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The Story Of 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 that 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

Another Rainbow Bridge Story....

The little dog arrived at the Rainbow Bridge, and a pack of dogs rushed up to greet him. He braced himself, expecting a fight, but this was the first pack that wagged their tails and kissed him instead of attacking him.  It was beautiful here, and everyone was nice to him. None of them had been born in a puppy mill, like he had, and used for dog-bait fighting and left to die in a shelter because he was a mixed-breed battle-scarred cur and wasn't cute. They explained why they were waiting for their humans who loved them.  "What is love?" he asked, and God let him go back to earth and find out.
Warm, and dark, he squeezed in with the others and waited for the day to be born. Scared, he held back as long as he could, but finally got dragged out by his hind feet. Hands without fur held him gently and rubbed him dry and opened his mouth and guided him to a warm nipple with milk. He didn't get a good hold on it, because one of his big, fat brothers pushed him aside. The human hand moved the other puppy to another nipple and held his body, so he could drink.
"Ahhh, that's better," he thought, and drank until his jaws got tired and he curled up to sleep next to his warm hairy mother. "I remember this," he mused. "Too bad I'll have to grow up to be hit, left out in the cold and rain, and used for dog-bait fighting, and die as an unclaimed rescue dog. I remember what it's like, being a dog," he thought sadly. That night, he crawled up to his mother and tried to nurse, but he kept getting pushed off to the side. When they were full, the big brothers and sisters got their bottoms cleaned and he finally latched on to a nipple, but the human hands weren't there to hold him up, and there wasn't any milk in any of the nipples, anyway. He was weak and so tiny. It was even hard to stay upright, and he fell over on his back and couldn't right himself. So he began to cry, and suddenly the human hands were there, holding him up and putting a rubber thing in his mouth. It didn't taste or feel like his mother, but it was warm and made the ache in his tummy go away.
 He was having trouble breathing. His lungs weren't fully developed because he had waited too long to join the others in the womb. He had taken that one last romp at the Rainbow Bridge. He could feel the heartbeat of the human, who had laid him on her chest and covered him with a soft cloth, keeping him warm, and soothing his bony body with gentle, circling touches. He kept thinking of his new friends who had been so nice to him at the Bridge and asked God if he could go back. God said, "Yes, but not just yet. You wanted to experience Love." So for several hours (it seemed like days, but it was dark and he couldn't tell what time it was), the human supplemented his feeding and let him experience the warmth of his mother's body and tongue, and the pile of warm, soft littermates. He got weaker, and the human held him more often, leaving the littermates to sleep in a pile while he got caressed, kissed, and got to listen to the heartbeat, which was strong and loving. Finally God came back and asked, "Are you ready to come back to the Rainbow  Bridge?"

 "Yes, he responded," with a little sorrow, because the human didn't want to let him go, and was crying. He pushed the air out of his lungs and floated back to the Rainbow Bridge and looked back at the human, who was still crying and holding the limp body that he had borrowed for his trip. "Thank you, God," he said. "Love is beautiful, and I will wait near the Bridge and let the human know, when she arrives, that I loved her, too." After playing in the fields of flowers with all the other dogs, He kept looking back down at earth. He saw many humans holding fragile little newborns that were only to stay on earth for a few hours or days, to learn about love. He asked God, "Must I wait for her? Now that I know what love is, I want to share it with other humans ... for there are many who are down there, crying."

 "Yes," God answered warmly. "You are learning about love, and I will send you back where you are needed and wanted." So the little dog -- who had once been born in a puppy-mill, only known cruelty, abuse, being used as bait for dog-fighting, and left to die at a rescue shelter -- now knew the meaning of love and was given another chance to give as well as receive. This time, he was born strong and quickly became everyone's "pick" because of his gentleness and outgoing temperament. He gave everyone puppy-breath kisses and bounded out to greet all the prospective puppy-buyers with his whole body wagging his tail. He was looking for the special human, who had taught him the meaning of love, but she was not this breeder nor any of the buyers who came to look at the litter. "Where is my human? the big, strong puppy asked God. "Be patient, God replied. "She has many other dogs right now, and doesn't need you as much as someone else." This breeder could have gotten a lot of money for him; but instead, she called the national service-dog group and told them of her special puppy. He was now a big dog, and spent his first year in a special home, learning how to be a service-dog. This family trained him to sit, down, stay, fetch, and learn patience -- oh, that was the hardest trick to learn! There was a special little boy who couldn't walk or coordinate his hand-movements. He had only weighed 5 ounces in his previous life as a "fading puppy." He was now over 50 pounds and capable of pulling a wheelchair and picking up keys, pencils, etc., and giving them to the trainer. He loved his trainer, but the day he met the little boy, he knew God was answering his prayers by giving him a little human who couldn't play like the other children. He spent many years with the child, helping him grow. He learned that love comes in different forms ... as a breeder who spends the extra time and love with a fading puppy ... as a trainer who must give up her dog (after many months of close bonding) to the person who couldn't train the dog himself from puppy-hood... as a child or adult who once was alone and helpless and often rejected by those who made fun of him, because he couldn't run and play and fit in, but could live independently, with the help of his canine companion. He got old, and a little stiff, and was having trouble pulling the wheelchair and fetching things for his beloved companion. The service-dog organization had trained another dog for his human. It was time to retire to a senior foster home, where he learned another lesson of love -- from a family that knew he  wouldn't live long. The family knew he deserved the special care of finishing out his golden years with people who could care for him as he had cared for the human for so many years. He closed his eyes and dreamed of his friends at the Rainbow Bridge ... the ones who had rushed up to greet him, the first time, and wagged their tails and kissed him instead of attacking. Suddenly, he was surrounded by his old friends, and he looked back at earth at the foster humans who were crying and holding the limp body that he had borrowed for this trip. "Don't cry," he barked. "I'll be back. You may not recognize the body I borrow,  for it may be bigger or smaller -- it may have wrinkled skin or long silky hair or curly wiry hair, or no hair at all. It may be beautiful and win championship titles, or it may be "ugly" in the eyes of many. Look behind the eyes of trust, and you will find my unconditional love. Train me, and help me learn how to be the loyal companion that you think you want, when you pick up that cute little puppy that may grow up to be huge and loud and destructive -- unless guided to be a good dog.

