We rescued Violet on March 29, 2005, not knowing that her "visit" on this earth would be a short one. Her early months were not good ones, as she was either hit by a car or severely kicked, then was found stray by Animal Control. When we saw her, she was already slated for euthanasia. There was something so wistful and sweet about her that we knew she would be ours. We were warned that she had "something" wrong with her rear leg. Indeed there was: a nonunion fracture that would require extensive surgery and pins to realign her leg.
 
After a few weeks of enjoying the early spring weather, Violet's surgery day arrived. Who would have thought it was her last. Violet's leg surgery was successful, but her heart stopped while she was still on the operating table. The surgeon tried everything to revive her. We later learned that she had "thrown a clot" because of how quickly she died. Sadly, her adopter had just been approved and now had to be told their new puppy was in heaven. Violet died on April 25, 2005.
 
Violet was so popular at adoption shows that people would ask to hold her. She would drape herself over you in bliss. Yet she was a normal, lively pup who did goofy things and would smile with glee.
 
We wanted to say good-bye to little Violet by memorializing her on our website, which she graced so recently as an adoptable dog. It's a difficult thing to accept that a lovely and loving creature, who had been through so much, is not going to live the life we were preparing for her.
 
Violet was a special girl whom we miss very much. We have sent her to her final home with our love, and we hope that she'll be waiting for us on Rainbow Bridge.
 
Until then, sweet Violet.
 

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