Shasta stretched slowly � as she woke she thought, �How wonderful I feel today!� Shasta started to get up to go show Mommy how much better she felt. Suddenly she realized she was eye-to-eye with another, not tiny little Cinnamon, but a stranger. This one was large � and had the loveliest silver fur � and his eyes were sad and kind and at the same time seemed to hold a bit of mischief and fun. For the longest moment the two stood eye to eye in silence. Finally, the Silver One spoke, � Welcome home.�




Shasta looked around her, this place was beautiful, and felt safe and welcoming and comforting, but home? She looked back at the Silver One, �Home? Where am I please?� He smiled gently at her, �You are at Rainbow Bridge, where we wait for our loved ones.�




It took some moments for his words to register. There suddenly seemed to be all manner of beings here, playing and glowing with health and happiness. As her mind awoke she began to remember, Mommy crying, sad faces, not really feeling like eating, being so very tired, the blood tests. Shasta looked back at the Silver One, �Have I gone? I know I tried to let Mommy know I was ready, that I couldn�t fight any longer.� The Silver One looked at her, �Yes, she understood, and although it broke her heart, she set you free. She knew you were tired and hurt and that there was nothing that could be done.�




Shasta suddenly remembered Cinnamon, her beautiful Pomeranian friend. �What about Cinny? She will worry � be alone. And Dani? Someone needs to help Mommy look out for her when we go again to Big Bear to camp! And my little purry friends? I know they are an odd sort not being dogs, but still, they are my friends.� Her mind raced � so many things to consider � how could she possibly leave? Who would take care of her humans and her furry friends? The Silver One smiled at her, a small sad smile, �Shasta they will hurt and grieve, and even after they heal they will always remember and love you. But it was time for you to come home, and they will be okay.�




Shasta began to reflect, she was 4 years old when her mommy had found her with the rescue people in the Humane Society. But Mommy didn�t mind she wasn�t a tiny puppy � Mommy loved her.




�Mommy would share her pizza crusts with me and Cinny. She would sit on the couch with the crust and break it into pieces for both of us. I would get larger pieces since I�m a big dog, and Cinnamon would get more of bite size pieces, just right for a 12 lb. little girl.� Shasta said sadly, �who will share with Mommy now? And who will fetch the hard balls for Mommy when she wants to play catch? Cinny cannot fit one in her tiny mouth � much less two or three.� The Silver One smiled, �She will find a way, guided by your love.� �Who will take her out for walks and rides? I would dance and really let her know how wonderful walks were when it was time to walk. And getting her into that box on wheels for rides . . . . well, all but the time I mistakenly got in the wrong end I would have to show her to get inside � she would open it and then just stand there!�




Suddenly Shasta heard Mommy � no mistaking the sound, Mommy was crying. The Silver One looked at Shasta, �Would you like to go to her? She won�t see you but she will feel your love.� Shasta nodded and the Silver One led her to a beautiful reflecting pond. But when she gazed into the water she saw and heard her loved ones. �you can see them from here any time � and let your love reach out to them. They will know in their hearts.�

� Candace 4/22/08