Sailor here. Hiss-Spit was old and sick and this morning, her time on earth came to an end. Mom was sad. I was sad, too, but Mom said that that we would meet again and be best friends. This next time around, she may introduce herself by a completely different name, but I will know her and she will know me. �Where is Hiss-Spit now?� I asked Mom. �She went to the Rainbow Bridge today,� Mom said. �What�s the Rainbow Bridge?� I was puzzled. �The Rainbow Bridge is the place to which all pets go to wait for their people to join them,� Mom explained. �The Bridge is just this side of heaven and is surrounded by every pet�s favorite things. For the dogs, there are fire hydrants, cookie trees, and squirrels to chase. Cats get to chase mice all day long, lie in the warm sun and purr, and eat canned tuna fish. Horses can run with the wind through fields of alfalfa and never tire. Then when a pet�s human dies, that person goes to the Bridge, too, and here they are reunited with much excitement and laughter. Then the pet and his beloved person cross over the Bridge into heaven together, never to be parted again.� Zoe was drowsing in the sunshine. She turned over on her side and looked at Mom and me. �For northern breeds,� she said, �I was told that the Bridge is surrounded by ice and snow and all the huskies wear harnesses that are all the colors of the rainbow. They spend their days pulling sleds and running and chasing lemmings. When their people arrive, the huskies dance and leap with joy and happiness. Then their people hop on the back of their sleds, and they all rush into heaven together.� Mom smiled. �Yes,� she agreed, and went on, �the glint of the sunlight dancing from their harnesses can be seen on earth; we call this fire the Northern Lights.� �What is Hiss-Spit doing at the Rainbow Bridge?� I asked Mom. �She�s having the time of her life. Let�s picture her there,� Mom answered. �What are some of Hiss-Spit�s favorite things? If we can picture her there, happy and whole and well again, it will help us be less sad.� I said, �She loves chicken necks and freeze-dried liver and lying on Mom�s chest purring while having her ears scritched.� �Her favorite things are stalking birds and chasing mice and sleeping in the warm sun,� Zoe added. �She also likes climbing the oak tree,� Zoe and I said in together. I looked at our kitty�s place on the lower limb of the tree. It seemed strange that she wasn�t there, looking down at us and giving us her silent meow. (con't) |
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| HISS-SPIT AND THE RAINBOW BRIDGE |
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