Hang a Pawprint Angel Ornament on the Tree

The invitation arrived with a little paper ornament with a pawprint and angel wings.

There was to be a memorial service at our veterinarian office, for pets who had crossed over the rainbow bridge this year.
My husband and I both knew right away that we wanted to attend, and honor the memory of Brooks.
First, I decorated the paper pawprint.

Then we drove up to Nassau Vet, which was decorated with lovely luminaries up the driveway.

There was a packed house in attendance, and many of the vet staff. We hung our ornament on the tree…

…and looked at the others…

Dr. Shane read a beautiful story, Dog Heaven by Cynthia Rylant, and someone else read Cat Heaven.

Then names were called, and when our pet’s name was called, we were instructed to ring a little bell. After that, people were invited to stand up and share a memory or story of their pet. I simply told about how reluctant I was to adopt an 11 year old dog, but that the year we had together was wonderful and I didn’t regret a thing. Many other people read poems they’d written, most choking back tears as they thought of their pets.

Thank you to the staff of Nassau Vet for caring so much about our pets, and each one understanding the depth of emotion we all feel for our furry family members who have crossed over the rainbow bridge.
We love you, Brooks.

And here’s to all the others who have lost a beloved pet this year.