A Fond Farewell

In the early evening, a beautiful clearing on top of a green hill is filled with the first flaming tinges of sunset. The flowers in the clearing represent every colour of the rainbow. A slight breeze sways them to and fro. It is as if the clearing is waiting.

Slowly, a solemn procession of woofer-dogs and dog-parents makes its way up the green hill and into the clearing. The procession fans out into a close circle around Grant and GrantMom. As the light fades, the flickering candles cast a warm glow over all who have gathered to honour Miss Taffy. Gently floating fireflies join those on the green hill, writing their words of condolence in light in the air.

Pepsi, clad in the McLean Dress Tartan, steps into the circle, holding her bagpipes and looking sad. She looks at the circle of doggies and dog-parents and then at Grant and GrantMom. She smiles sadly at them, and then begins to pray aloud:

"Dear Lord, please open your gates and call St. Francis to come escort this beloved companion across the Rainbow Bridge.

Assign her to a place of honour, for she has been a faithful servant and has always done her best to please Grant and GrantMom.

Bless the hands and paws that send her to you, for they are doing so in love and compassion, freeing her from pain and suffering and old age.

Give Cila and Grant the strength not to dwell on their loss. Help them to remember the details of her life with the love she has shown them. And grant them the courage to honour her by sharing those memories with others.

Let her remember them as well and let her know that they will always love her. And when it's their time to pass over into Your paradise, please allow her to accompany those who will bring them home.

Thank you, Lord, for the gift of her companionship and for the time we've all had together.

And thank you, Lord, for granting us the strength to give her to you now.

Amen."

During the moment of silence, the fireflies slowly gather in the centre of the circle, surrounding Grant and GrantMom in a lively glow. Pepsi raises the chanter to her lips and as the last glimmers of day fade away behind the hills, the strains of "Amazing Grace" fill the air.

Dog-song and human voices join in with the pipes. As the hymn draws to a close, the cloud of fireflies lifts and, forming the shape of a running dog, they fly heavenward, until they have disappeared into the night sky.

The doggies and dog-parents gather around Cila and Grant, sharing hugs, wags, licks and supportive leans, and, most important, letting them both know that they have friends who are always there, if needed.

("A Fond Farewell" adapted by Karen J. McLean for Miss Taffy from the poem "A Parting Prayer" by Kim Crenshaw Duckworth for Brandy Duckworth, posted at http://www.petloss.com )