Rainbow Bridge, Part 2
Well-known words of comfort adapted to recent events

Welcome to the Rainbow Bridge
In light of recent events, I thought that we all could use some cheering up. The first half of this week's column is an old favorite that many of you know. "The Rainbow Bridge" has been around for years and its author is unknown. In times of loss, it has offered pet owners a measure of relief from the pain of losing a beloved companion animal. Linda Sanders of Graham, Texas, sent the second story, "Welcome to the Rainbow Bridge," to me over the Internet. It is also by an unknown author. I warn you beforehand to have a box of tissue ready. You might need it.

RAINBOW BRIDGE
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. 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.
All the animals who had 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.
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 begins to quiver. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous 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 eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.

WELCOME TO RAINBOW BRIDGE
By Alexander Theodore, Bouvier, fourth-year resident
On the morning of Sept. 11, 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 that lived and died in hideous puppy mills. No one on earth loved or protected them. What about the many that spent unhappy lives tied in back yards? 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 pups in the Heavens.
On 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, more than 5,000 loving people had left Earth long before they were ready. All the pups, as all 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.
May God bless you and yours.