PETS AND THE RAINBOW BRIDGE Father Joseph Breighner Next to the question, ''Father Joe, what happens when we die?" the next most often asked question is, '"What happens to my pet? Will I see my dog or cat again?” I usually respond that since love is eternal, what we love becomes eternal as well. If heaven is the fullness of life, how could such an important experience not be a part of eternity? On a practical level, to help us understand about the death of pets, I usually retell the parable of the Rainbow Bridge. Since September 11, I have received a second parable about the bridge. Allow me to share both of them. “There is a bridge connecting heaven and earth. It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of its many colors. Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows, hills and valleys with lush green grass. “When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place. There is always food and water and warm spring weather. The old and frail animals are young again. Those who are maimed are made whole again. They play all day with each other. “There is only one thing missing. They are not with their special person(s) who loved them on earth. So each day they run and play until the day comes when one suddenly stops playing and looks up. The nose twitches. The ears are up. The eyes are staring. And this one suddenly runs from the group. “You have been seen, and when you and your special friend meet, you take him and/or her in your arms and embrace. Your face is kissed again and again and again, and you look once more into the eyes of your trusting pet. “Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated. That's the original parable. Recently, a second parable appeared titled, "Welcome at Rainbow Bridge.": “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 and kittens who had lived and died hideous deaths. No one on earth loved or protected them. "What about the many who spent unhappy lives tied in backyards or scrounging in dumpsters? Think of the many 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 that there is nothing like having your very own person who thinks you are the most special pet in the heavens. "That Tuesday morning, a request rang out for pets who were not waiting for a specific person to volunteer for a special assignment. An eager, curious crowd surged excitedly forward. They were told that all at once over 4,000 loving people had left earth long before they were ready. “All the pets, as pets will, felt the humans' pain deep in their hearts. ‘May I have one to comfort?' asked a rabbit. One fluffy kitty asked, 'Are there any children? I would be very comforting because I'm soft and squishy, and I love to be hugged. “A group of dalmatians came forward to meet the firemen and their friends. The large, working breeds offered to greet the police officers and to make them feel at home. “Little dogs and cats offered to do their best to cuddle and kiss. Pets who never had a kind word or a pat on the head stepped forward and said, 'I will love any human who needs love. And then all of the pets rushed to the Rainbow Bridge and stood waiting, overflowing with love to share!"

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