ASTRA CROSSES THE RAINBOW BRIDGE 16 NOVEMBER 2009

Linda Savage writes: Astra died about an hour ago. Joann & Deanna were taking her to the vet as she was not acting right and she died on the way there. The vet called me to let me know that she thinks Astra had a heart attack. CRUSA is going to have her cremated and she will be buried alongside Soo-Z & Lady, Joann & Deanna's other foster girls. The lady who found her and gave her to CRUSA said that her vet thought she was seven years old, but I think she was much older. JoAnn writes: Spud died on us this morning. Started having difficulty breathing, and we rushed her out the door to the NEW vet, five miles away. But, she had already checked out. (We thought she just wasn't acting like herself, so we had an appointment for her on Wednesday.) Spud was a sweet girl, and easily became champ of our Olympic Napping Team. Some people like to go to movies; Spud and I would take our naps. She was just like a big Maine Coon c*t. Kind of boneless. You could pick her up and go anywhere. Wobble, stumble over other dogs, stub your toe on water bowls, yet she wouldn't even bat an -- uh, flinch a muscle. Today, she felt so small and limber. Linda says she must've been older than we thought. Our vet said Spud was in great physical shape; she believes her heart gave out. Please send along your good thoughts & scratches to her. BRENDA KELLEY: Poor baby; at least she got taken care of in her last days. FRANCES MARTIN: Bless her little doggie heart. At least she died in foster care where she felt some love. Even though we don't always have them long, they know when someone loves them . . . . SUSAN JENKINS: It is just astonishing how resilient and loving dogs can be. Astra had a great story, and I'm just glad she had her last days in a loving foster home. Just brings tears to my eyes. BOB ANDERSON: Finally totally free . . . bless her. TRACIE COTTON: So sorry to hear about Astra. She was a beautiful Cairn! You can tell she was well-loved, and well taken care of, and that's what she took to The Bridge with her. BETTE BOYERS: Poor Baby. My condolences.

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, someone who was 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 begins to quiver. Suddenly, he breaks from the group, flying over the green grass, 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 those trusting eyes, so long gone from your life, but never absent from your heart. Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together . . . Author Unknown

ASTRA'S HEALING ANGELS INCLUDED . . . LINDA & HERB SAVAGE In Memory of CRUSA RESCUE SOPHIA, who also was blind; she can be seen HERE ANDREA & NEAL "CAIRNDADDY" SKRENNINGER CAIRN CARI, CRUSA RESCUES RICO, DAISY2LEGS, ROSIEVI THE SHY & LUUCEEE, who can all be seen HERE CRUSA FOSTER CHRISSIE1EYE, who can be seen HERE CRUSA (CAIRN RESCUE USA) AIREDALE RESCUE BOB & ROSEMARY SHIRE KELLY, CRUSA RESCUES MISS MONEYPENNY JE & MAISIE ANNABELLA who can be seen HERE In Memory of ZIPPY, who also was blind; he can be seen HERE LIZ ST GEORGE CRUSA RESCUE GINGER who can be seen HERE MARY BRABENDER SHELLY & BOB SIMINSKI CAIRNS ABBY & SYDNEY JANET LaMONICA & JOHN TOMINELLO MICKY & CRUSA RESCUE ROYCE who can both be seen HERE TOTAL DONATIONS, AS OF 3 AUGUST 2009: 455 USD A CRUSA SALUTE (WOOF!) TO YOU ALL! (If you have donated to HEALING ANGEL for ASTRA and are not listed, please tell me HERE.)

Medical & transport costs for this and all our other rescues add up. You can help by donating online through PayPal - click either the Cairn or the button below . . . $ . . . OR through PayPal - click either the CAIRN or the button below . . . . . . OR send a check or money order made out to Cairn Rescue USA: HEALING ANGEL ASTRA CAIRN RESCUE USA FDR STATION PO BOX 6798 NY NY 10150-6798 Please include your name, mailing address & e-mail address to receive a receipt for tax purposes.

ASTRA was rescued and will be available through CairnRescueUSA. Please stop by CRUSA's website to find YOUR match!

Click on any Cairn above or below to go to the MENU OF CRUSA RESCUES, FUNDRAISERS & EVENTS FOR WHICH I HAVE MADE WEBSITES