It's time

Ellie's appointment is tonight at 6:oo. Margot refuses to go to homes to do this kind of thing. She hasn't for 15 years because they've all been disasters. She won't even do it for her own mother or sister. She needs a vet tech or 2 to help get the IV catheter in and older dogs tend to have hard-to-hit blood vessels. The few times she did it turned into very traumatic events with 10-20 attempts to stick the vein. It should be a peaceful time for all involved.

So it was a choice between calling a vet van and having a stranger do it at home or having someone who loves Ellie do it away from home. Margot said we can do it in their pretty little garden or down by the stream outside the vet office, so Ellie doesn't get all freaked out going in the office.

Stef will go back to MIL's right after her dentist appointment. Steve and I will go home and get Ellie. I will sit in the back of the Vue and hold her so she doesn't hurt herself. Then we'll pick Stef up after it's done. I'll read this to her tonight:

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...

It's probably crazy, I know, but the thought that stuck with me as I lay on the floor with her last night, was that I'm trading a life for a life. I always knew Ellie would gladly give her life for our family. I just never imagined it would be like this...her crossing the bridge so that a baby boy can come to us. What a good dog she is!