We'll see you at the bridge, Moch Moch

This last week Kurt and I faced a new and painful parenting experience. Telling our kids, especially the boys that our beloved pet had passed. We found Mocha snuggled up in his favorite spot in the garage, it appears that he had passed peacefully in his sleep.

10 years ago we were finishing last minute projects and moving into our newly renovated farm house, excited about our new home and our growing family. I remember sitting on the floor, taking a break from painting and sprucing by reading some trader publication. I came across a listing for Chocolate Lab puppies and knew that I had to have one. Kurt and I had discussed getting a new puppy now that we were settling in to our new home so without hesitation, made the trek to IL to take our pick of the litter. I won't lie and say that they weren't all adorable, I would have scooped everyone of those fat, roly poly babies up and brought them all home but Kurt, being the voice of reason refused to indulge my temporary insanity. There was one sweet baby boy that started following me around, chewing my shoe lace and begging me with his soft, brown eyes for me to cuddle him. That did it, Kurt paid the man, got the paper work and we had a new family member....Mocha....or as Grandma likes to call him...Mocha Chocha. :)

I'll miss the muzzle nudges to get us to rub your ears, "shake paw", the willingness to put up with four loving kids, the tolerance you showed Sophie (our Boxer) when she refused to take no for an answer when she wanted to play. I'll miss seeing you come running when you hear the tail gate go down on the truck, ready to go wherever we were willing to take you.

Thank you for being so loving, so tolerant, so loyal and so willing to be the dog in the "boy and his dog" combination. Believe me, there are two boys whose hearts broke the day you left us. Two boys who will never forget days of fetch, swimming at the lake and just lazing in the back yard.

I'll even say thank you for the gifts you so lovingly and proudly brought to our doorstep. I have to laugh at how proud you were with each mole, ground hog or oppossum that you dropped at our feet. Truly, YOU were the gift..... Sleep well sweet boy.


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...