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....

Donatello

Before being adopted, Donatello and his brother, Michaelangelo were returned to Kim's Ark for being "viscious biters".  It turns out they were infested with the WORST case of mites the Ark has ever seen.  Anyone would be grumpy enough to bite if they are that itchy!  In the few weeks they spent in a foster home, they had been picked up, carried, handled by various people, and even BATHED... without one single bite or even bite attempt!  These guys were shy, but they certainly weren't the biters they were turned over to us for. 

- - - - 

Donatello was put to sleep today. His surgery went well, however, the last week was uncomfortable. Repeated infection problems. This past weekend he demonstrated equilibrium and respiratory problems. This morning I found asleep but saturated with a profuse amount of porfyurin. He was uncomfortable and not eating well at all. It was more than time. The Ark took Donatello in and made him well again. I can assure his last 5 months he was entirely spoiled. Donatello was one of the most affectionate rats. He was surrendered to the rescue as a biter. Not once did he ever bite. Even with all his handling, the last weeks he was always good. He was playful and loved to be held and petted. Even in his last days, uncomfortable, he enjoyed attention. He now joins my other rats and Kim's Bowie, which he did know. I don't know who is chasing who.

John

Gobo and Anchovy
Two of the rats that started it all. Gobo and Anchovy were the first rescues taken in by Kim. Sisters, friends, and fighters till the end. Anchovy lost her battle to lymphosarcoma at the old age of 28 months and Gobo followed her quickly a month later. Two of the best rats on earth, and their memory lives on in every rat Kim's Ark takes in and adopts out. Missed by Kim dearly.

Rosie
Died after surgery and missed terribly by her mom. Despite her short time at home with her, it was clear Rosie was a very special rat. She will be remembered always.


Drat!
One of Noodle's Himilayan sons and adopted with one of his brothers to Jessica. Loved and spoiled by her, his time on earth was short because he was so special. He is missed terribly by Twitch and his mom Noodle, as well as Tracy and Kim.


Patricia's Four Mice
Four adult male mice who were adopted by Patricia. They lived out the remainder of their lives in a real home and no matter how short their time was, they enjoyed being out of the lab and in a home full of love.


OSED Tupelo Honey
She will never be forgotten and is missed by Nixon, her best friend.

OSED Uno
One of Kim's beloved girls.

OSED Pollyanna
Tracy's girl.

Jeckle
A mouse adopted by Patricia

Acorn
One of Noodle's daughers.

Gem & Grace
Two rescued lab mice.

Ducky, Mousex3, & Saffron
Lady mice who spent many happy days in the care of Kim.

Geraldine
Geraldine, adopted as one of the first Kim's Ark Rescue rats almost 2 years ago by Michelle in NY, she passed on due to a pituitary tumor.
Geraldine is survived by her sister Miranda, and is much missed.
Geraldine was nursed back to health and raised from ratlet-hood by Tracy and adopted into the best home we could have ever found in Michelle, who loved them dearly...
We will never forget Geraldine, the fiesty rat who loved all and left little footprints in all who knew her.


We are saddened to know that more rats have gone to the bridge in the past few months.
Copper, agouti bad boy who was kim's longest foster and beloved rat of Jessica and Deon.
Iggy, who made the travel all the way from MA to CT to WI, will be missed by all.
Miranda, sweet rat who now joins her sister, another of the ark's first rescues, will be missed by Michelle, Tracy and Kim.



Francis was a sweet boy who was only beginning to explore his new forever home - taken from the shelter and unsure of his world, the people around him, and how to be loved. He was fostered in a wonderful home that showed him that life was safe, and he grew to be a wonderful rat. Sadly, Francis was lost after being neutered, but he will never be forgotten by all whose lives he touched.






ASH: DOB 10/25/03 Eternal Rest 02/19/06, 2 Yrs 4 ms

Ash, you where a tough nut when I first got you. I knew you would be. Time revealed how special you really where. You adopted me. Your antics made me laugh. Your happy squeaks told me you where happy. I was happy that you where. Even after having partial paralysis, your last six months, didn't hinder you. I bought a special cage and kept it spotless for you. You even enjoyed being bathed twice a week, continually squeaking contentedly. You still wanted out and got into everything you could. Unfortunately respiratory illness got its grip. You fought with tenacity. But it was to much. The medications, nebulizer and inhalers where minimal for your comfort I couldn't stand it any more. I held you for hours watching you with labored breathing. The last day I spent entirely with you, holding you in your discomfort. Despite your discomfort you enjoyed being held and scratched. When I saw you panicking for breath I cried for you. I could no longer see you this way. Even in the end you fought. The last injection you where in my hands, you wanted closer, you still fought. I hugged and kissed you like never before. You still wanted closer to me. I continued holding you tight. Finally you laid your head down in my hand. I wept. Your breathing relaxed. No longer where you labored. Then, finally, eternal peace. No longer do you suffer. You where indeed special, never will I forget you. You now join Buddy, Buddy II, Angel, Max, Nigel and Violet. All I asked is to keep watch over me till we meet again.

Rest in Peace good, faithful, little friend,

Love always,

John