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.
That 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 4000 loving
people had left earth long before they were ready. All the
pups, as 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.
