WELCOME AT RAINBOW BRIDGE

by AlexanderTheodore, Bouvier, Fourth Year Resident

On the morning of September 11, 2001, there was an unprecedented amount
of
activity at the Rainbow Bridge. Decisions had to be made. They had to be
made quickly. And, they were.
An issue, not often addressed here, is the fact that many residents
really
have no loved one for whom to wait. Think of the pups who lived and died
in
hideous puppy mills. No one on earth loved or protected them. What about
the
many who spent unhappy lives tied in backyards? And, the ones who were
abused. Who are they to wait for?
We don't talk about that much up here. We share our loved ones as they
arrive, happy to do so. But we all know there is nothing like having
your
very own person who thinks you are the most special pup in the Heavens.
Last Tuesday morning a request rang out for pups not waiting for
specific
persons to volunteer for special assignment.. An eager, curious crowd
surged
excitedly forward, each pup wondering what the assignment would be.
They were told by a solemn voice that unexpectedly, all at once, over
4,000
loving people had left Earth long before they were ready. All the pups,
as
all pups do, felt the humans' pain deep in their own hearts. Without
hearing
more, there was a clamoring among them - "May I have
one to comfort?" "I'll
take two, I have a big heart." "I have been saving
kisses forever."
One after another they came forward begging for assignment. One
cozy-looking
fluffy pup hesitantly asked, "Are there any children coming? I would be
very
comforting for a child 'cause I'm soft and squishy and I always wanted
to be
hugged." A group of Dalmatians came forward asking to meet the Firemen
and
be their friends. The larger working breeds offered to greet the Police
Officers and make them feel at home. Little dogs volunteered to do what
they
do best, cuddle and kiss.
Dogs who on Earth had never had a kind word or a pat on the head,
stepped
forward and said, "I will love any human who needs love."
Then all the dogs, wherever on Earth they originally came from, rushed
to
the Rainbow Bridge and stood waiting, overflowing with love to share -
each
tail wagging an American Flag.

Enter