This Side of Heaven

Just this side of heaven is a place called
Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills  so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown..

I was reading an update online from one of our local shelters here - The Dog Ranch as it's known.  This place is close to our home and as we sit out on our patio in the late afternoon, we can hear the dinner bell ring and all 75 dogs that reside at this shelter bark for their anticipated dinner!  I still have a hard time with all the unwanted, dumped and neglected dogs here in Mexico, we see so many of them on the streets each day.  The lucky ones are often picked up by a caring person and taken to THE RANCH.  The Ranch is exactly that................a country paradise for unwanted dogs.  Thank goodness there are Gringo's here that care and provide a safe, loving refuse for these poor animals! 
Yesterday while Greg & I were sitting in town at a little outside cafe, a little dog came up to say hello.  He looked like Newman - same breed, similar colour.  It took all I had not to scoop him up and bring him home.   But there are just so many...............and this "ranch" is at capacity with 6!
Loved this poem about the Rainbow Bridge, hope you enjoyed reading it.