Chopper (The Biker Dog)


The small dog stretched sleepily, "Guess all I really needed was a good night's sleep. I feel ready to take on the world! Wait till Dad sees how much better I feel today!" Chopper began looking around; this place looked different and was not their usual dog park. And he began to wonder why his Dad had decided to carry him to the park before breakfast. "Well, I'm not really hungry yet so it's okay to wait." He began looking around, wondering where his Dad was and what park he was in. "Likely just a new place Dad found to meet some friends." Chopper liked meeting friends - new and old - his Dad found for them, and people who really need their help.

"Well, your Dad didn't find us - we found you." Chopper spun around and was suddenly eye to eye with a very large fluffy orange cat who was now grinning at him ear to ear. "By the way, my name is Muffin - and all of us have been waiting for you to finally open your eyes." As he looked at Muffin he realized there were a great many others behind him, all manner of animals. As the others began to ease forward Muffin gave them a stern look, "Let the others like him greet him first - there will be plenty of time after that." Almost as if it had been a cue part of the others walked forward in a very dignified fashion and bowed their heads to him.

Now Chopper was confused, these were all manner of animals - many were not even dogs! "I don't understand - these are not like me - well, maybe a few. Why do they need to greet me first? Why does anyone - I'm just an old Boston. Where am I and where is Dad. I'm ready to go home now!"

Muffin cuddled up beside Chopper to offer comfort, "What do you remember last, before you fell asleep?" He waited for the small dog to reflect on the last few hours before he fell asleep. As Chopper began trying to remember his eyes opened wide.

"I was so tired and felt weak," Chopper replied at length in quiet tones, "A lot of our friends came to see us and called us. Mostly they talked to Dad in sad tones and loved on me - so many of them seemed to need my Chopper love and kisses. But I feel so much better now." He began remembering the many recent visits to his doctors, how they had all seemed so sad, and he began to realize.

"Who are the ones who stepped forwards and bowed their heads?" Chopper asked in almost a whisper. "And who are all the rest?" He could not quite bring himself to ask his last question.

A small calico pushed forwards, "Hi, I'm Littlebit. And if we wait for Muffin to explain we are all gonna be OLD! Look around you and at the sky. Now, as to your first question, all of those who stepped forward and bowed were service animals and we all know that is a very special role. So when a service animal arrives they are allowed to pay their respects before any of the rest of us. The rest of us are just here to greet you and become new friends." She waited a moment for the information to sink in, knowing that Chopper didn't see what he did as a task, he just loved others. "As to where you are, what do you remember last before waking up?"

Chopper closed his eyes and tried to remember. Dad had seemed so sad, and even more so when he had not wanted any dinner or water - but he just had not felt up to eating or drinking. Dad had laid back with him at his side and he had gotten comfortable laying there with his head on Dad's lap. His eyes flew open and he remembered that he did not recall waking up or his Dad bringing him here. "Am I . .? Is this Rainbow Bridge?" Chopper now began putting it together - Dad being so sad, all the visits and doctor visits. He looked at Muffin and Littlebit, "What about my Dad? He is gonna be so sad and lost! Who will look after him?" He looked around, this place was truly beautiful, and all of his new friends seemed so very nice, but not if his Dad were hurting.

Littlebit looked at Muffin, "He needs to see the pond, we can all wait to play until he has been shown." Muffin nodded in agreement and gestured for Chopper to follow him. The rest all followed to be sure he would be okay, they knew for some leaving their humans was very confusing.

Muffin stopped at the edge of the most beautiful, crystal clear pond Chopper had ever seen. He was surprised when he looked into the waters that he did not see his reflection like in a mirror - that is what is usually reflected. But looking into the beautiful waters was like looking in a window, and he could see his Dad! Muffin eased up beside him, "We can all see those we left behind and love here, and we can send them our love and signs that we are still near."

Chopper felt his love for his Dad reach out and his Dad straightened up and for a moment smiled as he felt his Chopper love. "I am here Dad, and I will wait till your tasks are done and we can be together. Until that Day know that I am never more than a breath and a heartbeat away and that I love you and am so proud that you are my Dad."

(c) Candace 6/30/2022

I'm Still Here


I know you feel I left too soon,
To leave still in my tender years,
Just know in silent measure now,
That I have not gone, I'm still here.

When the sun shines warm on your face,
Or a sense of peace feels so near,
As flowers bloom in colors bright,
Showing I've not gone, I'm still here.

When the breeze blows soft on your skin
Lifting your heart and easing fear –
As I watch and stand by your side,
Feel my hand in yours, I'm still here.

When the gentle rain soothes the land,
And washes away bitter tears,
Remember that these bring new life,
And I've not left you, I'm still here.

When autumn paints the world so bright,
Or winter's days are filled with cheer,
And spring and summer bring delights,
I'll share them with you, I'm still here.

In dark of night, in special dreams,
In rainbows when the storm clouds clear,
In sunny days with laughter filled,
I'm part of these, I'm still here.

And when the course of time is done
I'll stand before you, have no fear,
Then you'll see where I've always been –
I never left you, I was here.

(c) Candace 6/3/2022

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