"Rocky Waiting On Rainbow Bridge"

                                                  
Just finished watching "Where The Red Fern Grows".  Being a blubber puss I couldn't help crying when the young boy lost his two coon hounds.  Sat thinking about how much I love the gift of unconditional love that dogs give us all.  Then, suddenly I remembered that tomorrow marks the day two years ago that I said goodbye to my little Chihuahua, Rocky.  He had been so very sick for six weeks or so and when I took him for his final visit to the Vet they convinced me that it was time to let go.  I kissed him and said my goodbyes and then my friend was gone.

Rocky was a quiet little guy, not a squeaker like your typical Chi.  He always seemed to have an air of dignity about him, a strong chest and front legs to offset the rear legs weakened by degenerative disk disease.  He loved his "wife", Ginger, our female Chi, and he was very protective of her.  Though quiet, he could be coaxed into 'singing' and he would raise his head up high and croon when you beckoned him with a melody.  His value in our lives were immense and I miss him dearly, even now.

Is everything in life just coincidence?  This movie was on a religious channel and I rarely flip over to it, but on this day, having recently read the book, I paused to watch when I recognized the story.  Why would these series of chance cause me to find and watch "Where The Red Fern Grows"?  Okay, I know I sometimes seem to see more to things than there probably are, but, still, I couldn't help but think that my little Rocky was sending me a message of love on the anniversary of his death. 

So, little boy, if you were indeed sending me a message of love, I'll send one back to you through the magic of the marvelous "Rainbow Bridge":

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, 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 suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...