Stole this from Jenna..................Rainbow Bridge

I feel that I must take a time-out, before I can move on. Now is the time that I feel I must say this, something important for any of you that have ever been touched by a pet.
Last week my husband, mother-in-law, father-in-law and brother-in-law lost their beloved dog Faja, unexpectedly after an emergency surgery. Days later, my mom had to euthanize her cat that had been in our lives for 17 years. Neither of these are easy to take. Pets touch our lives in so many ways. They leave pawprints on our hearts and in our souls. Our lives would not be complete without them. In my field, we commonly refer to it as crossing the 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. 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...

I have been in the field a long time, I have been a part of this very difficult situation many times with many people and it is never easy. I teach my students how to handle clients and how to help them cope during these hard times, yet when it happens to me or my loved ones, I am reminded just how hard it is. I find that working in the profession is at times a difficult one and that sometimes the only way to cope and keep from going crazy, is to desensitize myself. But it is at times like these that I remind myself why I got into the profession in the first place and that even though society doesn't always recognize the true bond between a pet and its owner, I do.
So to all of you out there who have ever lost a pet, for those of you that will someday lose a pet and for my family (both blood and in-laws) who are suffering from the loss of their pet, know that I am truly sorry for your loss and thank you for giving your pet the best life they could ever ask for. I am hear to lend an ear or give a hug anytime you need me. We cannot replace our beloved pet, but we can open our hearts to another that needs us.