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The Rainbow Bridge by Carol Murtaugh
(Written over the period during which Carol attended Barbara Baig's play groups and classes)

Old dog long past time. Sleeping fitfully by the fire. Lifts her graying but still beautiful black face. Gazes with dim eyes at her person. A word picture flashes across the room to her person. Ann lifts her own silver head from pouring over her book and smiles.

“ I love you too Lady old girl. I will miss you so much, please stay a little longer.”

Ann goes back to her book with a sigh. Lady sighs too and resettles her aching joints nearer the warm fire. She hopes she can resume her interrupted dream In her dream she was starting to go over the Rainbow Bridge. On the other side she knew she would be young and spry again. She could just make out Peanut her departed friend and a big white dog waiting for her.

Peanut had called to her, “Come on Lady it’s time we had a run again on the beach. I want you to meet Hera, she has heard all about you. She was Ann’s companion before us.”

But Lady had thought of her beloved person and knew she could not go yet. Just last week the Vet had told Ann that Lady was aging well but that her heart seemed tired. She did not mention about the aching hips or the week hind legs. Ann knew about those. Still, Lady knew Ann was not ready yet. So Lady had backed off the beginning Rainbow Bridge. Peanut and Hera faded and Lady awakened—to the hip pain and heavy breathing. That is when she sent the word picture. Maybe her person did not understand the picture. Lady wished she could use words. But she and Ann had never seemed to need those. Though Ann often spoke to her in words, they both knew real communication occurred in pictures. The animal psychic had explained that to Ann.

Lady looked over at Ann’s junior companion, Duchess, lying at their person’s feet. Duchess was several years younger than Lady and was also devoted to Ann... Lady had an idea. Maybe Duchess could help Ann get ready. Lady knew it was time to go. And yet loyalty runs deep with Neuffies. She felt herself slipping back into her fitful sleep. Before sleep deepened she thought of her bond with Ann and with Duchess. Perhaps Duchess could help her explain to their companion person. And then she could say goodbye, for now. When she next awakened she would see about it.

 

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