I was on phone duty for a local animal non-profit organization on July 16, 1991, when I received a phone call that a little Pomeranian mix dog was at the pound. The cage trap door had fallen and crushed his leg. They had left him there to suffer the pain and had done nothing for him. Because he hadn't been there the required 3 days, I made up a story that the dog belonged to my aunt and uncle who had been visiting, they had lost him on the beach, and had sent me to get him. The person at the pound actually asked me if the dog's leg had "always been like that." They gave him to me, free of charge, because he had been injured. About 20 minutes into our car ride to the vet, I looked at him, and he at me, and we fell in love. From that day forward, he was my special little man, Ransom, the bravest dog I ever knew.
The vet said he was about 8 or 9 months old. He had to amputate Ransom's left front leg to save his life, hence his name .. he ransomed a part of himself for his life. I used to tease people when they'd notice he was missing a leg that he'd lost it in a card game.
Whenever I'd hold him in my arms, no one could approach me and not get growled or nipped at. He protected his Momma no matter what.
There was never a dog, no matter how big, that would not go away and leave him alone if they were in the mood to bother or pick on him. Ransom would answer with a grrrrr, which would send the other dog away.
Sometime over the past couple of years, age caught up with him, and he went blind. I never moved the furniture around, so he always knew where everything was, and his sense of hearing and smell told him who was there and where they were.
His last couple of months on this earth, he endured miseries as his legs finally stopped supporting him, the bone joint where his leg had been amputated became exposed, and an old tumor that had been there forever let itself be known. Because of his age, the vet felt he was a poor surgical candidate.
When I knew it was time to let him go, I didn't want to. I love him so much. But I also knew that a wonderfully strong, beautiful baby like him did not deserve that lifestyle. I told the vet he was the strong one, Momma just needed to be strong for him.
So, today I picked him up and took him around to each of my dogs to say goodbye. Scotty licked him in the face, and his Momma smothered him with kisses and words of love and admiration.
As the room filled with my other Bridge babies gone before, and I whispered words of love, he slipped away quickly and quietly, with his head on my arm and at the gentle and merciful hands of the vet.
His little place in the world in front of the fireplace with his water and food bowl won't be moved for a while. His scent lingers in the air, and I want to hold onto him as long as I can.
Ransom, my boy, thank you so much for sharing these wonderful years together. I'm glad you got to see the snow and were able to venture all over the place before your body gave out on you. I know your heart is still strong. I know your spirit will never die. God now has you on His lap, stroking your perfect little head, and China, Rollo, Joey, Big Guy, Peaches, George, and Tracer, along with the other wonderful furbabies at the Bridge were there to greet you. Your sight is back, and you now have 4 legs! That gives me some comfort, but honey, you are missed and loved. Someday, we'll all be together again. Watch over your other "brothers and sisters" here with me. I send you kisses and loads of loads of hugs.Letting Go **Found on headstone, Roselawn Cemetery, Alice, TX The angels gathered near your bed
So very close to you
For they knew the pain and suffering
That you were going through I thought about so many things
As I held tightly to your hand
Oh, how I wished that
You were strong and happy once again. But your eyes were looking homeward
To that place beyond the sky
Where Jesus held his outstretched arms,
It was time to say goodbye. I struggled with my selfish thoughts
For I wanted you to stay
So we could walk and talk again
Like we did yesterday But Jesus knew the answer
And I knew he loved you so
So I gave to you life's greatest gift,
The gift of letting go Now my heart will carry memories
Of the love you gave to me
Until we meet again in heaven
Where the best is yet to be
12/27/07-Hello, sweet precious boy. Well today's going to be your first full day at the Bridge, and I know you've been visited by many loving fur angels there. I know your brothers and sisters met you when you left this earth. I can see you running and playing. Oh, and honey, look, the Christmas tree is still up, and it's so tall, you can't see the top of it! Grab yourself some of that skirting, pile it up, and take a nap, like you did when you were here. The difference is this beautiful, shiny tree you can't knock over! It is built with the strongest of love fibers, sewn together with the loving spirits of the human and pet angels that are there. I'm sure there's a gift of love under the tree. It's in the shape of a heart with a small crack in it. It's from me, my undying love and devotion, and the crack symbolizes the break that is there. Don't worry though, the crack will mend, as you fill it up with love again from the bridge. That is the best healing medicine, my guy. Love & kisses, Momma.
12/29/07-Hello & good night, my precious little tyke. Momma still looks for you everyday. The doggies get treats, and I look to share one with you too, then I remember. He's at the bridge, filling up with the best treats out of this world. XXXOOOO .. Momma
12/31/2007-Hello, my little man, and a Happy New Year to you! I would imagine that the beautiful stars in the sky are your fireworks tonight. I'm sending you a big ol' hug, and want you to share it with China, Rollo, Big Guy, George, Joey, Tracer, and Peaches. I miss all you more than words can tell, my sweet lovely angel boy.
