Molly

It has now been 6 months since we had to say goodbye to our precious hound. Has she really been gone half a year? I still look for her when I come in the door and when there is food on the floor that needs to be cleaned up. Louis wrote about it HERE. It was two weeks before the twins were born and she let us know it was time. At 18 1/2 years she had lived a good life, full of love, pampering, and sniffing. I think about her a lot. She was my little side kick. She decided she liked Louis before I did and she was always there for a good snuggle when life got rough.
As I was driving home today I was going over the gifts I still needed to get. Usually Molly would give a few to people, or to the other dogs in the extended family. I was thinking this when I was reminded yet again she is not with us for Christmas this year. Two week after she was gone I had a dream. She was there on the bed and I was petting her. In my dream I was thinking that I must be dreaming because I knew she was gone but I could really feel her soft, soft fur and I didn't want to stop petting her because I knew I'd never see her again. Then, for some reason I had to leave. I remember if it was a voice or just a feeling, but something was calling me away but I knew I needed to keep petting her. Then she looked at me and I could feel she was saying,"It's ok, you can go,don't worry, I'll be alright." Then the dream ended and the twins were born two days later. I had my babies now to take care of and she had gone to a better place.
Here is a story that someone sent me:

The 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 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