Blue, our cherished Australian Shepherd, entered our lives in the most unexpected way.

He was the only dog we ever got directly from a breeder, and his coming to us felt like it was meant to be.

We were on the hunt for a Siberian Husky, and this breeder was trying to find a new home for one after the previous owners could no longer care for it. However, this husky didn't get along with Nicholas, our current husky, so we couldn't adopt it.

While we were there, we discovered an incredible litter of Australian Shepherds. They were all bursting with energy and playfulness, and when they saw us, they came running. Except for one. This blue merle pup sat down, lifted a paw, and waved at us. It was as if he knew his smaller and slower nature could not complete and yet he truly wanted us to pick him. We were instantly captivated and chose him.

We named him Blue because of his mesmerizing blue eyes, one of which was a diagonal mix of brown and bright blue, while the other was completely blue. Plus, he was incredibly adorable and tiny.

Blue came home with us when he was ready and quickly became part of our family. He was immediately at ease with both our daughters and our old Siberian Husky, Nicholas. Nicholas, in turn, took on the role of a loving grandparent to Blue, while Blue, in turn, chewed through several of Nicholas's dog collars.

Blue was incredibly smart. He quickly learned that the sleigh bells at the door meant he could go outside. Whenever he needed to, he would approach them and ring them. He also picked up this habit when he wanted us to join him, double-ringing the bells.

Blue was by our side during Nicholas's passing and has been a constant companion over the years as we welcomed other rescues, both dogs and cats, into our lives. Despite his cuteness, energy, and affection, it's hard to express how truly remarkable he was. It was clear that Nicholas had passed on his love and affection to Blue.

Blue grew up to be very strong and athletic - actually larger than most Australian Shepherds. This suited him well as he really loved playing in the backyard, catching balls, and chasing away the airplanes that dared to fly into our yard's airspace! And when he felt he had to, he had a bark that would echo loudly across the property.

Sadly, as with all living things, age eventually caught up with him. Blue lived a full and joyful life but couldn't escape the passage of time. After 15 years and 5 months (minus 1 day), he crossed over the Rainbow Bridge, leaving us all heartbroken yet deeply enriched by having known and loved him.

West of The Rainbow Bridge

The time has come.  An Australian Shepherd lifts its head, attuned to the wind's call.  A journey awaits, and its paws, never weary, take their first step forward.

Beyond the Rainbow Bridge, a haven awaits all dogs.  A river sparkles with ripples of joy, where retrievers frolic and terriers chase butterflies along the shore.

The Aussie pauses, observing, yet its heart yearns for something more.  Westward, the hills roll out wide, stretching toward golden horizons, and the Shepherd follows their beckoning call.

Beyond the meadows, pastures stretch out, where cattle graze beneath an endless sky, and horses gallop with manes flowing like banners in the wind.  The Aussie weaves through them, moving with instinct and purpose, guiding, watching, and working, just as it was born to do.  The earth warms beneath its quick paws as the scent of sunlit hay fills the air, accompanied by the distant echoes of hoofbeats.

Yet, the westward path still beckons, whispering of vast open land and boundless freedom beneath an endless sky.  The Aussie runs now, not to chase or herd, but simply for the sheer joy of movement, the rhythm of paws against the earth, and the dance of wind through its fur.

In this place where the sun sinks low, casting an amber glow over the world, the Aussies wait.  They are content, yet incomplete.  Then, ears perk up, eyes brighten, and bodies wiggle with eager anticipation.  One of them senses a familiar presence, a cherished soul approaching.  A bark of recognition breaks the silence, followed by another, until all the Aussies join in a chorus of joyous welcome.

They race together, weaving like currents in a river, a blur of merle, red, and blue.  The leader darts ahead, paws swiftly covering the golden land, heart pounding with anticipation.

At last, at the summit of a sun-drenched hill, there appears a figure; a beloved face, a hand outstretched.  The Aussie leaps, wiggling with pure delight, eyes shining with love.  Reunited once more, forever.

And as the sun sinks below the horizon in a blaze of red and gold, we witness the radiance of their joy, West of the Rainbow Bridge.