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Angel
February 19, 1998 – April 16, 2010
February 19, 1998 – April 16, 2010
Each day a car would slowly drive by,
A face peering out with tears in its’ eyes.
I had worn a path in the dirt on the ground,
From circling on my tether around and around.
I was flea ridden , matted and covered in sores you see,
So I thought no one would ever take a second look at me.
I would lay in the dirt and pray and pray,
That whoever was in that car would stop one day.
Wait a minute there is the sound of that motor,
I must be imagining this for it sounds so much closer!
Oh My, there is someone knocking on the front door,
Am I hearing correctly that my owner says he doesn’t want me anymore?
Thank you God, there is that face peering down in my eyes,
Softly she says, there will be no more drive bys.
I was swooped up in her arms , cuddled close and hugged.
She didn’t seem to care that I was covered in bugs.
My Rescue Angel said that we had both gained our freedom and I had saved her,
For she had gone through an emotional and terrible year.
Be assured Mom that my ears are attuned to that car,
I will recognize you coming to join me from afar.
By Jan Collins© 4-20-10
My sweet Angel. Thank you for your kisses, your gentle ways and the love that you gave to all you came in contact with.
Most of all thank you for accepting me for who I am and never looking back at mistakes that were made.
I miss you terribly and can’t wait to hold you in my arms once again.
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Ginger
November 3, 1996 – March 30, 2010
November 3, 1996 – March 30, 2010
Just before my twelth birthday my owners said to me,
We think it is time to finally set you free.
At first I was so afraid to leave what I knew so well,
But knew I could not produce anymore puppies to sell.
My owners made a telephone call and this lady arrived,
She swept me into her arms as I quickly said my goodbyes.
Though I could see very little and upon arrival was diagnosed with cancer,
My new Mom and Dad said that none of this mattered.
I was pampered, cuddled and adored for nearly two years,
Before the cancer spread and my Mom and Dad shed so many tears.
The last two years of my life were packed full of love with no strife,
Thank you Mom and Dad for the most wonderful two years of my life.
By Jan Collins© 3-30-10
Ginger, thank you for sharing your life with us. You will never be forgotten…we love you sweetie...until we meet again.
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Fantasia
February 22, 1995 – November 18, 2009
February 22, 1995 – November 18, 2009
I was 10 years old when I had my last litter,
And by then I will have to say I was very bitter.
Day after day I thought there has got to be someone that will be kind,
As I lay in my cold, damp area where I was confined.
There was a small window that I could see through the bars,
So at night I would gaze up longingly and say to the stars,
I pray I may, I pray I might,
Hear an answer to my prayer tonight.
The stars were so beautiful and I knew God had made them,
If anyone would hear my prayers it would be Him.
As the years passed and through all my tears,
I held steadfast knowing God was always near.
Suddenly one evening this warm feeling rushed over me,
As I repeated my prayer to the stars to be free.
God softly spoke to me and said your Angel is on her way,
She'll be here tomorrow; I didn't know what to say.
All of my horrible memories quickly fled,
As I lay close to my Angel in her soft bed.
We would both gaze up at the stars together and pray,
Looking deep within each others eyes we would say,
We pray we may, we pray we might,
Hold each other closely throughout the night.
My Angel, thank you for your kindness, devotion and four wonderful years of love,
Please continue to say our nightly prayer to the stars up above.
Watch closely for the falling stars that I have touched gently,
For these represent tears of joy for the love you have given me.
By Jan Collins© 11-18-09
Fantasia, we thank God for being able to have you in our life. We will hold you close in our memories forever. We miss your sweet gentle kisses.
Everytime we see stars shining from above we will know that you are part of their brightness.
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Rockie
November 17, 2001 – June 18, 2009
November 17, 2001 – June 18, 2009
I was left in a shelter to die at the age of two,
Because I had behavioral and biting issues.
A rescue committed to me and I thought I was safe,
But at the last minute they prioritized others and sealed my fate.
