A Letter from Rainbow Bridge Hello. My name is Winkie and I am writing this from a place in heaven called Rainbow Bridge. I have an important message and am trying to spread the word. First I’ll tell you something about myself. I used to live on earth, and I had a home and family. When I was about nine years old, through no fault of my own, I found myself at the animal shelter. I had received a serious injury that resulted in the loss of one eye. Instead of being taken to the doctor, I was dropped off at the shelter and left with strangers. The people there gave me medical care, and they were nice. But I had to stay outside in a pen with just a little doghouse for shelter. It was winter and my thin hair provided little protection against the cold. For almost three weeks I stayed there. I had skin problems and my almost-bald rump itched painfully. My mouth hurt and I couldn’t eat very well. But it didn’t matter. I was so lonely I didn’t feel like eating anyway. Lots of people walked by and said “poor little doggie,” but they all walked away looking for the puppies. Finally I just stayed in my doghouse, not bothering to come out. One day I heard a voice saying, “Here, Doggie.” The voice was so appealing that I left my little house and approached the lady at the gate. She came in and picked me up. I tried to wag my tail but it was out of practice. It felt so good to be cuddled and I rested my head on her shoulder. How could I tell her that I was a good little dog and that I didn’t do anything wrong to end up in this place. She put me down and left. My heart broke. The next morning, the lady returned and again cradled me in her arms. Everything happened quickly after that. Before I know it, I was back at the doctor being tended to and bathed. When I was all ready to go home, the lady came and picked me up. I followed my sweet lady everywhere. I rested at her feet while she worked at her computer, slept in her bed, and ferociously warned off anyone who approached the house. Even though I was no longer young, and I did look “different,” my lady made me feel like the most beautiful and precious dog in the world. And I was glad to give her all the love my heart could hold. When the time came for me to pass on, I became very ill. I regretted the amount of attention that I needed and grieved for the pain I caused my lady When I could no longer eat or drink, I was ready to go. I felt completely safe and loved as my wonderful lady cuddled me in her arms for the last time. A kindly doctor helped me fall asleep in her arms as I made my journey to Rainbow Bridge. I live here now, and await my lady’s arrival some day. I can see and run again and have lots of company. I’m free of pain and happy, except for one thing. I can look down and see all of my fellow dogs, who are past their youth, being disregarded by people intent on finding puppies. Like me, the older dogs have lots of love to give. They’re good dogs and most of them are in a shelter through no fault of their own. I hope when people read my letter they will think about taking home one of those good dogs. All they want is a good home and someone to love. They’re ready to give as much joy as I gave to my lady. Winkie P. S. My lady was so sad when I left; I searched until I saw a little dog living at another shelter. I decided he was just the right fellow to heal the soreness in my lady’s heart. So I guided my lady’s footsteps and arranged for her to find him. He’s now safe in her loving home and I watch them with joy, anticipating the time when we will all be together.