The Rainbow Bridge

I was talking to my cousin today about life since his beloved Karen passed away. He was telling me the story about the rainbow bridge and how the story was comforting to Karen as she passed from this life to the next. A link to the rainbow bridge story can be found by clicking here.

Before Karen left to travel over the Rainbow Bridge, she gave Jim and I a wonderful gift. Through a journey of generosity, she bequeathed us Suzie Q.

Suzie is a ten-year-old Australian Cattle Dog who has graced our lives with her affection and her protection. She and Jim have a special love affair going on. In fact, today I was chastising Jim over something (actually, over allowing Suzie to follow him into our all-white bathroom where she invariably leaves a trail of black dog hair!). Suzie left Jim's side – a rare occurrence when he is anywhere within sniffing distance of her – and gave me a gentle bump with her nose on my leg. It was almost as if she were now chiding me for chastising her beloved. As usual, with all events Suzie Q, Jim and I shared a moment of laughter.

Not only is she a source of affection and laughter for us, she is also a great protector. Woe beholds the person who comes to the door unannounced and opens it. Although Jim and I still have an "open door" policy, it is now postscripted with a caution to let us know when you are coming so we can introduce you to Suzie as a friend and not someone she has to protect us from. Suzie makes our ADT security system pale in comparison! Although I'm told by my good friend, Janine, that "the first bite is free", I'd be rather choosy about who was the object of Suzie's only free morsel.

I am so grateful that Suzie is on this side of the Rainbow Bridge. Rest assured, Karen, we will return to her the same love, affection, and protection as she is giving us – until she is ready to cross the Bridge to be with you once more.