Waiting at Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called the Rainbow Bridge.  When an animal dies, who has been especially close to someone here, the pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all 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 or 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 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 to each other in joyous reunion, never to be parted again.  The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress that 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)
In Tribute to my best friend for the past 5 years; you will live in my heart forever; Gizmeaux
By Nelson Thibodeaux

Today at 5:35 pm my best friend lost his battle with SARDs and kidney disease and went to eternal sleep.
We'll meet again at the Rainbow Bridge.  My heart aches but God has called up a major "Chick Magnet".  Gizmeaux was my Rover Reporter and a lot of folks recognized him on sight.

We had this beautiful friend for only a short time but we thank God for giving us this gift of unconditional love.

Gizmeaux Thibodeaux Sept. 18, 2005 - Feb. 15, 2011

January 08, 2011 Gizmeaux shown in the front seat as I started my trip to ISU in Ames, Iowa.	Gizmeaux was diagnosed with SARDs Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome (a disease that can cause dogs to loose total sight in a few days to a few weeks.  Gizmeaux had been showing signs and finally lost his sight in December. However Iowa State University is the only location in the world that devised an intraocular procedure that may restore sight.
It was brutally cold and blowing snow on January 9 in Iowa.	We make it to our room on Wednesday and Gizmeaux is wore out from his trip. He had the procedure at ISU on Jan 13, 2011.
In process of the treatment it was confirmed that the SARDs an auto-immune disease had also attacked the kidney and liver and the blood counts were not promising.	Dr. Sinisa Grozdanic at ISU is the only doctor in the US treating SARDs; here Gizmeaux, a very tired me and Dr. Grozdanic.
For those who have encountered SARDs and been told there is no treatment, check out ISU.  The last two weeks of January and until February 15 Gizmeaux regained a major portion of his eye sight.  Ironically, this last day our miracle baby seem to have very good sight but had become increasingly ill from kidney failure. Our thanks to Dr. Mark Wilson at the Colleyville Animal Clinic who has consulted and treated Gizmeaux from his time as a puppy.  Dr. Wilson was kind, gentle and understanding that we had lost our battle and could not see our precious Gizmeaux suffer any longer.  He was unable to eat or drink, except baby food and water given to him by syringe since February 9, 2011. Through the years Gizmeaux met a number of VIPs in the area.
At about six weeks Gizmeaux is smaller than Mom's size 5 sneakers.	Gizmeaux made himself at home very early attempting to get that darn water on the other side of the shower door.  Gizmeaux started coming to the office with Dad and Mom at 8 weeks old until Feb. 15, 2011.
Gizmeaux as an adolescent on Valentines Day in Grapevine	Gizmeaux attends historical preservation committee meeting at Colleyville's Pleasant Run Soccer Park announcing the plans to obtain the historical barn.
Gizmeaux the 2006 July 4th parade in Chelsea Park	Gizmeaux attends opening at Hero' Park in Colleyville.
Gizmeaux stopped by City Hall during the 2009 election.	Gizmeaux meets celebrities at Colleyville's 50th anniversary event: Gizmeaux at 2 years old shows off his more regal hair style.
Gizmeaux helps produce the LNO video of Colleyville Halloween 2009.	Gizmeaux relaxes in his Fido Rido after directing the Halloween video.
Always a serious "chick magnet" Gizmeaux greets Colleyville's beautiful new City Manager Jennifer Fadden. On right Gizmeaux's entry into the Southlake's Society Life Magazine where he did place in the cutest top 20. Obviously there may have been some "home cookin", I mean look at this precious specimen!
Another Celebrity, County Commissioner Fickes with Gizmeaux at the Lion's 2010 Fun Run.  The photo was later featured in his one of his newsletters that won top state awards.	Gizmeaux invited to check the new digs at La De Da in Colleyville  2010.
June 18, 2006 North Richland Hills Gizmeaux gets a sneak peak at the park while (l to r) Jamie Thibodeaux, NRH Councilman Ken Sapp, City Mgr. Larry Cunningham and Mayor Pro Tem John Lewis poise for the camera.	May 21, 2006 Colleyville Barn Raising Saturday at Whittier Heights (l to r) Asst. City Mgr. Paul Frederickson, Mayor David Kelly, City Mgr. Bill Lindley, Jamie and Gizmeaux Thibodeaux
Gizmeaux sees Santa at the Dec. 2008 Celebrate Colleyville.	January 09, 2010 Colleyville, Texas Gizmeaux welcomes new Police Chief Steve Dye to Colleyville
June 08, 2008, Colleyville, Texas Mayor David Kelly and Mom - Jamie.  Frankly I was much more interested in the food smell off to my right.  The right photo is Fire Chief Mike Johnston.  He suggested I do a quick hydration exercise of drinking water.  Once a Fire Chief always looking out for others!	Fire Chief Mike Johnston and wife Karen are always nice to see. Ran in to the Chief while I was shopping at Lowe's the other day.

Typically when I smell illegal drugs my tail just wags automatically.  So I was discussing the possibility of joining forces with School Resource Officer Gary Moore next year.  Have you seen the sweet rides this guy gets?  Last time I saw him in a Porsche at the Post Office. On the left of the photo is Officer Chuck Tinsman, known by a lot of fast driving  motorists.  The last time I did a ride out with Officer Tinsman he only stopped vehicles with bitches (female dogs) in the cars.  It was a blast letting the wind blow in my hair while chasing down speeders 1 mile over the speed limit.

Sgt. Hillary Wray of the Colleyville Police force is seen  trying out a new control technique on me.  She is attempting to get me to do stupid pet tricks by just moving her hand up and down.  However, the only thing that seemed to happen is that her 4 year old daughter's right foot kept flying up in the air. To be honest, if she wasn't the prettiest person I have ever seen in a uniform, I might have to question some of her odd behavior. But she IS so who cares!