In Memoriam
Unlike most days at Rainbow Bridge, this day dawned cold and gray, as damp as a swamp and as dismal as could be imagined. The recent arrivals were perplexed, having never experienced a day like this before. However, the animals who had been waiting for their beloved people knew exactly what was happening and started to gather at the pathway leading to the Bridge to watch.
Before long, an elderly animal appeared, head hung low and tail dragging. The animals who had been there for some time knew his story immediately, having seen this happen far too often. He approached slowly, clearly in great emotional pain, but showed no signs of injury or illness. Unlike the other animals waiting at the Bridge, this one had not been restored to youth or made healthy and vigorous again. As he walked toward the Bridge, he noticed all the other animals watching him. He knew he was out of place here and longed to cross over, hoping to find happiness. But as he neared the Bridge, an Angel appeared, apologizing and telling him he could not pass. Only animals accompanied by their people could cross Rainbow Bridge. With nowhere else to turn, the elderly animal looked toward the fields before the Bridge and saw a group of other animals like himself—elderly and infirm. They weren’t playing, merely lying on the green grass, forlornly staring at the pathway leading to the Bridge. So, he joined them, watching and waiting.
One of the newest arrivals at the Bridge didn’t understand what he had just seen and asked one of the longtime residents to explain.
"You see," said the resident, "that poor animal was a rescue. He was turned in to rescue just as you see him now—an older animal with graying fur and clouded eyes. He never left rescue and passed on with only the love of his rescuer to comfort him as he left his earthly existence. Because he had no family to give his love to, he has no one to escort him across the Bridge."
The first animal pondered this for a moment and then asked, "So what will happen now?" Just as he was about to receive an answer, the clouds parted, and the gloom lifted. A single person was seen approaching the Bridge, and among the older animals, a group was suddenly bathed in golden light, becoming young and healthy again, just as they were in the prime of life.
"Watch and see," said the second animal. A group of animals waiting came to the pathway and bowed low as the person neared. At each bowed head, the person offered a pat on the head or a scratch behind the ears. The newly restored animals fell into line and followed him toward the Bridge. They all crossed the Bridge together.
"What happened?" asked the first animal.
"That was a rescuer. The animals you saw bowing in respect were those who found new homes because of his work. They will cross when their new families arrive. Those you saw restored were those who never found homes. When a rescuer arrives, they are allowed to perform one final act of rescue. They are allowed to escort those poor animals they couldn't place on earth across the Rainbow Bridge."
"I think I like rescuers," said the first animal. "So does God," was the reply.
Below are the Rescues we have lost. And though they may be gone they will never be forgotten.
Wear your silver harness proudly little ones for we will meet again!
