Lark when she arrived (April, 2004)

 

Lark, at DAWG Day Afternoon on August 8, 2004 

 

 
Think of a bird in flight, coasting, frolicking, and chirping with delight. We had hoped our little Lark would have an equally carefree and boundless life. But Lark would settle for walking from one end of the room to another. 

Lark was found stumbling on a lonely stretch of road. A kindly man took her to the local shelter where shelter staff noticed she had trouble walking. They quickly attached themselves to this little waif of a dog and called DAWG for help.

We didn't hesitate to take her in, because we wanted to give her a life - a great one. But something was terribly wrong. Little Lark had a high fever, and blood work and other tests gave our veterinarian grave concern.  A staff member offered to take her to a 24 hour specialty emergency center for 'round the clock care and sophisticated testing.  The diagnosis: Lark's joints are disintegrating.

Putting our sorrow for Lark aside, we are seeking ways to give her comfort and quality of life until she is no longer able to be happy and pain-free. The compassionate vet staffer who took Lark to the emergency hospital is fostering her, and takes her to work each day.  Lark rests comfortably on soft blankets, observing the activities and showing shy inquisitiveness about everything going on around her. She hesitates to look up, as if she never had been given so much love and attention.  We're hoping to give her as much as she can take for her short time left on earth.
 
June 3, 2005:

Lark went to Rainbow Bridge this morning.  Good-bye, little one. We wish we had you longer, but you had the best while you were with us. Till we meet again...  

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