Little did they know that was a blessing in disguise,
For my Auntie Jen was not about to see this be my demise.
She contacted my Mom and Dad through a friend,
She asked that they come and get me for she did not want my life to end.
My Dad was there in a matter of hours and told me all would be better,
And that began our journey through life together.
Auntie Jen and Unkie Harvey joined PATR’S cause along with me,
And from that moment steadfast friends we knew they would be.
I was difficult to say the least more often than not,
But Mom and Dad accepted me for who I was and loved me a lot.
I would bite when things did not go my way,
But Mom would just say there will be better days.
No matter my faults I was showered with love and affection,
And returned that love with out a moment of hesitation.
I was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor in early May,
Mom and Dad continued to cry for days and days.
I ask them now to please dry their tears,
For I was surrounded by love for a wonderful six years.
Auntie Jen thank you for making that call,
And know that I will give Unkie Harvey a kiss from you all.
By Jan Collins© 6-18-09
There will never be another like you Rockie dear. We will miss your crooked smile, your crazy antics and your very special kisses.
Rest in peace sweet baby until we meet again.
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Aigner
August 2, 1997 – March 29, 2009
August 2, 1997 – March 29, 2009
I was a wee little thing and suddenly was removed from my mother,
Loaded in a truck and crammed in a crate with so many others.
We all cried out hysterically in fear and pain,
No one acknowledged our cries, they were all in vain.
The truck finally stopped and we sang out in rendition,
Hoping we would be back with our mothers not realizing the living conditions.
We were put on display in this place called a pet store,
Where all they wanted was to make money and nothing more.
Some of us got sick, could not survive the change and died,
The pet store owner threw us in the dumpster, but when asked what happened to us he just lied.
All that visited the pet store thought I was not a beautiful puppy,
And everyone would walk right by and not even want me.
Then my Mom wandered in and with a look of surprise,
Said I have never seen more beautiful eyes!
She opened her billfold and paid the exorbitant price,
And the pet store owner accepted the money with greed but was oh so nice.
Mom had no idea at that time there were people called puppy millers,
Who were abusing dog after dog for financial gain and were killers.
As time marched on and Mom and I would pass a pet store,
She would close her eyes, continue on by and I knew it hurt her to the core.
I would nudge Mom with my soft nose and plead,
Please go in for there are more just like me!
She would caress me and look me straight in my eyes,
And say this has got to stop before any more die.
One way to stop this is to not visit the store,
Then sales will drop and the pet store owners will not purchase any more.
She said this is a heart wrenching choice to make,
For I could go in, pay the price and all I would take.
I know how difficult it was for Mom to turn her back on those within,
But she knew the breeding would just start over once again.
Please know that at the Rainbow Bridge should a miller head in my direction,
I know all of the animals there will help dispose of the miller with discretion.
Mom I know that this is a very difficult goodbye for you,
But remember your words to all that ring so true.
Someday, sometime we will be reunited once again,
So know that I am waiting to cuddle close to you as soon as I can.
By Jan Collins© 3-29-09
Our sweet Aigner…we cannot wait to look deep into your beautiful eyes once again.
You have no idea how much we miss you.
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Dazzle
July 5, 1995 – March 11, 2009
July 5, 1995 – March 11, 2009
So sad that the world has come to this,
There is definitely something horribly amiss.
My owner abused and used me for personal gain,
And then he dumped me like a sack of grain.
I was left at a shelter and felt so forlorn,
I began to wonder why I had even been born.
Calls were made for help for my daughter and I,
But I really thought we were both going to die.
And then my Foster Dad came along,
He told me I had done nothing wrong.
He stroked me and held me very close,
And planted kisses all over my little nose.
As the days passed and love surrounded me,
I realized that what had happened was meant to be.
For the last years of my life were spent,
Being loved beyond measure and I was so content.
I will miss everyone, but my Dad especially,
Who was always there for me and loved me unconditionally.
By Jan Collins© 3-11-09
You will always hold a very special place in our hearts sweet Dazzle.
