At 2am this morning my mastiff Martin died in my arms. He was 8 years old. Martin was sort of famous around here. A big brindle mastiff, winning "favorite fan" and "biggest dog contests" around the area. He was a special, special dog and I will miss him terribly. Those who met him I know will never forget him.
Martin...you truley were a gentle giant. Your heart was as big as you. You tolerated people and kids running up to pet you and people staring at you everywhere you went. Always a gentleman, you made the breed proud. I will miss you very much. I know one day we will meet again. A heaven without Martin would be like hell. RIP big boy. I love you!!
This makes me cry everytime I read it, thinking of my precious pets that have gone before. I thought I'd share it. The link to it is at the bottom.
RainbowsBridge.com
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...
Rainbow Bridge Poem
Bye Martin. 
