It's a Wonderful Dog

One

SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW BRIDGE

As it happens with each sunrise over Earth, a bridge of colors formed among the swirling, dark blue rain clouds. Faint at first, then, as the moments ticked by, shades of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet deepened in glistening radiance. The rainbow rose over the clouds, widening across the expanse, and bringing with it scores of humans and dogs. Their eyes were filled with surprise as they turned in wonder at the beauty around them.

Do you think the colors of the bridge are brighter today? Lea asked. The angel, with an affinity for all things relating to dogs, looked with great thought at the slow, spinning display of colors.

It’s near Christmastime. There’s much happiness on Earth but also a great deal of sadness, Josephine answered. Many tears. More rain. Deeper colors. The two angels had overseen the Rainbow Bridge for centuries and had an all-knowing understanding of the souls crossing over, as well as events on Earth pertaining to dogs. What are you seeing?

Bear Bailey is in grave danger. Without our help, he’ll join us here on the Rainbow Bridge at Christmas, Lea said.

The Great Pyrenees from Kansas? Josephine asked.

He’s in a dark place. It’s getting harder for me to keep focus on him from up here. Someone has to go and help.

Prayers on behalf of Bear Bailey had risen to Heaven in a continuous stream all night long. The words of requests from a whole community of people reflected their frantic concern that he be found and returned home by Christmas.

Are there any dogs here who might help Bear Bailey? Josephine asked.

Rows and rows of dogs sat expectantly as the rainbow continued to grow, their tails synchronized like pendulums in a clock shop. The giant breeds of Great Danes, Saint Bernards, mastiffs, and similar sized dogs aligned themselves at the back of the crowd in consideration of the smaller dogs. Without so much as a bark, the dogs arranged themselves so that even the very smallest poodles and Chihuahuas at the front had a clear view waiting for the rainbow to fully expand. A single black Labrador sat to the side near the front of the group. His feet danced in anticipation as his eyes locked on the moving rainbow.

You and I both know which dog can best help Bear, Lea replied. But he won’t go as long as he’s waiting for his human to arrive.

The rainbow’s expanding movement came to a gentle stop. Josephine raised her hands, flourishing them in the air. A burst of golden light carried the newly arrived humans’ scent onto the breeze. Myriads of dogs’ noses tilted upward; their eyes closed as they began to sniff in hope of recognizing their human’s scent floating on the air. Men and women, and even small children, descended from the bridge along with a pack of newly arriving dogs, all looking into the sea of waiting furry faces.

As the humans drew nearer, most of the dogs barked in welcome but then turned away, not recognizing a familiar scent to run toward. The dogs arriving that day at the Rainbow Bridge without their humans joined this group and followed the morning sun leading them back to the rolling land of the Golden Meadow. Running through the unending lush fields, flower-filled valleys, and gentle hilltops would help them pass another day of waiting until they reassembled again for the next sunrise.

The remaining dogs in view of the Rainbow Bridge who connected to a scent in the air heard their name shouted by a beloved voice from their memories on Earth. Joyful mayhem ensued as dogs ran to the people they loved, zigzagging between one another, barking in excitement when their patient loyalty was rewarded. Somersaulting, barking, and laughter filled the area, along with tears of happiness and relief.

I can’t believe I get to watch this every morning, Lea said, wiping a tear.

One by one, the humans and dogs connected like strong magnets. The bigger dogs tried to maintain the impeccable manners they’d learned while on the Rainbow Bridge, but inevitably lost control of their emotions and toppled their laughing humans. The smaller dogs jumped into the outstretched arms of people crying for joy, licking their faces as they, too, forgot all etiquette. Among the happy reunions, the black Labrador ran from group to group, sniffing the ground and air around them for any signs of familiarity. He tugged a few sleeves and pawed at the backs of people turned in the opposite direction in an effort to see a face until he’d exhausted all possibilities of a connection.

This is the element of the morning that gives me pause, Josephine said, her eyes on the Labrador. His human has not come this morning. I wonder what we can do to divert his attention from his sadness.

You know you can send a giant squirrel offering a platter of bacon and Jiff will not be dissuaded from watching the bridge, Josephine.

In a short time, like a giant card shuffle, humans reunited with all of the dogs from their lifetime and continued their journey past the Golden Meadow to whatever the human had conceived Heaven to be during their lifetime on Earth. The Rainbow Bridge faded from sight and disappeared entirely for the day.

Jiff ran the length of where the rainbow had been, barking into the expanse, searching the clouds as he whimpered.

He’ll stay there until twilight, Lea said.

He’s still our oldest dog here?

