Thebridesmom's Blog

It’s been just over a week since I lost Diddy. It’s funny how we mark time according to significant events that take place in our lives. I consider the loss of a pet a significant event. Apparently I am not alone. The most remarkable thing happened today related to my loss.

Today our local weekly newspaper came out. This past Monday I wrote and submitted a letter to the editor to be included in the paper. It was a letter addressed to the people of this community who had helped me look for Diddy. It was a letter of appreciation to the mailmen who called each other while on their walking routes and alerted one another to the search for Diddy; it was a thank you to the people on their porches, the people that walk in the community; the Domino’s delivery drivers, the construction guys – all of whom were keeping their eyes peeled for a lost black greyhound.

It was a letter that told all the people who had helped what the sad outcome was for my sweet Diddy. It was a letter of loss and a letter of deep appreciation. It was a letter that helped me begin to heal.

What has surprised me is the outpouring of support and caring from people I’d never met. This week I have spent time out in my front yard and so many people who walked by inquired about Diddy. All expressed their concern and dismay at Diddy’s loss.

Tonight, a man who was a stranger to me walked up my front walk, as I was working in my front yard, and asked if I was the one who had lost the greyhound. He handed me an envelope as he explained he and his wife had read my letter to the editor in today’s paper and he felt he needed to come by and express his condolences. He, too, is a greyhound owner. His grey, China, is 11.5 years old. He was clearly emotional as I pointed out my other three greys panting at the screen door and I told him a little bit about Did.  He told me he had seen the signs I had posted around town but he hadn’t seen a black greyhound. I was a little surprised and deeply touched by this brief exchange. I thanked him for coming by and he turned and walked away.

I turned my attention to the envelope he had handed me – at first thinking that he had tucked a copy of the letter to the editor inside for me to keep. When I opened it I found a 2 page hand-written letter from this man and his wife that told me of their sadness at my loss and a little bit about their rescued greyhound, China. Following that paragraph was this:

The Rainbow Bridge

It is called the “Rainbow Bridge” because of its many colors. Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows, hills and valleys with lush green grass. When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place. There is always food and water and warm spring weather. The old & frail animals are young again. Those who are maimed are made whole again. They play all day with each other. There is only one thing missing. They are not with their special person who loved them on earth. So – each day they run and play until the day comes when one suddenly stops playing and looks up. His nose twitches! His ears go up! His eyes begin to shine. And this one suddenly runs from the group. You have been seen! And when you and your special friend meet, you take him into your arms and embrace. He kisses your face over & over and you look once more into the face of your trusting pet. Then, together, you cross the Rainbow Bridge, never to be separated.

It is a beautiful sentiment that this man, my neighbor, included in his letter and I can picture Diddy in this place of warm spring days - waiting for me and I am comforted because I know his spirit and mine will meet again. Until then he is safe, warm and happy.

Play well Diddy, until we meet again and cross that Rainbow Bridge…together.