Good day my friends! I see winter is still with you! Wish I could send warming rays of sunshine your way, but they will come, spring will arrive! Freshly fallen snow is so beautiful! One of God’s masterpieces! Right now many of you are simply tired of it all, but as everything in life, this too shall pass! Take a walk, listen to the quiet, notice a wonderland all it’s own! I can still remember running through freshly fallen snow next to my master, enjoying the moment of playing and being together. Snowfalls can give us a much needed break from the rushing world around us! The kids are home, go ride a sled, make a snowman, make a snow angel, look up at the sky, ahhh time to play and notice the blessings and beauty surrounding you!
      I am waiting here at the top of the hill under the great oak tree, who’s branches reach up to the crisp blue sky and bright sunshine, for a gathering of my heavenly pals! Glancing around I feel the peace that surrounds me. The creek is rustling over the rocks, creating a symphony of soothing sounds. The meadow grass is swaying slowly in the lightly blowing warm wind, filling me with a peace and joy of this heavenly place.
      Herer they come, Remington and Ruger are running towards me followed by the felines, Lucky and Squeeky. Up the hill from the creek comes Rasta, Kachina, BB, and Ty. Heavenly pals from all over are gathering. We have been called to meet at the Rainbow Bridge, for one of our earthly brothers is arriving, and we all want to be there. We have all taken that walk across the bridge and understand the feelings of sadness and loss as one arrives, and how much it means to see all of us there.
      I tell Remington and Ruger that Sady the Rainbow Bridge guard dog told me that our new arrival is a labrador named Dutch from our earthly home. They are so excited, a dog pal from home.
      We hurry, running down over the hill, through the meadow and reach the bridge. We all lie down and quietly wait for his arrival. All of a sudden we see Sady walk over the bridge and meet up with Dutch. Together they start their walk back across the bridge towards all of us. Dutch slowly takes a few steps, then decides to turn around. He told Sady how his heart aches at the thought of leaving his wonderful masters and the home they gave to him, caring for him with all the love they could give, that he wanted to send these words their way:
      Don’t grieve too long, for now I’m free.
      I’ve followed the path God has set for me.
      I ran to Him when I heard His Call.
      I swished my tail and left it all.
      I could not stay another day,
      To bark, to love, to romp or play.
      Games left unplanned must stay that way.
      I found such peace, it made my day.
      My parting has left you with a void.
      Please fill it with remembered joy,
      A friendship shared, your laugh, a kiss.
      Oh yes, these things I too shall miss.
      Be not burdened with times of sorrow.
      I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
      My life has been full, you’ve given so much,
      Your time, your love and gentle touch.
      Perhaps my time seemed all too brief.
      Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
      Lift up your head and share with me,
      God wanted me, He set me free!
      Dutch then turns around and lifts his head and looks at all of us waiting at the end of the Rainbow Bridge. All of a sudden he notices Remington and Ruger and he runs across the bridge to meet them. It brought a tear to my eye as they jumped nudging each other and barked with joy in seeing each other again. Turning they ran up the hill through the meadow grass. Gazing at the beauty before us, our tails were a waggin’. We looked over, Dutch’s tail was a waggin’ too!
      Welcome home Dutch!