We will see you once again one day and know that your Dad is saving his nose kisses just for you.
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Viva
August 9, 2002 – February 16, 2009
August 9, 2002 – February 16, 2009
I retired from the breeding world in August of 2007,
Hoping to find a Mom and Dad that would make me feel like I was in heaven.
When I visited the doctor the news was not good,
For I had incurable cancer and Mom said she would fix it if she could.
I remained with Mom and Dad for over two glorious years,
Being cuddled, loved and constantly told that I was so dear.
My life was filled with so much joy day after day,
I kept praying to God that I could stay.
I was blessed to have lived for a few years,
For my life was filled with so much love and cheer.
I start my journey now to a better place,
And will patiently wait to once again see Mom’s smiling face.
By Jan Collins© 2-16-09
Viva we wish you would have been with us a lot longer, but the love that you gave us will remain in our hearts forever.
We will see your beautiful face once again and gather you in to hold you close.
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Quigley
December 14, 1994 – February 15, 2009
December 14, 1994 – February 15, 2009
Fifteen years of age was nearly here,
When I left all that were so dear.
I had five wonderful years in my foster home after retiring as a breeder,
But having my very own Forever Home would have been so much neater.
Sadly many people use age as a judge,
And will not change their minds nor budge.
They have no idea what a wonderful experience would come to be,
If they would open their hearts and homes to a senior such as me.
Hopefully my dream will come true some day,
And I will look down to see my senior friends in their own Forever Homes at play.
By Jan Collins© 2-15-09
Sweet Quigley, we feel blessed to have held you close to us for so many years. Sweet dreams darling and we hope your dream comes true.
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Clarissa
August 18, 1993 – November 14, 2008
August 18, 1993 – November 14, 2008
I was fourteen years old when I arrived,
I was ready to take on the world and still in my prime.
My eyes were always sparkling with glee,
For I enjoyed everything I could see.
I had no idea of my size and that I was such a petite little girl,
For if something didn’t please me I could put the household in a whirl.
There was not a day that went by that I didn’t enjoy being held in someone’s arms,
I knew the world was safe and I was protected from harm.
I waited patiently for my special home and this may sound bold,
But I suddenly realized that everyone thought I was too old.
Mom and Dad told me not to worry about a thing,
For they were happy to love me and keep me under their wings.
So I lived out my days being snuggled, loved and kissed,
Those that never held me close have no idea what they missed.
It is time for me to bid farewell to all of those who held me so dear,
My journey begins and I leave contented, free of all fear.
By Jan Collins© 11-14-08
Clarissa, our sweet, gentle little old lady.
Rest comfortably, enjoy meeting all of your friends…we shall meet again.
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Jazzlynn
December 26, 1996 – November 4, 2008
Mallory
August 31, 1998 to November 4, 2008
December 26, 1996 – November 4, 2008
Mallory
August 31, 1998 to November 4, 2008
Holding each one of us in your arms we hear your sad sigh,
We gaze up at you for one last time looking deep into your eyes.
Together, side by side, hand in hand,
We both leave for Rainbow Bridge land.
As we look back over our shoulders what do we see?
Your eyes overflowing with tears and so much grief.
Please do not shed tears for us Mom and Dad,
For we would never want either of you to feel so sad.
We are going to a much better place you know,
Filled with happiness, friends and not one unkind soul.
We both came to you for different reasons,
Each of us arriving during different seasons.
I was not loved enough no matter what I did right,
And Mallory was bred repeatedly and left alone every night.
You offered us a home, security and so much love.
We will lovingly look down at you from above.
Know that we will visit you in spirit as often as we can,
So that you can reach out and stroke us softly with your hand.
By Jan Collins© 11-4-08
Jazzlynn, we love you so much. It is sad that your Mom and Dad could not be as loyal to you as you were to them.
Mallory, you brought such joy to our lives with your gentle soul.
We are so sorry that you couldn’t escape the horror of the mills before it had taken its’ toll.