Link Here To See A Beautiful Rendition Of The Rainbow Bridge Story

Upon the loss of one of our beloved Shelties, we opt for cremation, in order
to continue to keep our dogs close to us.

For guaranteed private cremation of your pet, consider contacting one of these services,
available 24/7. Doing this service yourself can save you hundreds of dollars
at a time when vet bills may already be high.

 

There are two pet crematoriums in our area. Links to both are below.


 
 
http://www.lovingmemorialpetcare.com/

Maggie

(1993-2010) 

Deeply loved and missed by Sharon Smith and her family.

Lynnlea's The Firebird

"Katya"

(Ch. Midas Sundial Revelation x Ch. Lynnlea's Playing with Fire)  
 

3/25/96--4/9/10

7 points - - Runner-up 1997 ASSA Futurity.
 A back injury prevented Katya from achieving her championship but she was already a champion in the hearts of the Miller Family in Georgia who loved her. She joins her pug buddy Julie who reached the Bridge three weeks ago.
 

 

Champion Lynnlea's Burning Desire

“Meg”

(Ch. Farpointe Executive Spirit x Ch. Lynnlea's The Firestarter)  

April/15/95--January 14/10
Meg's sire Jason was WD at the 1994 ASSA National and her dam Charlie (Ch Lynnlea's The Firestarter) was a multiple class winner at several Nationals.

Meg was the dam of 3 champions including the 2004 ASSA National WB, BW: Ch. Lynnlea's Passion and Desire. She was the half sister of the 1998 ASSA National WB, BW: Ch. Lynnlea's Playing with Fire

Meg is carrying on through her son, Ch. Lynnlea's In The Line of Fire, sire of 2 champions so far and grandsire of more. She traces her lineage directly back to both our foundation bitches and will be an influence in a number of kennels across the US. She is deeply missed by the Christiansens. Rest well, sweet Meg.
 

 

Lynnlea's The Fire Within

"Elizabeth"

Photo by Raymond Christiansen

(Ch Farpointe's Executive Spirit ex Lynnlea's Grace Under Fire)

4/20/95 -- 10/22/09

 
Elizabeth was the dam of two champions but she best carries on through her daughters Lynnlea's Rhyme or Reason (Rachel) and Lynnlea's Campfire Girl (Olivia).  Rachel is the dam of three champions, one of whom has a son with points. Olivia is the dam of one champion and has a daughter growing up for the show ring. Elizabeth was Ray's favorite dog but will be missed by all of us for her sweet nature and happiness to greet visitors. 

 

 

Lynnlea's Burnt Sienna

( Ch. Two J's Inferno x Ch. Lynnlea's Burning Desire)
Sienna lived in MS with Christi Kirby at Adonika Shelties.

 

Tofino

 

Pictured at right below, Tofino and his buddy Jasper each accumulated over 500 hours as therapy dogs with owners Jim and Karen.

 

Lynnlea's Fire and Ice

(Ch. Farpointe Executive Spirit x Ch. Lynnlea's The Firestarter)

Nancy lived with Virginia Brooks

in Nashville  TN,  where she was a therapy dog.

 

Lynnlea's French Silk NAC, NJC, OA, OAJ, NAP, NJP

(Ch. Barwoods Entrepreneur ROM x Lynnlea's St. Tropez Tan)

Madeline resided with Janet Calpin in Georgia!

 

Lynnlea Where There's Smoke 
 MX MXJ AD OAC NGC TN-N CGC

(Ch. Peacewynde Chianti x Lynnlea's Fire and Ice)

22 March 1997 - April 3 2009

Jordan was  multi-titled in agility.

