by Andrea Buchanan
To my loving family,
Today I woke up in a strange place. I remember not feeling well just moments ago, a small needle, and looking into my mommy's face as she patted me on the head and told me to sleep. When I woke up, I was alone in front of bridge. As I started to cross it, I had to stop and rub my eyes because I couldn't believe what I saw. I saw my human grandpaw Stanley and my doggie brother Peppy running towards me. I started to run too. I don't remember being able to run like this in years. It sure felt good! When we met, we hugged and kissed and cried from happiness. Where are we? I asked. Rainbows Bridge, they told me. This is our home and now it is yours. I didn't understand, but soon I did. They showed me around this place called Rainbows Bridge and it's all true. It is a wonderful and magical place. There are meadows and hillsides and lakes that go on forever. There are other dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, horses, mice, and animals I've never seen before. There are lots of people too. The fur babies and their loved ones are playing and relaxing everywhere. There's so much to do here. Holes-to-be-dug is on my must do list. It's the first day of summer today. The weather is warm with sunshine and a light breeze, and there are plenty of shady areas too. Trees and bushes (I really like the bushes, so many to select from) and flowers. There are food bowls everywhere and every treat a dog can imagine. There are toys and pillows and blankets. During the night the stars are out and Rainbows Bridge takes on a serene peaceful quiet place to rest. I noticed many stones with names and dates and pretty words and pretty things all around them. I didn't understand what it meant, until I saw one with my name. Then I understood. I will come to mine every day, I want you to know that. Everyone does that here. It brings us comfort to know that it comforts you too. I miss my family and old home every much. I am so sorry I had to leave. I didn't want to. I know that you are sad as I am sad. You cared and loved me very much, for which my heart is thankful. I miss you. I wish you were here. I smell you in my dreams each night. My death was not a mistake. Some of us just grow old, some got sick, some had accidents. We are all part of an earthly order of things with a rainbow over it in the end. One day each of you, my loving family, will wake and find yourselves here too. When you do, know also that I'll be running as fast as I can to meet you and take you across. It'll be great taking a walk together again. You will just love it here and it'll be so nice to be with you, but this time forever and ever and ever. I'm glad I'm here now so that I can have everything ready for you in our new home. You brought me home one day long ago, and it'll be my turn to bring you home years from now. To hear your voice, feel your hands on my head, and lick your face. And to romp with my mate Mitzie and my puppies Winston and Molly. But for now, we must be apart. You have to complete your cycle of life. Make the most of it please, for me. I will want to hear all about it. I will think of you and you will think of me and tears will fall. As you grieve my death, celebrate my life too. I'm happy and safe and in my prime again. Until we meet again...XXXXOOOO to you all. Barney (12/11/86 - 06/15/01)