01/19/08-Hello, my precious baby boy. I was so happy to pick up your ashes on Wednesday. You were in this very tiny box which was inside a pretty velvet bag. And on the bag is a small angel pen, and the words, "Til we meet again at Rainbow Bridge." I was so touched I cried. You rode with me the rest of the day, and I wished you were there to share my taco. You are missed so very much, little man. I'm just glad that small part of you is back home with me again. I love you, precious one. Enjoy Caleb's birthday party tomorrow!
05/04/08-Hello, my little guy. Momma's been away, working and working 7 days a week for about 3 months now. I was giving out heartworm preventative today, and almost gave it to you, before i realized you weren't physically there. My little one, I'll never forget you and China following me from the vet's office. You were just such a beautiful sight all young, 4-legged, and with glorious thick, red hair. It told me in your heart you were always a Pom. Sweetness, forgive me for being away so long. You are with me all the time in my heart. I love you.
05/26/08-Hello, my precious little boy. All my babies at the bridge were heavy on my heart last night, and i wept because i miss you all so very much. Your brothers and sisters are doing well, and i know in their hearts they miss you also. Scotty likes to sleep in your spot and keep it warm for you. I hope you're visiting him and telling him about all the wonderful things you're doing. God bless you my baby. I love you.
08/27/08-Ransom, sweetie, thank you so much for coming to me in my dreams last week. Your warm hair and loving kisses were so enjoyed! I love you sweetie. Enjoy yourself today with China, as she celebrates 2 years of waiting for me. Your extended family all miss you, honey, and we all love and miss you very much.
12/26/08-Hello, my precious boy. It's been a year since i've had to let you go to the bridge I see you everyday, look for you, miss you, love you. My darling baby boy. You were always such a sweet baby. God bless you, my darling. I hope you're having a great time playing with 4 legs now. I know China is watching over you very closely. I love you sweetie. Happy anniversary and Merry Christmas!
04/01/09-Hello, my baby boy. Momma came by to say I love & miss you. Rusty and Dougie have now joined my babes at the Bridge. I imagine you were happy to see them. So much of our family is there now, aren't they? Share my love with kisses. Miss you!.
08/15/09-Hello, my darling little boy. Mommie misses you very, very much. I send you love on every moonbeam and ray of sunshine that kisses your face.
08/26/09-There's that precious little man! I love you sweetie. Go give kisses to China. It's her third year anniversary at the bridge, and I know you're lapping up all the kisses & attention you're getting from your "little sisters & brothers" there. Keep shining, my beloved baby boy. Kisses & head rubs, honey.
12/26/09-My dearest Ransom, I cannot believe it has been 2 years since you departed to the bridge to wait for your momma with your brothers & sisters. It seems like only yesterday that I held you in my arms, as you continued your spiritual adventure, my little angel boy. You are missed as much today as your were on the first. I love you, my sweetheart. Stay warm & loving, just as you always were. Give my love to Big Guy, George, Joey, Peaches, Tracer, Rollo, China, Rusty and Dougie as you celebrate this anniversary with the Lord.
08/14/10-Hello, my sweet little angel. I miss you so much. I was so blessed to see you and China on the day you left your small frail body behind to join her and the others at the Bridge. As you know now, your buddies White Dog and Scotty have joined you. Almost none of the "original" family is still here, save for Tia and Puppy. They send you love and kisses. With you looking at me each day from my monitor, i always smile at you and pet you with my mouse. I love you honey. Take good care of each other.
12/26/10-Hello my little angel boy. It cannot be 3 years since you moved to the Bridge. It was just yesterday, wasn't it? I hope you and my other children had a bright & Happy Christmas. This year beloved White Dog, Scotty & Tia have joined you at the bridge. It was not a happy year for mama, and I suspect that one of these days Puppy will join you all as well. Sometimes when i close my eyes, I see me there with you all, coming up over that rise. You all see me & bury me with love and kisses, and I hold you all so close and never have to let you go again. I know you're not crazy about snow, but it is winter somewhere, so i've brought you some along with Christmas decorations. I love you little, brave man. Hugs & kisses, Momma.
03/15/11-Hello, my precious little boy. I hope you're enjoying your visits with Uncles J.C. & Alva Lee & cousins Ken, Barry & Alvie. I miss you little guy. I love you dearly. Say a prayer for me & send me your little nose licks. Mommie.
04/19/11-Puppy joined you today. Watch over her, love on her & when ya'll are ready, please send me a sign that everything is ok. I love you, my precious little man, with every beat of my heart.
12/26/11-Darling little boy, I miss you very much. As you know, Girl has now met you at the bridge. I know that all you guys and beautiful little girls are waiting for mommy there. Be patient my loves. You are all always with me, and I miss you very, very much. I love you.
08/27/2012-Hello, my darling little boy. Mommy misses you very, very much. I'm sure you're well attended to at the bridge by the rest of the "gang." Today's the 6th year at the bridge for China, and I know as time goes on, you must celebrate knowing at sometime we'll meet again. What a glorious day that will be, my darlings. Never to be separated from ya'll again. To you, my sweetheart, peace forever & much love.
12/26/2012-Hello, my precious boy. I cannnot believe that you've been gone for 5 years, since my heart feels like it was yesterday that i held you in my arms and said my goodbyes and i love you's. God speed, my brave boy. Thank you for all the butterflies. I miss and love you very much - forever.
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