THE RAINBOW BRIDGE

Someone, who’s dog, Teddy, a faithful companion that recently reached the end of his earthly life, gave me this story. If you are a dog owner, you can appreciate the love expressed here for her four-legged friend. It could be a helpful story for a young child who loses a pet. I am still enough of a child that I like it, too.

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WHEN AN ANIMAL DIES

that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

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All the animals who have been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing: they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

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THEY ALL RUN AND PLAY

together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

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You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyously reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face, your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eye of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

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AND THEN

you cross the Rainbow Bridge together.

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????????—Author Unknown

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FYI: I have found a surprising number of books and articles written on this subject. Since animal creatures of all kinds were an important inclusion in the Creation Story, dogs, cats, and other animals, too, have become an equally important part of animal-lovers families in America and around the world.

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While some cruel-hearted theologian who never had a dog as a child may take exception to this story, for sure my dog, GAGE, is a true believer. He gives it a whole-hearted ‘paws up.’

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Billy Graham was once asked, “Do dogs go to heaven?” To which he answered, “God will prepare everything for our perfect happiness in Heaven, and if it takes my dog being there, I believe he’ll be there.”

For a light-hearted take on this question, go to Christian comedian Mark Lowry on “Do dogs go to heaven?” Visit https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=F-va3qeGYHA

May Jesus keep us and our dogs close.