We got Nacoma when he was 4 weeks old. He was to have been our daughter's
dog but we fell in love with him and when she left home could not bear to see him go.

He taught us so much about unconditional love, he was the most loving dog
I have ever owned in my life. He always seemed to understand when I was
down and gave me lots of extra love then. He would meet us at the door with hugs
whenever we returned, even if we only went into the front yard for a few. He
loved to play tug of war and would chase his rope and bring it back to us
to throw again for hours. My husband loved to hear him howl and would
make him howl from a puppy on.

In great despair, I hit my knees and then began to pray.
"Father will I ever see, my dog again someday?"
I raised my eyes and saw an angel standing near a gate.
I sensed an inner peace I'd never felt before that day.

The angel smiled and said to me, "Oh man of little faith!
God sees every bird that falls: He knows your furkid's fate.
I have met your little dog and I saw him pass my way.
Your precious dog is still alive; he just walked through this gate.

Paradise is lovelier than you can comprehend.
No pain or grief, no tears or fears, and life will have no end.
God gave to man His only Son, to cover all his sins.
So why would God withhold from you, your pure and loving friend?"

The angel took me by the hand and said, "Now come with me.
A glimpse of paradise I'll give, to you so you can see."
Through the gate and o'er the Rainbow Bridge we did proceed.
Through green valleys filled with flowers, rolling hills, and trees.

"So this is paradise," I said. The place was filled with joy.
I saw my furkid playing there, with dogs and cats and toys.
He also had some doggie treats, and food that he enjoyed.
He'd made a lot of new friends there, including girls and boys.

Then I saw a child come near, and hug my little mate.
She said to him, "I love you so," and kissed him on the face.
The angel said, "The child just crossed the Rainbow Bridge today.
Now she needs a little friend, to love and help her play.

God's love for her would be enough, in that make no mistake.
But in His love, He knew full wee, the child would need a mate.
That is why God called your dog unto this splendid place.
God's entrusted her to him, 'til you pass through the gate."

I pleaded, "May I hug them both?" The angel answered, "No,
You'd violate a sacred site, and now it's time to go."
He led me back across the Bridge and through the gate to home.
He left me there with newfound hope and peace within my soul.

If someone ever asks what happens to a dog that dies,
Just give a gentle smile of joy and look them in the eye.
Take their hand and comfort them and tell them not to cry.
For dogs don't die, they simply cross a bridge to paradise.
~*~Author unknown~*~