Jackson

Marilyn Johnson plants an Ivory Silk Lilac tree in memory of Jackson, her beloved 4 year old male Collie that passed away in July, 2001 of lymphoma.

Far away, just this side of Heaven, there is a beautiful valley of lush green grass and fragrant flowers.  The birds sing sweetly in the warm sunshine and the soft breezes gently rustle the leaves of the stately shade trees; and from this place, called Rainbow Valley, there is a rainbow bridge leading to Heaven.

When your beloved pet dies, he is taken to Rainbow Valley to join the others who have gone before him.  If he is old and infirm, he is made young and strong again; if he is injured and hurts, he is made whole again and if his coat is matted and bedraggled, it is made clean and glossy again.  There is good food and sweet, fresh water for all, and there are treats and toys and games to play.  The pets are happy and content as they frolic together, but they each miss that special person they had to leave behind.

Then, as time goes by, occasionally one of the pets will leave the rest listening intently and gazing off into the distance.  Suddenly he begins to bark or meow rapturously, his body trembling with excitement.  He has seen you, coming to join him at last.  He runs to you and as you once again stroke and caress his beloved head and body, he rains wet kisses upon your face to mingle with your tears of joy.  As you look into his trusting, loving eyes you know that although parted for so long, you have always been in each other's hearts.

Together you stroll through Rainbow Valley and cross the rainbow bridge, secure in the knowledge that you will never be parted again, as you enter into Paradise.

Author Unknown

The Gift

I will lend to you for awhile a puppy, God said,

For you to love her while she lives

and to mourn for her when she is gone.

Maybe for nine or eleven years, or maybe for two or three

But will you, till I call her back take care of her for me?

She'll bring her charms to gladden you and (should her stay be brief)

you'll always have her memories as solace for your grief.

I cannot promise that she will stay, since all from earth return,

But there are lessons taught below I want this pup to learn.

I've looked the whole world over in search of teachers true

And from the folk that crowd life's land I have chosen you.

Now will you give her all your love

Nor think the labor vain

Nor hate me when I come to take my pup back again.

I fancied that I heard them say

For all the joys this pup will bring, the risk of grief you'll run.

Will you shelter her with tenderness

Will you love her while you may

And for the happiness you'll know forever grateful stay.

But should I call her back much sooner than you've planned

Please brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand.

If, by your love, you've managed my wishes to achieve,

In memory of her that you've loved, cherish every moment with your

faithful

bundle, and know she loved you too.

Author Unknown