The Rescue Rainbow Bridge
Author Unknown

Unlike most days at Rainbow Bridge, this day dawned cold and gray,
damp as a swamp and as dismal as could be imagined. All of the recent
arrivals had no idea what to think, as they had never experienced a day like
this before. But the animals who had been waiting for their beloved people
knew exactly what was going on and started to gather at the pathway leading
to The Bridge to watch.

It wasn't long before an elderly animal came into view, head hung
low and tail dragging. The other animals, the ones who had been there
for a while, knew what his story was right away, for they had seen this
happen far too often. He approached slowly, obviously in great emotional pain, but with no
sign of injury or illness. Unlike all of the other animals waiting at
The Bridge, this animal had not been restored to youth and made healthy
and vigorous again. As he walked toward The Bridge, he watched all of the
other animals watching him. He knew he was out of place here and the sooner
he could cross over, the happier he would be. But, alas, as he approached
The Bridge, his way was barred by the appearance of an Angel who
apologized, but told him that he would not be able to pass. Only those animals who
were with their people could pass over Rainbow Bridge. With no place else to
turn to, the elderly animal turned towards the fields before The Bridge and
saw a group of other animals like himself, also elderly and infirm. They
weren't playing, but rather simply lying on the green grass, forlornly staring
out at the pathway leading to The Bridge. And so, he took his place among
them, watching the pathway and waiting.

One of the newest arrivals at The Bridge didn't understand what he
had just witnessed and asked one of the animals that had been there
for awhile to explain it to him.
"You see, that poor animal was a rescue. He was turned in to rescue
just as you see him now, an older animal with his fur graying and his
eyes clouding. He never made it out of 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 thought about this for a minute and then asked, "So
what will happen now?" As he was about to receive his answer, the
clouds suddenly parted and the gloom lifted. Approaching The Bridge could be
seen a single person and among the older animals, a whole group was suddenly
bathed in a golden light and they were all young and healthy again,
just as they were in the prime of life.
"Watch, and see.", said the second animal. A second group of animals
from those 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
towards The Bridge. They all crossed The Bridge together.

"What happened?"

"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 that they
couldn't place on
earth across The Rainbow Bridge."

"I think I like rescuer's", said the first animal.

"So does GOD", was the reply.

THANK YOU FOR BRINGING THIS FOSTER DOG INTO MY LIFE

Had I not made the decision to participate in rescue, I would never
have had the chance to meet him. If I had sat here comfortably in my home and said "I already have four dogs and I know that I couldn't take in another - even on a temporary basis," I would never have met this dog.

Yes, it takes time to rescue and foster... but who gave me time in the
first place? And why or what was the reason I was given Time? To fill my own needs?

Or was there another reason ever so small and seemingly insignificant,
like rescuing this one dog that could make a difference in another's life?
Perhaps to add joy, hope, help and companionship to another who is in need?

With great sadness, I sat down on a footstool in my kitchen this
morning and watched as this foster dog bounced back into the house and skidded across the floor to sit ever so perfectly in front of me.

He was the picture of health, finally. He was all smiles for me...and I smiled back at his happy face. Deep in his eyes, the storm clouds of illness and generalized poor health had blown away, and the clear light of his perfection radiated out from his beautiful soul.

He holds no ill will toward man. He forgives us all. I thought to myself as I impressed this one last long look of him into my heart, what a very fine creature you have created.

Tears slowly pooled and spilled over my cheekbones as the deeper realization of how wonderful this dog is sank into my internal file cabinet of Needful Things to Remember.

Lord, he's a dog - but he's a better human being than I am. He has forgives quickly. Would I do the same? He passionately enjoys the simple things in life, and I have often overlooked them.

He accepts change and gets on with his life! I fuss and worry about change. He lives today and loves today. And I often dwell in the past or worry about the future. He loves no matter what. I am not that free.

This very lovely dog has gone to his new home today and already I miss
him. Thank you for bringing this dog into my life. And thank you for the
beautiful and tender lesson on how to be a better human.

Author Unknown

Poem for Rescue

Once I was a lonely dog just looking for a home.

I had no place to go, no one to call my own.

I wandered up and down the streets in rain and snow.

I ate whatever I could find; I was always on the go.

My skin would itch, my feet were sore, my body ached with pain.

And no one stopped to give a pat or gently say my name.

I never saw a loving glance; I was always on the run.

For people thought that hurting me was really lots of fun.

And then one day I heard a voice so gentle, kind and sweet.

And arms so soft reached down to me and took me off my feet.

No one again will hurt you was whispered in my ear.

You’ll have a home to call your own where you will know no fear.

You will be dry, you will be warm. You’ll have enough to eat.

And rest assured that when you sleep your dreams will all be sweet.

I was afraid I must admit, I’ve lived so long in fear.

I can’t remember when I let a human come so near

As she tended to my wounds, and bathed and brushed my fur,

She told me bout the rescue group and what it meant to her.

She said, We are a circle, a line that never ends.

And in the center there is you protected by new friends.

And all around you are the ones that check the pounds,

And those that share their home after you’ve been found.

And all the other folk are searching near and far

To find the perfect home for you, where you can be a star.

She said, There is a family thats waiting patiently,

And pretty soon we’ll find them, just you wait and see.

Then they will join our circle. They’ll help to make it grow,

So therell be room for more like you who have no place to go.

I waited very patiently, the days they came and went.

Today’s the day I thought my family will be sent.

Then just when I began to think it wasnt meant to be,

There were people standing there just gazing down at me.

I knew them in a heartbeat; I could tell they felt it too.

They said, We have been waiting for a special dog like you.

Now every night I say a prayer to all the gods that be.

Thank you for the life I live and all you’ve given me.

But most of all protect the dogs in the pound and on the street.

And send a Rescue Person to lift them off their feet

Arlene Pace

September 18, 1998

Poem For Rescuers

There I sat, alone and afraid.
You got a call and came right to my aid.
You bundled me up with blankets and love.
And, when I needed it most, you gave me a hug.
I learned that the world was not all that scary and cold.
That sometimes there is someone to have and to hold.
You taught me what love is, you helped me to mend.
You loved me and healed me and became my first friend.
And just when I thought you'd done all you do,
There came along not one new lesson, but two.
First you said, "Sweetheart, you're ready to go.
I've done all I can, and you've learned all I know."
Then you bundled me up with a blanket and kiss.
Along came a new family, they even have kids!
They took me to their home, forever to stay.
At first I thought you sent me away.
Then that second lesson became perfectly clear.
No matter how far, you will always be near.
And so, Foster Mom, you know I've moved on.
I have a new home, with toys and a lawn.
But I'll never forget what I learned that first day.
You never really give your fosters away.
You gave me these thoughts to remember you by.
We may never meet again, and now I know why.
You'll remember I lived with you for a time.
I may not be yours, but you'll always be mine.
- Author Unknown

ANIMAL JOURNEY

These animals share our paths briefly but enrich our journey immensely.

Poem For Rescuers