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Shawnee
August 23, 1993 – September 11, 2008
August 23, 1993 – September 11, 2008
Kerrie and I were devastated when our Mom went to Heaven,
I was twelve years old and Kerrie was eleven.
We had no where to go and no place to call home,
We were grief stricken, afraid and felt so alone.
The family left behind didn’t want us and we were so hurt,
We asked them why and their answers were very curt.
Thank goodness there are rescue angels around,
For they scooped us up and we were homeward bound.
We grieved for our Mom for such a long time,
But eventually surrounded by our angels we were fine.
My sweet Kerrie left me for the Bridge in 2006..I couldn’t believe,
That once again I felt so empty and so filled with grief.
Mom and Dad tried to fill the void left by Kerrie,
By showering me with love and keeping each day merry.
Mom and Dad please look deep into my eyes,
For it is time for me to quietly say my goodbyes.
There will be no more sad days for me,
For my sweet Kerrie and I will once again be together and carefree.
By Jan Collins© 9-11-08
Our sweet redhead, we love you and miss you so much.
We know that you are finally at peace with your sweet Kerrie by your side.
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Annie
October 9, 1995 – August 14, 2008
October 9, 1995 – August 14, 2008
Oh look, someone is coming my way,
They say I am such a cute puppy and have made their day.
I go home with them snuggled up close,
They say I am so cute and keep kissing my nose.
I am given soft beds and wonderful toys,
Life could not get better and I am filled with joy.
I am happy, comfortable and carefree,
For I know that my family will always love me.
I am never left alone and taken for wonderful walks,
Mom and Dad laugh about the cute things I have done as they talk.
For some reason things begin to change as I grow older,
Mom and Dad do not seem to have any interest in me any longer.
I am turned out loose to wander as I choose,
Are they hoping something will happen to me because I am loose?
I have no idea what I did wrong to deserve this,
All I know is that I no longer feel a sweet kiss.
Suddenly a stranger comes to pick me up late at night,
They hold me close and assure me that all will be right.
It seems so good to be cuddled and held close once again,
I know now that my Mom and Dad committed a sin.
They abandoned me just because I became old,
How could they be so callous and cold?
By Jan Collins© 8-14-08
Annie, know that you will always be with us and we were so blessed to hold and cuddle you as you became “old”. Some do not know what true love and commitment means.
Your Mom and Dad will answer for this when they meet their “maker”.
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Summer
October 9, 2005 – August 11, 2008
October 9, 2005 – August 11, 2008
Puppy Mills, Puppy Mills, Puppy Mills,
Why have not legislators passed a bill?
My tongue was too long and my legs were too short,
This is definitely inbreeding of some sort.
Though I was loved beyond measure,
My little heart could not stand the pressure.
I tried so hard to stay with Mom and Dad,
But the illnesses within my body were just too bad.
This is a year of a presidential election campaign,
The candidate names are Obama and McCain.
I am asking Senators Obama and McCain,
To stop puppy mills so that my life was not in vain.
For thousands of animals to live a life of despair,
Confined in cages and surrounded by filth just isn’t fair.
Senators Obama and McCain should have no excuse,
To avoid supporting a bill to stop this abuse!
By Jan Collins© 8-11-08
All need to meet a “Summer” during their lifetime. The atrocities of the puppy mills are embedded in the eyes of these little ones.
The abuse they endure is beyond our comprehension. Please support legislation to put an end to puppy mills once and for all!
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Macho
November 22, 1995 – August 9, 2008
November 22, 1995 – August 9, 2008
Dumped at a shelter by my owners…they could see my fear,
They turned their backs, walked away without shedding a tear.
When God was creating me,
He bestowed an angel within for all to see.
Please look at my face closely with love,
There, now you can see the halo above.
My wings are hidden from view,
But they are there tried and true.
Please someone just look into my eyes,
I am not ready to die!
Wait, I hear steps approaching and I try to hide,
Thank you God, it is an angel that has arrived at my side.
