Chase at the Bridge

This puppy I had seen while looking to adopt Brutus. He was so sweet and gentle but I needed an adult dog. Sadly he was not adopted nor fostered and due to lack of space was euthanized. His face still haunts me. The dog I choose was on the urgent list, so if I had chosen Chase, that dog would of died instead, thanks to pet overpopulation.

I wrote a little story in memory of Chase and to all the dedicated volunteers and staff of animal shelters and humane societies. Thank you for caring.

"Reunited"

In heaven, there is a place where animals romp and play. To get to this wonderful realm is a colorful passage consisted of bright iridescent colors called, the Rainbow Bridge.

Cats, dogs and other animals that were cherished by their human families often stayed or played near the bridge, so they could greet their beloved owners and cross over with them into heaven.

One time, a cat was sitting under a tree washing his fur when a puppy came over.

“I’m so excited!” barked the pup, “One of God’s cherubs told me they’re finally coming!”

The cat stopped washing himself and smiled. “Yes, young one. We are all eventually reunited.”

The puppy was so happy he began chasing his wagging tail almost bumping into the calm feline.

“Relax young one!” remarked the cat, “You should be on your best behavior for your owners.”

The puppy stopped spinning, sat down and said, “You’re right and you’re wrong Mr. Cat.”

“Pardon?” asked the cat confused.

“I should be quiet and good so I don’t miss seeing my friends. But they’re not my owners. I was on my own ever since I could remember.”

“But how do you know them?” questioned the cat again.

The puppy scratched an itch behind one of his floppy ears. “I was kept in a cage after I lived on the streets. I don’t remember too much then, but I do remember these two people really cared for me and loved me. Then I came here…”

Suddenly the puppy looked over the other side of the bridge and saw two people waiting. Both were good friends and were holding hands pointing and calling over to the puppy.

“It’s them!” whined the puppy with glee. “Nice talking with you Mr. Cat but I have to go! Now I have a chance to lick their tears away!”

The cat nodded. “I understand my young friend, go to them!”

With that said, the puppy rushed over the bridge and jumped into the people’s arms, licking their cheeks and being hugged all over.

The cat watched in silent and in awe at the happy trio. He thought about what the puppy said and understood who these people are.

A German Shepherd walked by and also saw the warming scene. He said to the cat, “Another happy reunion. I love to watch pets being reunited with their owners!”

The cat, still gazing at the happy pup shook his head. “They are not the puppy’s owners.”

The German Shepherd tilted his head. “If they're not his owners, who is the puppy saying hello to?”

The cat paused for a moment. “To the ones that said good bye to him…”

The feline turned to the dog and smiled sadly. “Those two good hearted souls, worked and volunteered at an animal shelter.”

The puppy was placed down by his friends and he proudly showed them how to cross over the Rainbow Bridge.