For more than 10 years, Dustin had been my best friend, my constant companion, my confidante, my sounding board, my buddy. He had given me the most unconditional, undemanding, uncomplaining, unrelenting, round-the-clock LOVE that I have ever known in all my life. I cried my eyes out (every 5 minutes) and beat my chest, trying to find the perspective, the clarity and the strength necessary to do what I knew must be done. I will miss him more than any words here can begin to express.

Please say a prayer for Dustin's soul, that it may find peace, happiness, comfort and companionship, in a place without pain, where the shadows do not fall.

The cost of Dustin's medical care has been considerable. (I will probably be paying off Maple Hills Veterinary Hospital for quite some time to come.) Anyone who is inclined and in a position to contribute even a couple of dollars, to help defray those costs, will have my undying love, admiration and respect.

Thank you.

WHAT DID HE MEAN TO YOU?
YOUR REMEMBERANCES OF DUSTIN AND OTHER COMMENTS ABOUT "THE WONDER DOG" WOULD BE MOST WELCOME. WE WOULD LIKE TO POST THEM HERE ON THIS PAGE. PLEASE E-MAIL YOUR THOUGHTS TO US AT:

beachcom@aol.com

IF YOU WISH, YOUR COMMENTS WILL BE KEPT ANONYMOUS, BUT WE REALLY WOULD LIKE TO INCLUDE AS MANY REMEMBERANCES AS POSSIBLE OF THIS WONDERFUL SOUL WHO TOUCHED SO MANY LIVES.

SOME REMEMBERANCES OF DUSTIN

From Julie, a dear friend:
"I have been coming into your store for a very long time, Jeff, and Dustin was always a very pleasant presence. Back in 1989 when I first discovered you, he would be there, eagerly greeting each customer with tail a'wagging and eyes brightly lit up. As the years passed and he got older, his legs may not always have had the strength to lift him every time I came in, but his tail would still wag as he eagerly waited for everyone to bend over and give him a pat on the head. Now that he is gone, playing on the Rainbow Bridge, there is a definite absence about Beachead Comics. Then again, sometimes when I'm helping you out on Wed. mornings.....I can swear I hear his collar tags rattling quietly in the distance. He's still there, we just can't see him.
Rest in peace, Dustin. Bye.
Julie"

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 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...

The Rainbow Connection

Why are there so many songs about rainbows
And what's on the other side?
Rainbows are visions, but only illusions
And rainbows have nothing to hide
So we've been told and some choose to believe it
I know they're wrong, wait and see
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection
The lovers, the dreamers and me

Who said that every wish would be heard and answered
When wished on the morning star?
Somebody thought of that, and someone believed it
And look what it's done so far
What's so amazing that keeps us stargazing
And what do we think we might see?
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection
The lovers, the dreamers, and me

All of us under its spell
We know that it's probably magic....

Have you been half asleep? And have you heard voices?
I've heard them calling my name
Is this the sweet sound that calls the young sailors?
The voice might be one and the same
I've heard it too many times to ignore it
It's something that I'm s'posed to be
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection
The lovers, the dreamers, and me

- Paul Williams/(Kenny Ascher?)