Lea nodded. By a couple of decades.

Josephine began walking toward the Labrador. The smell of sunshine after spring rain filled the air as she spoke. I’ve never seen such devotion. His attention never wavers.

I’ve tried everything, but he wants nothing else but his human. Lea had crossed the Rainbow Bridge as a human nearly a millennia before and had begged to stay on, so great was her love for dogs and her desire to see their deepest wishes come true.

What a good boy, Josephine said, moving across the sky effortlessly in a blink. She knelt to Jiff, opening her palm to reveal a dog treat.

The Labrador sniffed the tidbit and turned away, leaving it in Josephine’s hand. She closed her fingers around the morsel making it disappear.

You know you don’t have to eat here, Jiff. But many of the dogs love the taste of their favorite foods on Earth. It helps them pass the time, Josephine said.

His brown eyes were solemn and wide as he shook his head. He turned to the sky again.

It could be any day now, Jiff, Lea said, her voice encouraging and cheery.

Tomorrow? Jiff asked, his ears lifting.

Josephine scratched the top of his head and worked her way back down his neck where she massaged his shoulders. We only ever have a general idea, Jiff. Souls decide themselves when their journey is over.

I’m tired of waiting, the dog said, putting his head down and sighing.

Lea cleared her throat and tilted her head to Jiff, raising her eyebrows to Josephine.

We have something we’d like you to consider, Jiff. You don’t have to help but we have a Pyrenees on Earth in urgent trouble, Josephine said, motioning downward. He’s already one of our favorites.

Jiff lifted his head and sniffed. Why?

Bear Bailey has a particular knack for uniting everyone, Josephine said. He brings out the best in the people around him. They’re devasted he’s lost. Here, have a quick look. Her hands in the air like a skilled artist, she moved the clouds in such a way that the vision of the Great Pyrenees appeared in front of the trio almost as lifelike as if he’d crossed the bridge that morning. In the background, quick flashes of various people praying in earnest for the dog’s safety, crying and pacing in their homes below appeared in the vision, along with their personal memories of Bear. Jiff watched the fast-moving scenes until they disappeared.

We can’t help Bear from up here, Lea said.

The Lab looked up at the angels in confusion. You both handle everything here on the Rainbow Bridge. Why not Bear?

You know Josephine and I have to wait for arrivals each morning.

You’re both powerful. There must be a way, Jiff said.

We can only ‘see’ so far down on Earth, Jiff. With our attention here on the Bridge, we can’t always connect completely to a dog’s life on Earth, Josephine said. That’s why we’d like to send you to help Bear. Our ambassador, so to speak.

I’ve never heard of you sending a dog from the Rainbow Bridge to help on Earth, Jiff said, beginning to lick his paws in nervousness.

We actually have done it a handful of times, Lea said.

Jiff looked unmoved and sat silent in the best way he knew to be polite but not give the impression he was agreeing to go.

Josephine looked at Lea, knowing her empathy for dogs was a much-needed skill in convincing Jiff. Lea loved on all the dogs crossing the Bridge each day. In addition to her love, she was almost a dog herself, so she communicated with them in a way they seemed to understand.

Your record on Earth shows what an immense helper you were, Jiff, Lea began. Once a good boy, always a good boy, she said, smiling, hoping to cheer the Labrador.

Jiff whimpered and began to cry. He’s scared. I can feel it.

Bear Bailey? Lea asked.

He shook his head. My human.

That’s curious. You shouldn’t be able to sense that here. Only what we show you, Josephine said. I think your mind is making you believe you can see what you can’t.

Jiff looked up at her. It gets worse every day. I’m worried he won’t make it.

Lea’s face fell. Do you think your human is bad? You shouldn’t worry, Jiff. They’re almost all just scared and trying their best.

My human has always been very good.

Then what is it? Lea asked.

He fell off a bridge, Jiff said, shivering as if he’d just emerged from ice-cold water.

But you saved him, Josephine said. You pulled him from a river when he couldn’t swim. He would have died without you.

How did you know that?

We don’t know how we know, but we always know on the Rainbow Bridge, Lea said.

Jiff swallowed hard. He’s terrified of bridges. And the bridge to Heaven is the biggest one of all. He began to pant heavily.

Josephine felt the dog shaking through her touch on his fur. The Rainbow Bridge is much different from bridges on Earth, Jiff. When humans see and feel the immense beauty of the Rainbow Bridge, it washes away all fear, any sickness or pain, leaving only happiness and hope. That helps a human let go of things on Earth and be curious and excited about what lies ahead. Especially when they believe they can see their best friend again.

