Blondie had disappeared mysteriously on January 30, 2006, after 11:00 a.m. when we weren't home. Her brother, Huey, had been out with her, and was badly shaken up. From being a strong, confident, vibrant dog, he had become a terrified pup who jumped at shadows and didn't want to let us out of his sight. We searched everywhere for her for nearly three and a half months, calling in 15 Humane Societies, numerous websites, two local Councils, newspapers, flyers in neighbourhoods, posters wherever they could be put. We also did physical searches, and followed up on every lead that came in, no matter how far away (and some of the false leads were a few thousand miles off). Some of the look-alikes were astounding, but there were always ways to tell it just wasn't our girl.

Then, on Thursday, May 11, 2006, 13:59, we had contact from the fellow who found her. He had traced us through the tag on her collar after finding her body washed up on shore about 6 miles to the east of us.

As we went over to pick her up and bring her home for the last time, a rainbow appeared in the sky. The end of it seemed to be pointing to the place where she lay. The most amazing thing about this is that it wasn't raining. When we got home, there was a message in my inbox informing me about Rainbow Bridge.

We buried her in her favourite spot out back beneath a young maple tree. The next morning, all 5 of her brothers and sisters had "escaped" from their playpen (a 20' x 30' fenced area) and were lying quietly in a "puppy pile" on top of her grave. They seem to fully understand that their sister, who had been gone so long, has finally come home to stay.

I truly believe that every once in a while, God gives us a glimpse of the Master Plan, we just have to be aware enough to see it. I believe that these events give a very strong confirmation that we will all meet again in a happier, better place. We just have to be patient and wait until we get there.

And just as Blondie and all my other fur-babies will be waiting there for me, I know in my heart that your babies will be there for you, too, all wiggles and licks and wagging tail. Never give up that hope.