Just this side of heaven is a lovely place. It lies along a tranquil river and is connected to the eternal realm by a simple, sturdy footbridge, wide enough for two.

 When an animal passes on, as we all must some day, he comes to this beautiful spot. It is a land filled with hills and forests and fields, flowers and meadows and ponds. All animals find their way here and spend their days in peaceful play, romping, cavorting, and swimming, enjoying the same toys that once so delighted them in life. Their favorite foods are abundant, the days are sunny, and every animal has a dry, warm place to sleep at night.

 To sleep. And to dream...for it is in his dreams that he can see and remember the one and only thing missing to him now, that one joy that could make his eternity so glad, so perfect.

Animals who were old are restored here to the full vigor of their youth. The sick, the hurt, the injured are made whole for all of time.

 It is a happy place and every animal has his rightful spot. He is made welcome no matter where his play may take him. He can't get lost, he cannot stray; for this is a mystic realm created to repay a noble creature for each and every selfless act he ever did during his numbered days on earth.

 And regularly, in the midst of joy and play, a animal will stop. His nose begins to sniff the air...both ears are alert; his senses strain to catch a long, familiar scent. He bolts from the pack and runs as fast as his strong limbs and noble heart enable him along the winding path that leads downward to the earth. And soon he catches sight of the single thing that now creates for him an eternity perfect in each and every detail. For he has caught sight of you, the one, true friend he knew in life, the one human being he would have gladly traded his mortal self to save from harm.

 Your reunion is perfect. He kisses you with wet and sloppy tongue across your wrinkled face. You hug your friend and scratch his head and gaze intently into those trusting eyes. He wags his tail; you quickly find that tickle spot that so animated him in life. Strong hugs for him; his paws upon your shoulder with claws that do not scratch or tear or hurt. For nothing can ever harm either of you again.

You look back along the lonely path that leads upward from the world below. Your animal is smarter...he looks ahead and seems to say with every youthful wiggle of his body, "Come on, Old Pal, we're going this way...just you and me."

 And so together you cross the RAINBOW BRIDGE

~Author Unknown