In Memory of Ozzie

I come home from Shakespeare practice Sunday to discover the Ozzie-Ozzy "Oddie" Garnett has passed away, presumably in his sleep from old age. He was eight years old or even older, which was and is a pretty long time for guinea pigs. He was adopted and despite being a special needs pig (being blind in both eyes), he was a very special pig that shone in a world of his own.

I buried him today. He goes on a ever longer list of names of those who wait for us up above. I will miss him...

Here is one of my favorite poems. I can almost recite it. 

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....