TO ALL OUR FRIENDS,

It is with a very heavy heart that I inform you that our little Miss Sunshine has crossed the Rainbow Bridge today. She developed a fast growing cancer that grew a huge tumor on her mouth and lower jaw.  This came on her very fast and she did not suffer too long. With reluctant, broken hearts, we have decided to relieve her of her mortal suffering.

As you know, she was one of the most special Bassets ever to come through Basset Rescue and into our lives.  Some of you may remember that Sunshine was not one of our regular foster babies. We were only doing someone else a favor at the BHRA picnic and they asked if we would watch her for “just the weekend”, little did we realize that the die was already cast when we agreed. Sunshine wasn’t even in our house for two hours when my wife DonnaMarie turned to me and said “This beautiful little girl isn’t going anywhere.”  So that weekend favor turned into a wonderful seven year journey of fun, excitement, love and games with the softest, rowdiest, most cockamamie sitting up Basset Hound I’ve ever met!

Sunshine had the perfect name, her attitude and personality came into the room 10 minutes before she did! I know her presence will be felt in our home for a very long time to come as well.  To those people that dare to say that animals are stupid, or animals can’t communicate, well let me tell you that is WRONG, WRONG, WRONG!  Sunshine had a very distinct personality and way of communicating with not only Donna and I but with her fellow dogs. She came here an only dog but soon found herself as sisters with our tiny little “Ginger Snap” who is no larger than a medium size cat but has the attitude of a Great Dane! Sunshine and her became as one. It’s like they were soul-mates. Ginger Snap is grieving with us at her own loss.  Sunshine filled a very large hole in our lives that will be tough to fill.

It was my great honor to have known and loved Sunshine. I also know that my world is a little brighter for loving her. It was our privilege and pleasure to share our home and hearts with her.  I know she will be waiting on the other side of the bridge for us to come play again one day.

Here’s a special poem that is helping to comfort me. I hope you can find comfort as well.

Charly

“GOODBYE SUNSHINE”

With heavy hearts; and a tear in our eyes
after all these years; we must say goodbye
Please understand; we've done all we could
if there was anything we could do; you know we would

I'm sitting right here; gently rub your ears
while I talk to you softly; trying to hold back the tears
The memories you gave us; we'll never forget
especially the ones; of the day we all met

One last hug; and one last kiss
you have no idea; how much you'll be missed
To look into your eyes; this one last time
you tell me it's ok; you know it's your time

Close your eyes now; and go to sleep
we'll pray to the Lord; you're soul he'll keep
Go in peace now; our good friend
we'll stay right here with you; until the end

Dream of that special day and time
when we'll meet at the Bridge; and all will be fine
We'll run and play; side by side
with a soft warm feeling; deep down inside

Your memory will live on; in each one of us
you'll always be number 1; to all of us
Have a safe journey; through the night
I promise when you awake; you'll be in God's light

So with heavy hearts; and tears in our eyes
just for now my friend; we say goodbye

                                                                           John Quealy