She spread her wings and gently folded me to her,
While whispering I love you softly in my ear.
Three years have passed since that faithful day,
It is now time for me to spread my wings and fly away.
Thank you for giving me the choice of living out my life with you,
As you were there for me, I will be waiting here for you too.
By Jan Collins© 8-9-08
You will always continue to be our special angel Macho. In my dreams I reach out to hold you close, rub your soft belly and soak in your sweet kisses.
God blessed all of us when he led us to you.
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Kina
June 30, 1992 – July 1, 2008
June 30, 1992 – July 1, 2008
I moved from foster home to foster home in 2002,
All that met me just didn’t know what to do.
You see I was so fearful of all and would bite,
Everyone thought I was doing this just out of spite.
I wanted to tell everyone what was going on in my mind,
But they just didn’t have the patience to be kind.
No one seemed to understand how to meet my needs,
And my future looked very dim indeed.
I made a move to another foster home with a heart filled with grief,
For I believed once again the stay would be brief.
I was amazed at the difference in this foster home,
And the love and care for me that was shown.
They accepted me for who I was without question,
And told me helping me was their mission.
The foster home became my permanent home in 2003,
They adopted me and I was safe finally.
Mom and Dad taught me that love conquers all,
I was surrounded by love no matter my faults.
I worked diligently at learning how to give kisses,
For I so wanted to bring joy to Mom and Dad and fill their wishes.
I leave this world contented and carefree,
For I was pampered and loved for just being me.
By Jan Collins© 7-1-08
We are going to miss you so much sweet baby. Especially your soft kisses that were so difficult for you to share.
You hold a very special place in our hearts and always will. We will meet again someday so save some kisses for us.
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Kaylei
August 10, 1991 – April 18, 2008
August 10, 1991 – April 18, 2008
I was a senior with heart problems and 13 years old,
My owners left me at a shelter...how could they be so cold?
My future looked very, very dim indeed.
Those that passed me by didn’t recognize my needs.
You see my needs were simple and so easy to fill,
A home with lots of love, cuddles and kisses would fit the bill.
I felt so alone and tried to let people know with my beautiful eyes,
That I certainly was not ready to say my goodbyes.
As the days passed I began to have my doubts,
No one really wanted to know what I was all about.
Suddenly my angels came to rescue me,
They exclaimed you are such a wee bit of a thing we see.
They held me close and whisked me off to their home,
Bestowed gentle kisses on me and said I would never be alone.
My simple needs were met for a wonderful four years,
And I ask you please Mom and Dad to dry your tears.
For you gave me so much that no one else would,
As I cross the Bridge I can feel your arms around me and it feels so good.
By Jan Collins© 4-18-08
Kaylei, it was not us that gave to you, but what you gave to us.
Your love and devotion will never be forgotten...until we meet again to hold each other close.
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Juliet
March 30, 1996 – March 13,2008
March 30, 1996 – March 13,2008
I was a lost little pup scared and all alone,
Stuck in this thing they called a cage sitting without a home.
I barked, bit and cried a lot and I didn’t know what to do,
For I wanted an angel to help me find a love, endless and true.
My angel came to rescue me, I felt safe and sound,
She gave me food and lots of love and friends to romp around.
She explained she would protect me and help me find a home,
A place where I could find true love and a free place to roam.
My forever mom saw my picture and looked into my eyes,
She says I captured her heart so fast, it was a love she couldn’t deny.
Mom and Dad came to get me, finally a heart to call my own,
They took me to this new place; it was called my forever home.
We spent our time together playing and loving all our days,
We went for long walks in the sun and just soaked up all the rays.
My body began to become weak; it was getting hard for me to play,
I love my mom and family, but I could no longer stay.
My mom sat and talked with me, tears streaming down her face,
She told me about the Rainbow Bridge and said it lead to a beautiful place.
I’m now able to run and play with my friends; I can even run up a hill,
Thanks for letting me go mom, I no longer feel ill.
