As Squeeky, Ty and I strolled through the never ending green meadows that we had never been before, we each held our noses up, sniffing the fresh, crisp, refreshing air that was so energizing, it just made you prance with joy.
      All of a sudden we noticed Rasta, Kachina and Lacey in the distance. They were standing quietly, their heads tilted slightly inward as they looked down. As we got closer we noticed they were surrounding a cat. The cat was white calico and was sitting and gazing up at the three dogs. We headed over to them.
      We were so excited to see our pals. I introduced Squeeky and Ty, explaining that we had met on one of my morning walks. Squeeky was so thrilled to see the calico cat, saying she was blessed to have found the big dogs, but meeting up with another cat was ‘purrrrfect.’
      Rasta said, “they just met up with the calico cat and introduced her. Her name was Lucky and she had just arrived in our ‘heaven.’ She was alone and we came over to welcome her to our home.” Lucky said it was nice to meet everyone, but with a tear in her eye, said she was missing her masters that she had left behind. We told her we understood for we all had experienced the sadness of our separations with our masters.
      Kachina offered her wisdom to Lucky, opining “somehow the days get easier but we always hold on to the memories of our earthly lives and the love that our masters gave, and she could count on us to be there for her whenever she needed us.”
      Lacey said, “hey, everybody, look over there, have you ever noticed that bridge before?”
      We all turned and saw this wooden bridge, arched strong and secure over a flowing stream. I could hear the water as it flowed over the rocks, creating a relaxing and peaceful sound. Flowers of all colors surrounded the bridges sides, blending together like a rainbow.
      Ty asked us all to look, above the bridge, at an arch which read, Rainbow Bridge.
      We walked closer and out of nowhere appeared a yellow lab. He said his name was Sady and he was the watchdog of the bridge.
      “You cannot cross the bridge unless I give you the okay! The walk across the bridge is a tailwaggin’ day indeed.”
      I said to Sady, tell us more ….
      She explained, “On this side of heaven you have reached the place called Rainbow Bridge*. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone, 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 of them suddenly stops and looks into the distance and begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
      “His Master has been spotted, and when they meet, they cling together in a joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon their faces, and once again they look once more into each others’ trusting eyes---so long gone from life, but never absent from the heart.
      “Then they both cross Rainbow Bridge together....”
      We all barked, purred, and jumped with excitement. How wonderful, the day we all meet our masters and special friends again---and can walk across that bridge together, never to be separated again.
      Lucky rubbed against my legs, as cats seem to do, why I am not sure, but I think it’s because they are content and feel safe and secure.
      Aaaaaah...it has turned out to be another beautiful day in heaven. We’ve made new friends and now for sure, our eyes will always be watching for a familiar face so we can cross ‘Rainbow Bridge’ together.
      In the meantime, we all tell Sady we are glad to have met him. Squeeky goes over to Lucky saying “c’mon, let’s go hang out with the big dogs. Sady barks goodbye, and we all turn to walk away...and tails are a waggin’.
      (*Rainbrow Bridge, author unknown,
      adapted for Gretta Knows)