Roscoe

It is a sad time for a friend in the animal community.  Her best friend Roscoe walked over the Rainbow Bridge yesterday.  Jill met Roscoe 11 years ago when he swam across a creek behind her house.  He lived in the woods for 6 months while Jill and her husband patiently coaxed this very scared dog with cookies and hot dogs.  He finally came close enough for them to pat him on the head.  Roscoe found someone that he could trust.  Jill saw that he had a collar on that was so tight that it was almost embedded.  It took another three months to remove it in stages, so Roscoe wouldn't freak out and run away.  Roscoe was abused before he came to Jill.  There were cigarette burns and cuts on his ears.  No wonder he didn't trust people. 

Roscoe never became completely comfortable with people.  He only allowed 3 people and one dog to come close: Jill, her husband, a neighbour and Jill's other dog, Jake.

I firmly believe that there are some dogs and cats that are brought into our lives for something other than companionship.  Some come into our lives to urge us to do something and change our lives forever.  I believe Roscoe was this dog for Jill.

Since Roscoe showed up in Jill's life she has always had a soft spot for "dogs with issues".  She has helped many of these dogs through her volunteer work as President of Friends of Jacksonville Animals.  Roscoe's legacy will live on for years through all the dogs that Jill has helped and will continue to help because a special dog found the right person to do something.

Roscoe, you showed up at the right house.  But you know that.  That's why you trusted Jill.  Thank you for all that you have done for dogs everywhere.

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...