So please don’t cry and don’t be blue, may my thought put a smile on your face,
For because of my Rescue Angel and Mom I ended up in a wonderful place.
Written by Juliet's Mom Floellen Rickard© 3-15-08
From deep within my heart.
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Penny Ann Stewart
July 2, 1996 – January 22, 2008
July 2, 1996 – January 22, 2008
In return we are showered with unconditional love as they come into our fold.
Yes, they are "Special" and yes, they are in "Need",
But what they give back to us ten-fold in love is a lesson we should heed.
They teach us so much about loving and caring,
They help us realize that love is all about sharing.
Our lives are filled with all kinds of emotion,
These special need babies teach us all about devotion.
These wonderful creatures only ask for a small amount of our loving touch,
So please open your hearts, you will be blessed many times over because you have loved them so much.
Our sweet Penny Ann, know that Mom and Dad miss you so and you filled our lives with so much joy.
Poem was written By Jan Collins© and dedicated to all Special Needs Kids 2-12-04
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Jangles
May 2, 1996 – November 15, 2007
May 2, 1996 – November 15, 2007
When Mom held me in her arms for the first time,
She sighed and said I think you are forever mine.
Of course as I got to know my Mom and her ways,
I knew she would search for my perfect Forever Home for days.
No matter how much she loves all of us,
She will do the right thing…she always does.
I would ask her often if there were any applications for me,
She would stroke me softly and say no, but I know there will be.
As time passed I asked Mom, does no one want me because I am older?
She would hold me close with tears in her eyes as I snuggled into her shoulder.
She told me not to worry for she loved me beyond measure,
And considered me one of her most valued treasures.
Mom helped me conquer all of my fears,
I know she needed me as much as I needed her.
I have no fears as I leave this world to go to another,
For Mom will join me one day and we will once again be together.
By Jan Collins© 11-15-07
Jangles, greet all of the babies that you know I hold so dear to my heart with one of your special kisses.
I will be there some day to hold all of you in my arms once again.
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Carmella
January 10, 1994 – November 3. 2007
January 10, 1994 – November 3. 2007
I was abused by my owners, lost one eye and my sight,
How could anyone be so cruel, it just wasn’t right.
But I was not ready to give up on life by the way,
I avoided my abusers as best I could night and day.
I began to plant this beautiful garden within my mind,
My garden exploded with colorful flowers that no one else would ever find.
I continued to fertilize my special garden with hope no matter my fears,
The garden flourished by being watered by my sad and streaming tears.
I knew if I continued to have faith there would be,
Someone who would discover my special garden and me.
When my special garden was exploding in full bloom,
My rescue angel appeared suddenly right in my room.
She opened her arms and held me close to her heart,
And I knew at that moment we would never part.
As the days passed and I was loved unconditionally,
My special garden began to fade away in my memory.
But, another special garden was planted with Mom and me together,
We planted each flower side by side and this garden was so much better.
The flowers burst forth in all of their glory and were magnificent,
For this garden was watered with happy tears full of joy and contentment.
Mom, I am planting a garden here at the bridge for the two of us,
This will be the most magnificent garden yet for that is a must.
When you cross the bridge, hold me close once again and look into my eyes that can see,
We will walk through our special garden together filled with happiness and glee.
By Jan Collins© 11-3-07
Carmella, every time I plant a flower I know you will be right there beside me as you always were. I will not be able to hold you and see you, but your spirit will always be with me.
I miss your sweet kisses, your beautiful face, wagging tail, but most of all your love for life no matter the adversity.
Until I can join you sweet Carmella, please keep our garden watered with love.
words of: Eugene O'Neil
Contents of this site are the property of Peke A Tzu Rescue.
Permission was given to use above photos by the pet owner.
Daphne's portrait © by Sandie Friedland of Furevermine.com.
Please do not take anything from the site without written permission.
Jan wrote these beautiful tributes to our Bridge Babies and generously
shares, but please email to ask for permission to use elsewhere.
Thanks for understanding.