The Damn Rainbow Bridge
My dog Sneakers is preparing for his trip over the damn rainbow bridge. I added the word damn because it just feels a lot more fitting. I’m not feeling the rainbows-none of us are. I am feeling a deep sense of sadness and loss. Rain- yes, thunderstorms, tornadoes, monsoons- yes, yes, yes. Rainbows no. What a funny euphemism for preparing to lose your best friend.
One of the most difficult posts on social media is that from someone who has lost their pet-so I apologize ahead of time for dragging you through my sadness. I’ve begun to realize that sadness is just a vital reminder that we are alive-able to love-and able to feel the breadth of life in totality. Should we always paint rainbows? I don’t think so.
Kind friends and family members remind me not to let him suffer too long-as if I would ever want to do that. Others remind me of how well loved he has been-what a great life he has had-there isn’t much else to say.
Sneakers has never been an exceedingly handsome dog. Some may have even referred to him as ‘Dirty Sock’, but inside he has a heart of gold and a dedication that would rival any Green Beret. It is just so amazing to see how much personality, empathy and love can fit into this little 10-pound wonder. And what a great reminder daily that love is so much deeper than what lies on the surface.
In July Sneakers will turn 16-a ripe old age for any dog. Even though I pray for a miracle I don’t think he’ll see his birthday. He has been a constant reminder of all of the love there is in this world if we open our hearts to it. No agenda-no grudges-no anger-no guilt, revenge, hostility, or envy. Just a pure and loving soul.
There are moments I wish I never had a dog-moments where the agony seems to cloud the joy. I can’t picture Christmas morning without him wrestling with the wrapping paper. I will miss our walks and our jaunts in the stroller, him following me room to room, and snuggled against my knees at night. I don’t think our house will ever feel the same. I wonder if there are dog angels and if we’ll ever meet again. I know that he and I will be connected in some form-on some plane-throughout time. There is a part of my heart that has been carved out just for him and he will forever remain there. If you have never loved a dog this may sound so foreign and somewhat crazy-but if you have loved a dog like Sneakers you know exactly what I mean.
Sneakers, when the time comes, if there is a place where all the love of the world collects-I know that is where you are headed and I hope to meet you there one day.