Jiff began pacing, this time with renewed vigor. I know what I feel, and it’s my human in pain. He must be ready to cross the Rainbow Bridge. You’ll have to find another dog to help Bear so I don’t miss him.

Jiff needs a purpose to distract his mind, Lea whispered to Josephine. Even a day of waiting is agony to him.

I think we can solve two issues at once, Josephine said quietly before turning her attention back to the Labrador. It’s your choice, Jiff, but walk with us before you decide, and let me tell you a story about a wonderful dog named Bear Bailey.

Two

WESTERN KANSAS

Mary Bailey sat alone in the fading light of the day. The Christmas tree from her childhood stood in the corner undecorated. She’d begun hanging ornaments several times and after each attempt, returned to the couch fighting the urge to pull a blanket over her body and nap into the next day.

Still in your pajamas? her husband asked, after entering the room and making his way over to turn on the lamp beside her.

She rolled her eyes, though her tone was affectionate. Don’t start, Theodore. The best thing about today was there were no unexpected visitors.

I thought you took the day to decorate for the holidays, Theodore said, looking around in puzzlement. There’s not even a sprig of mistletoe to kiss me under.

We should have flown back to Chicago for the holidays. Instead, I’m alone here in Kansas.

Raising his eyebrows and waving to his wife, Theodore said, Hello? I’m here. Always here for you.

You know what I mean. Mary’s shoulders slumped as she leaned back to rest her head on the couch.

Sitting down next to his wife, Theodore took a deep breath. I shouldn’t tease you about this. No way around it, the first Christmas after your mother’s death is going to be painful. I’m proud of you for being here, in the house you grew up in. Facing it head on.

Don’t assign me good motives. I’m only here because the flights are canceled due to bad weather and you know it, she said. You always try and make me out to be much better than I actually am. She stroked his arm, staring off into space.

You’re tired. It’s hard to see your own value when you’re exhausted. You have no siblings to help handle your mother’s estate. Just you to work through everything on your own. It’s no wonder you’re completely drained. But don’t let this period in your life, and the toll it takes, define you, Theodore said, looking down, his eyebrows furrowed. What are you holding?

First thing I pulled out to hang on the tree, she said, opening her hand.

A small square of homemade playdough had a child’s handprint on it with faded magic marker words:

Merry Christmas, Mom

1992

Mary Webb

Is this your handprint? Theodore looked at his wife with great sentimentality. You were so little, he said, lifting her hand to his lips and kissing her fingertips.

My mother kept everything. The boxes are filled with every ding-dong ornament I made all through grade school. She even has a box of cassette tapes of me singing in school Christmas pageants.

You sang? Theodore asked, his voice rising in surprise.

Ms. Hughes, our music teacher, made everyone participate, Mary said, shrugging. She told me once I had the voice of a music producer.

I don’t trust anything that might come out of my mouth at this moment.

Go ahead and laugh. I had no idea what she meant when she told me. I thought it was compliment because I loved her so much. A slight smile crossed her lips as she reflected on that time in her life. I’m just now realizing what she meant.

See? There you go! We need to access happy memories for you. Light that beautiful brain of yours up with some joyful thoughts from the past. There has to be some good holiday memories for you to remember. How could there not be? Your very name is from the most quintessential holiday film of all time.

Mary Webb?

You know exactly what I mean, Theodore said, playfully punching her in the arm. Your married name. I looked all over the world for a woman named Mary.

His wife groaned, though the look on her face was loving. And I looked all over for any kind-hearted, generous, and wise man without the last name ‘Bailey’.

You didn’t have to take my name when we married, he said, smiling. But I’m glad you did, Mary Bailey.

My mother’s favorite film. How could I not take your name and make her holiday dreams come true? It was the least I could do when I never returned after college, leaving her alone in the middle of nowhere. Who does that to their widowed parent?

Theodore lifted his wife’s chin and looked her in the eyes, all teasing cues erased from his face. Your mother loved this area. What did she always tell us when we asked her to join us in Chicago?

Mary’s eyes filled with tears for a moment before she shook her head and they disappeared. "Old roots run deep."

"Her life was here. She had friends and people who loved her. She wanted you to be happy wherever you wanted to be."

Mary sat in silence, picking up a pillow and hugging it tightly. Why don’t you mind being here?

Me?

Yes, why aren’t you climbing the walls to get out of western Kansas and back to the excitement of Chicago?

I like the change of scenery. It’s nice to be served in a restaurant where people remember you. How they have my morning coffee order ready at the Hen’s Nest before I arrive, and I can catch up on what’s going on around the area.

I hate that part, Mary said. Everybody knowing your business.

"Well, I