At the time when all the dogs at Rainbow Bridge were playing and having fun, an urgent message went out. Six brave and courageous souls had departed earth before their time, they would need guidance, love and friendship when they arrived.

These souls were brave soldiers of the Yorkshire and Lancashire Regiments, men who served their country with pride and honour, men who stood tall amidst the smoke and noise of battle.

All the residents of Rainbow Bridge who were not waiting for their own special person to arrive, ran as fast as they could to the meeting place, the place where all assignments were handed out. When all were assembled, a sombre voice rang out.

"We need volunteers," said the voice, "To look after these brave souls, to make them feel welcome, to offer comfort and love." A brindle Staffordshire Bull Terrier was the first to step forward, "I'll take one," he said. "My heart is as robust as my body."

Then a German Shepherd stepped forward, "Give one to me, I'll guard him and look after him," he said. Quickly, as other breeds offered their love and friendship, the six assignments were filled.

The voice lost it's sombre tone, "Go now to the bridge my friends," said the voice softly, "Your assignments are about to arrive." As the chosen dogs turned around, the Rainbow above the bridge grew brighter, and from the brightness stepped the six courageous souls.

The dogs ran to them, raining kisses upon their faces, and pawing gently at their hands. The love from the families on earth for the departed souls flowed through the chosen dogs, and the six souls could feel the warmth of it as they stroked and cuddled their new friends.

Unconditional love transcends all, dogs already know this, it just takes humans a while to realise and accept that.