For Our Friend Moochie

by Ken and Kathy Reinke
(Whiting, Indiana)

My wife and I kept wondering if it was Moochie's time to go. Everything was shutting down, but he had small glimpses of life left. We took him for a walk around the block in a stroller we bought for him. He was attentive and was watching the sights as we pushed him from corner to corner. After that, Kathy held him in the car. On the way to the vet, he just seemed to let go. He went limp, and was unresponsive.

Kathy had prayed for a sign that we were doing the right thing, and in his own way, Moochie showed us that we did. The day before this, I saw a complete rainbow, from end to end. A rare sight, for me. With that, I knew everything would be alright.

I wrote a memorial about his buddy, Boomer, whom we lost in 2007. The last words he heard were that he was loved. Well, we did the same for Moochie. We also thanked him for 18 (yes 18) wonderful years. Years of fun, joy, and happiness. This is what I wrote about Boomer, and posted on this site, in 2009...

"He gave us so much, we could never fully repay him, yet on the day he died the very last words he heard were that we loved him. The second after he passed, I stopped crying, grateful that at his last moment, he knew he was loved. Even then, he was still giving. How many people die alone and never have someone say that to them? Dogs are truly a gift from God."

My thoughts have not changed, and all I can do is give God thanks and praise. So many people are mad at him when they lose someone, or something. I was just so grateful that we not only had Moochie as a part of our family, but that he was with us for so long. With the four animals that we have had with this group (Mooch was the last), I always said a thank you prayer, and offered them back to God. When we lost our cat, Midnight, last Christmas, I simply told the Lord that we were giving him a present.

Losing a friend is hard. The loss of Moochie's habits, his mannerisms, and how he was a part of our daily life, has been difficult to deal with. There has been a void. We think of how he acted in certain situations, or when he would ask for something, is missing. I used to step over him in certain parts of the house, and I find myself doing the same thing, with nothing to step over.

This is the first time that we have not had any of these animals in 18 years. My wife and I know that we lose all of our friends eventually, but it hurts, regardless if it is a person or animal. Even other family members and friends were sad, as well. It seems that Mooch had an impact well beyond our home.

With all of these feelings, the most important one is the sense of fulfillment I have. Being together as a family, having fun in so many ways (that I cannot even begin to list), and having the proud responsibility of caring for him, has been immeasurable. Blessings come in many forms, and Moochie was one of them.

I close with the words that are a part of the Rainbow Bridge Poem...

"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 hope and pray that, with discussing our loss, those of you who have just lost a pet can find comfort, healing, and peace.

To the author's and caretakers of this site, a heartfelt thanks.

Ken Reinke, and family,
Whiting, IN