There’s something terribly unfair about our fluff-ones.
They come into our lives, take over the couch, leave hair on absolutely everything, convince us that they haven’t eaten in at least three weeks (even though we fed them twenty minutes ago), and somehow become one of the most important parts of our family.
And then one day, much too soon, they have to leave us.
Recently, a very special little dog named Diva made her way across the Rainbow Bridge. 🌈🐾
Diva was a scruffy little tan-blonde mix—and with a name like Diva, I have a feeling she probably knew she was pretty special.
So instead of thinking about the sad part, I started wondering…
What actually happens when our dogs get to the Rainbow Bridge?
I have a few ideas.
🌈 First, I Think Someone Is Waiting
I don’t believe any dog arrives there alone.
The minute those little paws touch the other side, there’s a welcoming committee.
Dogs they knew years ago. Dogs they never met. Big dogs, little dogs, mutts, purebreds and at least one Labrador who is probably carrying a tennis ball.
They sniff each other for approximately three seconds and then decide they have been best friends their entire lives.
And when Diva arrived?
I’m pretty sure someone took one look at her and said:
“Oh good. The Diva is here.”
🐾 Everything Works Again
Old legs become young legs.
Tired bodies aren’t tired anymore.
Nothing hurts.
Eyes are bright, ears can hear the treat bag opening from three clouds away, and everyone can run as fast as they did when they were puppies.
There are no medications.
No vet appointments.
And absolutely no cones of shame.
🦴 The Treat Situation Is Excellent
I have it on good authority that treats at the Rainbow Bridge are unlimited.
There are no calories.
Nobody says, “You’ve already had one.”
Nobody hides pills inside them.
And apparently there is an entire section containing all the foods dogs spent their earthly lives being told:
“NO! You can’t have that!”
Diva is probably still checking that section out.
☀️ There Are Perfect Napping Spots
Every dog gets their own favourite kind of bed.
There are fluffy blankets, warm patches of sunshine and couches where nobody ever says:
“Move over.”
Of course, Diva probably found the best spot within the first ten minutes.
She is a Diva, after all.
🐿️ The Squirrels Are Involved
I’m not entirely sure what the arrangement is with the squirrels at the Rainbow Bridge.
Perhaps they’ve finally agreed to cooperate.
Maybe they let the dogs chase them but are never actually caught.
Basically, it’s one enormous game that lasts forever.
And somewhere in the distance you can occasionally hear:
“DIVA! LEAVE THE SQUIRREL ALONE!”
Some things probably don’t change. 😂
❤️ But Here’s the Most Important Part
I don’t think our dogs forget us when they leave.
Not for one second.
I think they carry every walk, every cuddle, every car ride, every belly rub and every ridiculous nickname we ever gave them.
They remember the sound of our voice.
They remember where they slept.
They remember being loved.
And every once in a while, when you’re thinking about them and suddenly find yourself smiling instead of crying, maybe that’s their way of checking in.
A little hello from the other side of the bridge.
🌈 So, Miss Diva…
Run as fast as you want.
Eat all the treats.
Find the softest blanket.
Make some new friends.
Chase a squirrel or two.
And if there happens to be a dress-up department up there, I’m fairly certain there’s already a little crown waiting with your name on it. 👑
Your people down here are going to miss you terribly.
But don’t worry about them.
They know something important:
Love doesn’t disappear when a dog crosses the Rainbow Bridge.
It just has to stretch a little farther.
Until we meet again, sweet Diva. 🐾🌈
You were loved here.
You are loved there.
And you’ll be loved forever.
❤️
Dedicated to Diva — a very special little dog who earned her wings and, quite possibly, immediately requested an upgrade to first class.
— Arctic Blonde
