Remembering Our Furry Family Members

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.

Muddy Branch Veterinary Center knows how important the life and memory of each pet is. We've loved and lost pets over our lives too, and still talk about our furry family members. We wanted to have a space dedicated to remembering all of those that were loved and lost, some too soon, some led very long lives. As long as we are living they will live on in our memories.

This website https://www.compassionunderstood.com/ is very helpful in navigating loss. How to help children with the loss of a pet, how to plan your goodbye, what to expect and pet loss & grief support.

Charlie Bila

My husband and I were not looking for another dog. We lived in an apartment at the time and already had our Bichon, Hope. Charlie came in with the rescue group we were working with here at MBVC with a growth on the top side of his paw that needed to be biopsied.

This was all right before Labor Day and he needed a place to crash over the holiday weekend. I couldn't say no to that face. While staying with us we learned that his mass came back with bad news. A mast cell tumor. It was inoperable and Charlie needed a special home where he would be able to live out the remainder of his life which we guessed may be 6 months. After only a week we fell in love with him and he became our first of two "foster fails". His hilarious personality and zest for life was contagious.

He even got Hope to fall for him, and she is not a fan of other dogs. At that point we decided we couldn't let him go, and we wanted to be the ones to give him his final place to call home. During that time we learned that Charlie also had a fused spine and severe muscle atrophy in his back legs.

That never stopped this little pug. We purchased him special shoes to help him walk and grip the floor. The first time he wore them he stood up without sliding and began RUNNING through the halls of MBVC. What we thought would be 6 months turned into 14 wonderful months with our puglet. He is also the reason for our second foster fail, Oscar came in to our lives and Charlie welcomed him as his own. We still laugh at the memories of him, he totally left his mark on us, along with the rest of the staff here.

Bear

?Bear, taken too soon, you gave so much love.
You live forever in our hearts.
We miss you, Goggy.

Sophie

?Sophie was our beautiful girl, who is always in our thoughts every day!

Buddy Rho Engram

?(6/3/2000 – 9/16/2013)