Jordan was owned and loved   by the Clarks in Ohio.

 U-CDX, AG1 Lynnlea's A Touch of Class CDX AX AXJ

 

(Ch. Barwoods Beyond Reason x Ch. Lynnlea's Burning Desire)
Recently departed and sorely missed,
Josie was owned and trained by Darlene Bouchard of Bradley, IL

Ch. Lynnlea's Fire When Ready

(Ch. Barwoods Beyond Reason x Ch. Lynnlea's Burning Desire)

 Multiple specialty winning as a puppy, Teddy resided on Oahu in Hawaii.

Champion Lynnlea's Playing with Fire

"Patty"

(Ch. Barwoods Sportabout x Ch. Lynnlea's The Firestarter)  

 Patty was  ASSA WB; BOW in 1998. Unfortunately a case of pyometra ended her show/breeding career.
Patty then retired to our daughter's home, where she lived out the balance of her life...

 

U-CD UAGI /UAGII Lynnlea's Winsome Lad CD/CD(SKC) NJP RN

 

Paddy passed on at age 13. He was much loved,  and is sorely 

missed by his owner Linda Czuba.

Can Ch Skyehaven Lynnlea Heart 'N Soul

"Reba"

July 28 1995 - December 26 2005

(Can Ch Chanstar's Heart Of Gold ex Can Ch Lynnlea's Crimson 'N Clover)

Bred by Sherrie and Cam Sparling (Skyehaven) and Dorothy Christiansen, this little bundle of energy flew to her championship with a BOB and Group placement.  Reba was owned and adored by Lesley and Clyde Finlay, Winnipeg Manitoba Canada.

CHAMPION LYNNLEA'S THE FIRESTARTER

  

“Charlie”

May 10 1989-April 5 2004

(Ch. Lynnlea's Parade Dress x Lynnlea's Prairie Fire)

 A multiple Best In Specialty Show winner, Charlie is the dam of 2 champions:

Ch Lynnlea's Burning Desire. 

and

Ch Lynnlea's Playing With Fire
(ASSA Winners Bitch, BOW 1998)

Lynnlea's Prairie Fire

“Emily”
 (Ch.Tull E Ho Flash Fire x Lynnlea's Savannah--9 pts)

Emily is the dam of three champions and the granddam/great-granddam of several more. She lived to be 16.5 years  and leaves many winning descendants. She was behind every dog we currently have at Lynnlea.

Ch. Lynnlea Forever Amber CD

“Amy”

(Ch. Barwoods Gent'l Persuasion x Westwood Lea Piper of Ashford CD)

Amy went BOB at the 1983 ASSA Nationalfrom the Veteran class, after having just finished her championship.

Ch. Lynnlea's Promises to Keep CD

“Bridger”
 (Ch. Lynnlea's Rhinestone Cowboy CD ex Ch. Ashford Promises Promises CD) 

Ch. Ashford Promises, Promises CD

“Cissy”
 

(Ch. Barwoods Enchantor CD x Westwood Lea Piper of Ashford CD)

Our first homebred Champion
 

Ch. Lynnlea's Fortune Hunter

“Jackie”

(Ch. Lynnlea's Rhinestone Cowboy CD x Lynnlea's Summer Breeze)

Group winner
 

Ch. Barwood Ashford Vanity Fair CD

“Becky”
 (Ch. Barwoods Bold Venture CD x Ch. Merri Lon Antigua)

Ch. Lynnlea's Rhinestone Cowboy CD

“Stony”
 (Ch. Barwoods Gent'l Persuasion x Ch. Barwood Ashford Vanity Fair CD)

Ch. Lynnlea Paris Original

“Cher”

(Ch. Midas Citation of Sundial ROM ex Webb's Lynnlea Sunday Best)

 Her championship made her sire a ROM

 Ch. Lynnlea's Parade Dress

“Perry”

(Barwoods Formal Attire ROM x Ch. Lynnlea Forever Amber CD)

 Sire of 4 Champions

Lynnlea's Sweeter Than Wine CD

“Ginger”

(Ch. Tull E Ho Impresario x Lynnlea's Dandelion Wine)

Ginger is the girl who  got us involved in  rescue. 

Lynnlea's CJ Sparkle UDX OA OAJ Can. CD

(Ch. Madega Glenhart Grand Prix ROM x Ch. Lynnlea's The Firestarter)
CJ lived with owner/trainer Darlene Bouchard in Bradley, IL.

U-AGII, U-CDX Lynnlea's Amazing Grace Am./Can. CDX , OA, MXJ, HT, HCT

(Ch. Barwoods Entrepreneur ROM ex  Lynnlea's St. Tropez Tan)
Gracie was owned and trained by Michelle Duckett of Moline, IL. Gracie left for Rainbow Bridge in August 2004. She is greatly missed by Mama Michelle and best buddy Ginger.