Mac-uum.

My puppy, Mac. Got him when I was two and had to let him go when I was eighteen. Today, while driving home I starting thinking about him and the last day I saw him alive. Both of his back legs were broken, yet he lay in the laundry basket silent and unmoving. The strangest thing was he wasn't wimpering - only when he moved - or shaking, or freaking out at all. He was peaceful while I stroked him crying and telling him everything would be okay.

He was my baby, and tonight in the car I silently talked to him, telling him I missed him and that I loved him.

It's strange how humans and animals can bond - cats, dogs, horses; the works. Well, Mac was my buddy and even though it's been over a year, his collar still hangs on my bedpost like it has since the night he died and every now and then, after being away from home for a while I'll slip up and say "Yeah, I'm going to get to see my family and my dog," but he won't be there. It's just a big change going from having him by my side for sixteen years and then to not having a pet at all.

Just this side of heaven is a place called 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, 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 each 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. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run 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.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

- Author Unknown