Intake at Doggie Heaven

Charlie Bear here. Last night I had a dream. It was so vivid. It was the big dog, and he was telling me about what happened after he went over The Rainbow Bridge.

Here’s what Rex said:

When I got here there was a long line. Dogs like me, cats, raccoons, possums, you name it. Time passed quickly, though. We all talked to each other and soon enough the big, black Mastiff with the clipboard called out, “Next!”

I trotted up.

“Name?”

“Rex Taylor.”

“Age?”

“Going on 12.”

“Family here?”

“Uh, lots. Diamond, Red, Pickles, Pepper, Buddy, Chumley….”

“Just immediate family please.”

“Diamond and Red.”

The head of intake jotted a note on his clipboard and then pressed the button on his walkie talkie. “Rex Taylor is here. Send up Diamond and Red.”

A crackle emanated from the small, black box. “They’re already on their way. They knew he was coming.”

“Ten-four,” intake said. “Last question. Who did you leave behind?”

“Mom and dad. B.J. and Roger Taylor. And a scrappy little bullhead, Charlie Bear.”

He noted that on his clipboard as well. “Okay, Rex, go on in. The Rainbow Bridge is straight ahead,” intake said. “You’ll find your friends on the other side.”

“Thanks.” I ran the short distance toward the brilliant light. It’s crazy pretty here. Lots of flowers, birds, butterflies, trees. My legs are strong now, not a hitch or limp at all. I’m back up to my 80 lbs of muscle, and the gray hair on my face is replaced by a golden brown like when I was a young dog.

The bridge is wooden, and my nails make a clickity, click sound as I scamper over. And then there they are. Red has filled back out and no longer has mats of fur plastered to his body. His marmalade color shines brightly in the sun. I go over and lick him like I always used to; he sidles up to me and rubs against my leg. And then there’s Diamond. Her pretty little gray and white face and statuesque body perch near us, but just far enough away to feel safe. She eyes me with those bright green eyes of hers and seems to say, “Welcome.” I acknowledge her with a nod.

Red leads the way into the valley toward a huge lake. “And there’s a beach just over the hill,” he says. “We know how you love to run in the sand.”

I stop for a drink of water and then bring my head up and look around. This place is beautiful, and it’s where I’ll be, waiting for all of you, my family, when you arrive.

* * *

Charlie here again. Mom Peep had a message for those of you who haven’t seen the Rainbow Bridge before. She says the poem soothes her soul and she hopes it helps you too. She sends you hugs. And you know me — I send you woofs and wiggles. : )

http://bit.ly/k24wr0