In Memory of Dorothy "Dot" Schuda
UPDATE - 2008: It's been almost 4 years since my friend Dot left this world behind and I still miss her. No longer can I pick up the phone and call when I'm frustrated or sad. But we know that Dot continues to watch over us and the work we do. The fund established in her name continues to help beagles who need extra vet care. Dot would have been happy that we returned to NJ. I just wish she was still here to share it with me.
Linda Forrest remembers her best friend.What an extraordinary woman my friend Dot was. A woman of warmth, compassion, unconditional love . . .
Dot never did anything expecting something in return. All her actions were from the heart (and what a BIG heart she had). Never did I hear her speak unkindly of anyone (well, OK there was the time that we talked about the person wanting to surrender their 15 yr. old deaf, incontinent dog because the dog was too much trouble, Dot did have a few choice words!)
She gave me so many gifts, the biggest of which was her friendship and support. She was my mentor for rescue, helping to mold many of the policies of SOS Beagle Rescue. Several years ago, she became a member of our Board and continued her giving with her assistance with adoption days and helping with reference checks and beaglefests.
She was my rock when Garth was in treatments and I was trying to keep him comfortable, her phone call each morning asking how he was and if I was OK kept me going.
She offered the gift of security by telling me if anything ever happened to me, she would take charge of placing all the animals, even to the point of taking a couple of my older special dogs into her home and heart, if it became necessary.
Her final gift was allowing me the privilege of assisting in her care for her final few days, and the conversations and memories we shared during that time.
I can imagine the celebration at the Rainbow Bridge when the animals were told that Dot was on her way. I know that there was no unloved animal left behind at the Bridge as Dot approached, as she would have delayed her arrival to make sure that every animal there was petted, adored and accepted in her fold.
I have only 2 regrets about our friendship. Dot and I met 30 years too late, and God called her home 30 years too soon.
I will miss our daily telephone chats, Dot, but the memories -- oh the memories -- the drives through South Jersey looking at areas that could be possibilities for a future move back to NJ for SOS Beagle Rescue, the beaglefests and the adoption days we did together, the trips to the thrift stores to see which of us could find the greatest treasure, the evenings spent at your house when I was up visiting my grandmother, just sitting on the floor in your bedroom talking and watching TV with you - the memories will sustain me.
Rest in peace my friend.
More Than an Angel
The young pup and the older dog lay on shaded sweet grass watching the reunions. Sometimes a man, sometimes a woman, sometimes a whole family would approach the Rainbow Bridge, be greeted by their loving pets and cross the bridge together.
The young pup playfully nipped at the older one. "Look! Something wonderful is happening!"
The older dog stood up and barked, "Quickly. Get over to the path."
"But that's not my owner," whined the pup, but he did as he was told.
Thousands of pets surged forward as a figure in white walked on the path toward the bridge. As the glowing figure passed each animal, that animal bowed its head in love and respect. The figure finally approached the bridge, and was met by a menagerie of joyous animals. Together, they all walked over the bridge and disappeared.
The young pup was still in awe. "Was that an angel?" he whispered.
"No, son," the older dog replied. "That was more than an angel. That was Dot."
The Bridge
By Benny Archuleta of Jacksonville, FL with modifications by Linda Forrest
Unlike most days at Rainbow Bridge, August 14, 2004 dawned cold and gray, damp as a swamp and as dismal as could be imagined. All of the recent arrivals had no idea what to think, as they had never experienced a day like this before. But the animals who had been waiting for their beloved people knew exactly what was going on and started to gather at the pathway leading to The Bridge to watch.
It wasn't long before an elderly animal came into view, head hung low and tail dragging. The other animals, the ones who had been there for a while, knew what his story was right away, for they had seen this happen far too often.
He approached slowly, obviously in great emotional pain, but with no sign of injury or illness. Unlike all of the other animals waiting at The Bridge, this animal had not been restored to youth and made healthy and vigorous again. As he walked toward The Bridge, he watched all of the other animals watching him. He knew he was out of place here and the sooner he could cross over, the happier he would be. But, alas, as he approached The Bridge, his way was barred by the appearance of an Angel who apologized, but told him that he would not be able to pass. Only those animals who were with their people could pass over Rainbow Bridge. With no place else to turn to, the elderly animal turned towards the fields before The Bridge and saw a group of other animals like himself, also elderly and infirm. They weren't playing, but rather simply lying on the green grass, forlornly staring out at the pathway leading to The Bridge. And so, he took his place among them, watching the pathway and waiting.
One of the newest arrivals at The Bridge didn't understand what he had just witnessed and asked one of the animals that had been there for a while to explain it to him.
"You see, that poor animal was a rescue. He was turned in to rescue just as you see him now, an older animal with his fur graying and his eyes clouding. He never made it out of rescue and passed on with only the love of his rescuer to comfort him as he left his earthly existence. Because he had no family to give his love to, he has no one to escort him across The Bridge."
The first animal thought about this for a minute and then asked, "So what will happen now?" As he was about to receive his answer, the clouds suddenly parted and the gloom lifted. Dot could be seen approaching The Bridge and among the older animals, a whole group was suddenly bathed in a golden light and they were all young and healthy again, just as they were in the prime of life.
"Watch, and see.", said the second animal. A second group of animals from those waiting came to the pathway and bowed low as Dot neared. At each bowed head, Dot offered a pat on the head or a scratch behind the ears. The newly restored animals fell into line and followed Dot towards The Bridge. They all crossed The Bridge together.
"What happened?"
"That was a rescuer. The animals you saw bowing in respect were those who found new homes because of her work. They will cross when their new families arrive. Those you saw restored were those who never found homes. When a rescuer arrives, they are allowed to perform one, final act of rescue. They are allowed to escort those poor animals that they couldn't place on earth across The Rainbow Bridge."
"I think I like rescuers", said the first animal.
"So does GOD", was the reply.