Our Silver Belle Labrador~Athena has crossed the Rainbow Bridge

I was so saddened to read your post telling us that Athena had left this life. :( Having been in your shoes more times than I care to count I know too well how you are feeling today and in the weeks to come. It was 5 years this May that my beloved Squirt had to leave and I still cry for her. The void she left behind will never be filled...and I don't really want it to be. All those tears I have shed and will shed are simply an expression of the love we shared. I believe she remains with me - I see signs from her all the time, and I know I will see her again one day when my job here is done but there are times I want so badly to just touch her again right then and knowing I can't breaks my heart all over again.

There is no doubt Athena was deeply loved and I know she carried that love with her across that Bridge. She will hold that love in her heart until the day you cross that Bridge and are reunited with her once again. Until then, she will watch over you just as you watched over her all those years.

My deepest sympathies,
Leslie

Rainbow Bridge
Author unknown

There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth.
It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of its many colors.
Just this side of the Rainbow there is a land of meadows,
hills and valleys with lush green grass.

When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place.
There is always food and water and warm spring weather.
The old and frail animals are young again. Those who are maimed
are made whole again. They play all day with each other.

There is only one thing missing. They are not with their special
person who loved them on Earth. So, each day they run and play
until the day comes when one suddenly stops playing and looks up!
The nose twitches! The ears are up!
The eyes are staring! And this one suddenly runs from the group!

You have been seen, and when you and your special friend meet,
you take him or her in your arms and embrace.
Your face is kissed again and again and again, and you look
once more into the eyes of your trusting pet.

Then you cross the Bridge together
never again to be separated.