Dorchester Humane Society

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...

November 18, 2009 from Kathy Smock-Mike was adopted from the foster care of Sharon and was Billy at the time. Unfortunately Mike had to be eunanthized last week. He had a spinal problem which resulted in total paralysis of both back legs. Our vet worked with him for a week, but the damage was too severe and Mike simply too big for treatment to work. Sadly, Mike was my partner in two pet visitation programs and now I am without a dog. After 15 years of volunteer work with a dog as my buddy, I find this very sad. Our grief at losing Mike is shared by all those lives he touched in the short time we had him.

I wanted you all to know that we had to euthanize Mickey D this evening. He had developed a cancerous mass on his nose. He went peacefully and Mike took his body home to give him a proper burial. I know many of you became attached to him while you worked in the office so I thought I would let you know.

I'm sorry to send you the sad news that our Samantha passed away tonight. Two weeks ago she was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of a disease called Myasthenia Gravis. We took her to three different veterinarians, including the emergency vets at the Univ. of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. We tried many different medications to help her, but the vets said she had the most severe case they had seen in a long time. She spent last night on a ventilator, but we decided to let her go today, since her condition had further declined. We had a wonderful year with Sami in our lives. We will always be grateful that you allowed her to be part of our family.

From Sharon Keutmann:
Toby was adopted from the Talbot County HS in 2005. He was 14 years old when we adopted him and he passed away this September 2008 from old age. He was a regal miniature poodle who was in love with me, Sharon. He brought us so much joy in the short while we had him.

AJ was adopted from the Dorchester HS in 2007. Like Toby, he was 14 years old and an owner give up! We took him home to foster, but he fell head over heels in love with my husband, Mark. We just had to adopt him and add to our miniature poodle pack. AJ passed away two weeks after Toby in September 2008.

It was very hard for both Mark and I to not have Toby and AJ constantly with us, either at our feet, in our lap or sleeping in the bed with us. They were a blessing and we were glad to give them a very loving home in their Senior years!