TRIBUTE

ANGELS ON EARTH

WE would like to usher in 2010 by paying tribute to all the independent rescuers who have over the years saved the lives of many dogs and cats that had crossed their paths. They have been doing what they do best, without seeking publicity nor glory, simply because it is their calling to save the strays. To these angels on earth - MDDB salutes you. MDDB is inspired by all of you special people who would not leave any stone unturned in your quest to help the strays.

So, Joanne, Leigh, Christine, Rina, Ah Kiew, Aunty Mary, Eileen, Irene, Kay, Sam, Jovi, Ganesh Nicole, Vani, Mano, Erica, Chong, Kanna, Fatimah, Pat, Sabrina, Raymond, Mohan, Karin and many others who have been there for the poor strays -

THANK YOU

And this tribute would not be a tribute proper if due credit is not given to Sherrina Krishnan who made public the noble work being carried out by the independent rescuers.


This is dedicated to all of you.


THE RESCUERS' RAINBOW BRIDGE


Unlike most days on Rainbow Bridge, this day dawned cold and gray, damp as a swamp and as dismal as could be imagined. All of the recent arrivals had no idea what to think, as they had never experienced a day like this before. But the animals who had been waiting for their beloved people knew exactly what was going on and had started to gather at the pathway leading to The Bridge to watch.

It wasn't long before an elderly dog came into view, head hung low and tail dragging. the other animals, the ones who had been there for a while, knew what his story was right away, for they had seen this happen far too often.

He approached slowly, obviously in great emotional pain but with no sign of injury or illness. Unlike all of the other animals waiting at The Bridge, this dog had not been restored to youth and made healthy and vigorous again. As he walked towards, The Bridge he watched all the other animals watching him. He knew he was out of place here and the sooner he could cross over, the happier he would be. But, alas, as he approached The Bridge, his way was barred by the appearance of an Angel, who apologised but told the broken-spirited old dog that he would not be able to pass. Only animals who were with their humans could pass over Rainbow Bridge.

With nobody and no place else to turn to, the elderly dog turned towards the fields before The Bridge and saw a group of other animals like himself, also elderly and infirm as well as sad and discouraged. They weren't playing but simply lying on the green grass, forlornly staring at the pathway leading to The Bridge. And so he took his place among them, watching the pathway and waiting.

One of the newest arrivals at The Bridge, a dog, did not understand what he had just witnessed and asked another dog that had been there for a while to explain the situation to him.

"You see, that old dog was a rescue. He was rescued looking like how you see him now, an older animal with his fur graying and his eyes clouding. He never found a family after being rescued and passed on with only the love shown by his rescuer to comfort him as he left his earthly existence. Because he had no family that had given him love, he has no one to escort him over The Bridge.''

The dog thought about this for a moment and then asked - "So what will happen now?''
As he was about to receive his answer, the clouds suddenly parted and the gloom disappeared.

A single person was seen approaching The Bridge and the whole group of destitute animals waiting outside the pathway to The Bridge were suddenly bathed in a golden light. They all became young and healthy and in the prime of their lives again.

"Watch and see,'' said the second animal. Another group of animals who were waiting within the pathway to The Bridge also approached the person and bowed low as she appeared. At each bowed head, the person offered a pat or a scratch behind the ears. The destitute animals, who had been waiting outside the pathway to The Bridge, followed the person to The Bridge. Once there they all crossed The Rainbow Bridge together.

"What happened?''

"That was a rescuer. The animals you saw bowing in respect were those who found new homes because of her efforts. They will cross when their humans arrive. Those you saw waiting outside the pathway to The Bridge were those who never found homes. When a rescuers arrives here, they are allowed to carry out one final rescue. They are allowed to escort those poor animals , that they couldn't rehome on earth, across The Rainbow Bridge.

"I think I like rescuers,'' said the first dog.

" So does Heaven, my friend. So does Heaven,'' was the reply.