The Rainbow Bridge

Reggie was a happy-go-lucky golden doodle that brought smiles to everyone and everywhere he went. He was always a calming presence, and well known by the entire community. He had been a fantastic older dog-brother to “Henry", and they loved to go running on a trail with their family, not far from home.

The story about Henry joining Reggie’s family is a story in and of itself: Reggie’s family had a friend, a young girl, who had especially loved Reggie and his happy aura. She loved him so much so, that when she was tragically diagnosed with cancer, she asked Reggie's family if she could adopt a doodle just like him, and if they could care for him after she’s gone. They agreed and she went on to adopt Henry. Some time later this sweet girl sadly passed, and Henry moved in and Reggie became the best older brother to Henry. They played so well together and Reggie showed him all the ropes of being a good dog!

Months later, Reggie became ill and after a workup with his veterinarian, they discovered that he had cancer. Reggie was becoming progressively weak and painful, and the family knew it was time to help him. They gave us a call and I came out to their house to help Reggie cross The Rainbow Bridge...However, we did not stay at their house. His family had decided that it would be best if we went to Reggie’s favorite place, the trail that he had run on with his mom, dad, and Henry numerous times. We packed his favorite toys and blankets, and his family and I drove just a few minutes to the running trail.

This trail was a beautiful place - pink crushed gravel crunched underfoot, surrounded by green grasses and trees, and just a ways up the trail there was a wooden bridge with a stream underneath. This was the place. We laid out his blanket and toys as he sniffed around, gave him his favorite snack (chicken nuggets), and as Reggie became sleepy, one of his family read him a poem as the stream trickled in the background.

Reggie got to go to heaven in his favorite place, with his favorite people, and his favorite things. In the end, they commented on how the special girl with cancer that forever touched them, now lucked out as Reggie was with her. They were glad to know he already had a friend in heaven waiting for him.

Being a mobile vet and providing in-home care has allowed me to experience some very special moments. There are so many benefits of home euthanasia:

1. Pets are naturally most comfortable at home and their favorite places- with familiar sights, sounds, smells…There is nothing like home!

2. Bonded pets are able to be there for the pet that is crossing over. Time and time again we see firsthand how important it is for bonded pets to be there to say goodbye and get some closure when a family pet passes. Pets grieve and feel just like we do.

3. Being at home allows you to create meaningful surroundings for your pet and family, such as how Reggie’s family said goodbye on his favorite running path, with family by his side.

4. You and your family will be most comfortable at home too! Being at home, also allows you and your family have more privacy and time to say goodbye in the most meaningful way

5. In home euthanasia is painless. You won’t have to move or stress your aged, painful pet. We will come to you, give your beloved pet pain & sedative medications first, to ensure a comfortable, pain free passage.

I was inspired by this family and the thought they put into Reggie’s send-off. They thought of so many details of his favorite things and brought them all together for his Day. Reggie was undoubtedly a loved dog and I’m humbled to have been a part of his story.