The Bridge

Preface: I can never read it without falling into the well. A well so deep, the bottom must be a long, long time ago. I know that well as "The Leaving". Its about love, loss and letting go...



Whenever I drive by a large field, I am reminded of it. Grass as far as the eye can see. A few small stands of trees here and there, but green grass to the horizon. That's what fields like that were made for. I imagine it being my back yard. I go out there and whistle for Java and Nicky. I wait a minute or two and then over the hill they come, running as fast as they can, just so happy that Im calling them. Yes, thats what fields like that remind me of. It's dream stuff.

...but perhaps behind the tears and the breathless desolation, is the other side of The Leaving: resolution, reconciliation and reunion, the sweetest of all.

I have to go now, falling into that well is something I need to avoid tonight. But you are welcome to read it.

Java running at the park

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 for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food and 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 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. The bright eyes are intent; the eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to break away 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.

author unknown

The Postcard

Dear Java -

;; ;; ;;; <== That's Sam-e's favorite key. Now I'm typing.
My name is Bella and I am a cat but I have some questions that a dog might be able to answer.

First off, when you play fetch with your human what do you do when they get distracted and dont notice that you've brought the toy back to them?

If it's dinnertime and you or your human can't clear the
plate, well, of course you want to bury what's left for
later. This is difficult to do when the floor is carpeted
or tiled. I try to dig up around the dish to cover it but
I haven't been successful yet. Any hints?

This last question is from Sam-e, keep in mind that he's
"portly" to say the least. On a hot day when you hang out
belly up in the middle of the living room floor, trying to
cool yourself, what's the easiest way to get back on your
feet quickly in an emergency?

Sincerely,

Bella & Sam-e

The Covers

Nicky must be under the covers. If a paw or the end of his tail sticks out, he must reconfigure to get the desired coverage. This is the first time this been caught on video. I have to remain very nonchalant and look like I'm busy doing something. If he notices me looking at him, he freezes in mid fluffle and his look is "Whuh?", like Vinnie Barbarino.

The Shadows

My shadow. Or my shadows as it were. As I hope it will stay that way for as long as possible. They are with me (or is it I with them?) almost all the time. I honestly don't know what I would do without them, will do without them...

In "My Dog Skip", the kid's dad said "Dogs die. They get sick. They run away, get hit by cars. They're a heartbreak waiting to happen." I think about that inevitable eventuality every day. More than once.

Oh woe I will be.

The Slippers

There's no place like home, there's no place like home...

The Ball

The Master

He is lost without me and I without him. His heart is as pure as they come. Were I to disappear, he would sit at the window that overlooks the driveway for god only knows how long. Were he to disappear, I cannot grasp the grief that would consume me. I feel as though I would pine away for him until I vanished into thin air.


He is so uncomplicated. A tennis ball, the good bone and the occasional dollop of peanut butter licked off a finger fulfills his picture of the world. So little to be so happy. No cares about mortgages or retirement funds. No regrets about anything. Joy that knows no bounds, for no particular reason. The quintessence of being.


He is the Master, not I.