21 lbs. Cookie was a stray, so little was known about her, including her age, which our volunteer veterinarian, Dr. Cindy Baker, has informed us that she was about 15 years of age . She was a sweetheart and like many older dogs slept a lot. She got along well with cats and dogs, even when the other dogs tried to bowl her over. Cookie was displaying signs of kidney damage. As time passed Cookie worsened quickly. Her foster mom and dad kept her comfortable and loved her with all their hearts. We also want to thank them for taking the time out of their busy lives to love and care for Cookie during her time of need. Our thoughts are with them during this hard time.

Buddy Passed over the Rainbow Bridge on

October 19, 2003

Buddy came into foster care at the age of 8 years old. He was a light sable and white, neutered male that stood 17” tall and weighed 25 lbs. Buddy didn't make friends very easily, his best friend while in rescue was his foster mom, Dr. Baker. She and Buddy worked hard together too figure out what his needs were and how they could be met. Dr. Baker came to the conclusion that Buddy had several health problems along with behavioral problems. His aggressions were escalating to the point where he could not be trusted to be around anyone or any other animal. He had bitten his rescuers on several occasions. The biting was becoming more frequent. Buddy was loved during his time in rescue. Love was not enough to save Buddy and after several months of trying to help him work through his problems, we released him from his body to run free waiting for his loved ones at the rainbow bridge.

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