AKC Registered Name: Maple Way Avalon Juliet Call Name: Meka  (Pronounced:  Meeka) AKC Reg. Number: SN664794/02 Breed: Cocker Spaniel (American) Variety: BLACK Color: Black Breeders: Jean and Betty Nelson Sire: Ch. Nostalgias Jer-Bear Sire's Variety: A.S.C.O.B. (Any Solid Color Other than Black) Sire's Color: Brown (Chocolate) Sire's AKC Reg. #: SM881112/04 Dam: Avalon's Virginia Dare Dam's Variety: BLACK Dam's Color: Black with Tan points Dam's AKC Reg. #: SN206117/01 Meka's CERF #: CS-2871/2001--28

Maple Way Avalon Juliet "Meka" At 11 months taking Reserve Winners Bitch. (Don't worry, we're beginning to get better at the "show cut".)

On Saturday, December 1, 2001, I let Meka out to potty.  We were out feeding and saying hi to everyone but little did we know that dear, sweet little Meka.....who was running around happy and greeting everyone as usual.....would soon not physically be with us.

There was one particular dog belonging to my Aunt who lives next door.  This dog was a Golden Retriever/Redbone Coonhound mix and apparently on that day, this dog made a horrible decision.

The Golden/hound mix jumped Meka and then their Golden joined, both pulling on either end!

My husband flew to her and kicked them off.

We rushed her to the hospital where she was treated for shock.

They had tore almost one whole side of skin from her body, punctured her with holes and nearly ripped one ear off.

She fought hard and after her surgery, seemed to be getting better.  We all visited her and prayed for her but in the end, even with the strongest of IV antibiotics, the infection spread throughout her body and on Wednesday, December 5, 2001, she passed.

She is sadly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.  She was a wonderful, happy girl.

Billy, Chrissy and Family
December, 2001


FROM FRIEND TO FRIEND

You're giving me a special gift,
So sorrowfully endowed,
And through these last few cherished days,
Your courage makes me proud.

But really, love is knowing
When your best friend is in pain,
And understanding earthly acts
Will only be in vain.

So looking deep into your eyes,
Beyond, into your soul,
I see in you the magic, that will
Once more make me whole.

The strength that you possess,
Is why I look to you today,
To do this thing that must be done,
For it's the only way.

That strength is why I've followed you,
And chose you as my friend,
And why I've loved you all these years...
My partner 'til the end.

Please, understand just what this gift,
You're giving, means to me,
It gives me back the strength I've lost,
And all my dignity.

You take a stand on my behalf,
For that is what friends do.
And know that what you do is right,
For I believe it too.

So one last time, I breathe your scent,
And through your hand I feel,
The courage that's within you,
To now grant me this appeal.

Cut the leash that holds me here,
Dear friend, and let me run,
Once more a strong and steady dog,
My pain and struggle done.

And don't despair my passing,
For I won't be far away,
Forever here, within your heart,
And memory I'll stay.

I'll be there watching over you,
Your ever faithful friend,
And in your memories I'll run,
...a young dog once again.

By Karen Clouston
In Memory of Asta, Feb. 1997



GOODBYE
-------

With heavy hearts; and a tear in our eyes
after all these years; we must say goodbye
Please understand; we've done all we could
if there was anything we could do; you know we would

I'm sitting right here; gently rub your ears
while I talk to you softly; trying to hold back the tears
The memories you gave us; we'll never forget
especially the ones; of the day we all met

One last hug; and one last kiss
you have no idea; how much you'll be missed
To look into your eyes; this one last time
you tell me it's ok; you know it's your time

Close your eyes now; and go to sleep
we'll pray to the Lord; you're soul he'll keep
Go in peace now; our good friend
we'll stay right here with you; until the end

Dream of that special day and time
when we'll meet at the Bridge; and all will be fine
We'll run and play; side by side
with a soft warm feeling; deep down inside

Your memory will live on; in each one of us
you'll always be number 1; to all of us
Have a safe journey; through the night
I promise when you awake; you'll be in God's light

So with heavy hearts; and tears in our eyes
just for now my friend; we say goodbye

John Quealy



I SAW THE BRIDGE

A true experience as posted by Sharry Daniels

We had to have Pismo put to sleep on Nov. 6, 1993. He was an 18 year old, 6 pound yorkie. Most of Pizzy's life I was sick and confined to the house. He stayed with me every min. of every day. On days when life didn't seem worth living his unconditional love for me kept me alive. I know he was a gift from God. Without that funny little mutt I wouldn't be here today.

By the time I got better Pizzy was old and sick. Now it was my turn to stay with him. I should have let him go before I did, but I couldn't. He was so much a part of me, that having him put to sleep was almost like committing suicide. BUT I DID IT!!! It was horrible. I can't even think about it. Pizzy was gone and I never had my heart hurt so bad. I didn't know where to go or what to do. Everything reminded me of him. For 2 days my husband and I sat in shopping centers and in the car in shopping center parking lots and cried and cried and cried. All I could think of is where do dogs go? Is there a place for animals or is my Pizzy in that cold ground in our yard? Whose taking care of him? Where is he? Where's my Pizzy?

On Nov. 8, two days after he had died, my husband and I were sitting in the car in the Hill's Shopping Center parking lot. It was four o'clock in the afternoon. The sky was bright blue without a cloud anywhere. It had not rained all day and again there was not even a cloud in the sky. We were facing west , looking toward the setting sun. I was sobbing and sobbing and screaming, "Please, God, please. Tell me where Pizzy is. Please, God, tell me! Where is my Pizzy! Where is he!!! All of a sudden my husband said, "Look Sharry, Look!!!! He was pointing to the sky and when I looked up I saw a perfect RAINBOW in that cloudless blue sky right next to the setting sun. At the time I didn't know about the rainbow bridge, but at that moment I did know that God in His kindness was telling me that my Pizzy was somewhere over the rainbow and that he was okay.

About 5 months later my friend called me. She was all excited and told me to read the article in Dear Abby. I read it and just couldn't believe it. I read about the meadow and the RAINBOW and my sick dog wasn't sick anymore and he had water and food and he was playing and best of all I WOULD SEE HIM AGAIN. I am a skeptic and if I had just seen the article, I would have had doubts, but I SAW THE RAINBOW BRIDGE. I know it's real.

Up until last week I thought my husband and I were the only ones who believed the meadow and the bridge really exist and take comfort in its existence. Then I accidentally stumbled onto this bulletin board. I was and am still amazed, but so grateful that we share this hope with so many others. I never write on BB, and I wasn't going to this time either, because it's so hard for me to put my feelings into words. But I really feel that God would want me to share this with you guys in case there's someone out there who is a skeptic and needs a little extra bit of proof that God does have a special place for your pet to be cared for until you go to pick him up and cross the bridge together, never again to be separated.



RAINBOW BRIDGE

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. Her bright eyes are intent; Her eager body quivers. Suddenly she begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, her legs carrying her 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....into Heaven!

Author unknown....

Cheerful, merry, loves everyone.