Lynrose Black Ice Princess
"NICKI"
December 11, 1993  -  November 12, 2001

WELCOME AT RAINBOW BRIDGE by Alexander Theodore, Bouvier, Fourth Year Resident

On the morning of September 11, 2001, there was an unprecedented amount
of activity at the Rainbow Bridge. Decisions had to be made. They had
to be made quickly. And, they were.

An issue, not often addressed here, is the fact that many residents
really have no loved one for whom to wait. Think of the pups who lived
and died in hideous puppy mills. No one on earth loved or protected
them. What about the many who spent unhappy lives tied in backyards?
And, the ones who were abused. Who are they to wait for?

We don't talk about that much up here. We share our loved ones as they
arrive, happy to do so. But we all know there is nothing like having
your very own person who thinks you are the most special pup in the
Heavens.

Last Tuesday morning a request rang out for pups not waiting for
specific persons to volunteer for special assignment. An eager, curious
crowd surged excitedly forward, each pup wondering what the assignment
would be.

They were told by a solemn voice that unexpectedly, all at once, over
4,000 loving people had left Earth long before they were ready. All the
pups, as all pups do, felt the humans' pain deep in their own hearts.
Without hearing more, there was a clamoring among them - "May I have one
to comfort?" "I'll take two, I have a big heart." "I have been saving
kisses forever."

One after another they came forward begging for assignment. One
cozy-looking fluffy pup hesitantly asked, "Are there any children
coming? I would be very comforting for a child 'cause I'm soft and
squishy and I always wanted to be hugged." A group of Dalmatians came
forward asking to meet the Firemen and be their friends. The larger
working breeds offered to greet the Police Officers and make them feel
at home. Little dogs volunteered to do what they do best, cuddle and
kiss.

Dogs who on Earth had never had a kind word or a pat on the head,
stepped forward and said, "I will love any human who needs love."

Then all the dogs, wherever on Earth they originally came from, rushed
to the Rainbow Bridge and stood waiting, overflowing with love to share,
each tail wagging an American Flag.