In Loving Memory Of SCRUFFY

The sunlight glimmered in the clear stream that runs through the Rainbow Fields.

It shimmered and danced in the gently rippling water, reflecting lavendar here and amber there as it broke over

the smooth flat stones. Eatbugs lapped quietly at the sweet water, then groomed his whiskers when he'd

had his fill. He'd spent the morning playing chasies with Beethoven and Noki and a kidden can work up quite a thirst that way.

He padded silently through the tall grass, dancing his tail in greeting as he went.

Rocky and Vito were entertaining the peepers and Eatbugs chuckled at their squeals of delighted terror

when Vito talked of THE dog dog. They'd heard the story a hundred times, but loved it with each telling.

Rummy and Persefino were wrestling happily in the grass. They stopped long enough to greet their friend before

diving once more into the fray. Muffin and Moki lazed together in the warmth of the sun. Mister and Catsup

lay curled, side by side, their whiskers bent in deep conversation. Creamsickle and Jasmine passed by Eatbugs,

in search of a willing rabbit to chase. Jasmine thought her little lop-eared friend was free this morning...

It was, as all days of the Rainbow are, one of warmth and love and companionship. Eatbugs smiled.

The world below seemed so far away at times, sometimes as close as a whisker, but always there

was the Rainbow, with its promise and its warmth. He paused for a moment to groom his tail and

decide what amusement to find. As any good kidden knows, nothing clears the mind like a good bath. He thought

about finding Tinky for a game of hide and swipe. Perhaps Vito would be interested in a game of hockey and,

 heaven knows he smiled, Little Dots, Nicky and Pouncequick were ALWAYS up for peeper rides.

He had washed his tail to his satisfaction and just about settled on the peeper rides when he felt the tug in his

 mind. "Come, Little One." The Elders' call flitted across his consciousness, felt more than heard.

He turned and trotted quickly to the clearing.

The Elders had formed their Circle. Virginia and Isolde sat solemnly in the center. Gypsy, Boots, Phillip and the others

 linked their tails and their voices. Eatbugs bowed his head. Another elder came. Silently he joined the

Circle and lifted his voice into the wind. He joined the eternal song, singing love and comfort to the one below.

The gentle melody swept over him as it winded its way to the Earth below. Do not fear, it sang.

Do not weep. It sang of the steadfastness of love. The Great Promise twined around each note as it drifted homeward.

It wrapped itself around the kidden's heart, easing all pain, cleansing all grief. Come home, it whispered.

 Come to the Creator. As one march of days comes to a close, another begins it song. Come to us in the Promise. Come to us in peace.

Eatbugs lifted his voice and sang with all his heart. He sang until Virginia lifted her head and said in her gentlest voice, "It is time."

As one the Circle rose to their paws and turned to make their journey. Shoulder to shoulder they walked

towards the Gate, to the Welcome. Another joined their ranks today, a kidden whose march of days in the sun

 was long, whose heart was wise. The Company of Kiddens fell into step with them as they passed.

 Skunk walked with Dino. Putt Putt walked with Taureen. All the kiddens bound by the love of their humans padded

 silently once more.

Eatbugs looked up at Isolde's beautiful face. Her eyes held sorrow, but a small smile danced at the corners of her lips.

Eatbugs raised an eyewhisker. Isolde smiled at him. "There is always sorrow, Little One. The love bond

between kidden and human is strong and there is much grief in their hearts today, but the kidden that comes lived

the Great Promise to its fullest. His march of days was a long one. His life was full of love and warmth. He came to us in peace,

Little One."

Eatbugs nodded. Sometimes the sorrow of the humans overwhelmed him. He felt their loss so very much, but even

in that grief he remembered. Love is eternal. The Creator of All Things made that promise when the world was young.

Nothing, no power on earth or sky, could break the love bond. Time and death could only alter its appearance

and time had no meaning here. Death was only a change. Love lived on.

They gathered around the Gate and lifted their purrs to join the Welcoming Song. The blue light flickered

across the Gate and when it faded a handsonful black and tan doggy. with delicate white paws sat

 blinking in its wake. Scruffy looked out upon the Company of Kiddens and quietly bowed his head. It was time, he knew,

 but his heart ached for the humans he had to leave behind. He sent his love to them with all of his heart.

The Elders came forward, nuzzling their newest member, purring warmth and love into his ears.

 Scruffy smiled at them. He took a few steps and smiled. It had been so long since his legs felt so strong.

His fur gleamed in the sun as it had in his youth. It was time. He was home.

The Company went through its greeting. Promises of hockey games and chasies were made, nosey greetings given.

When each had made their welcome, the Company turned to lead Scruffy home.

 He smiled at them and shook his head. "A moment, please," he said and turned and walked to the Rainbow's edge.

He pursed her whiskers in concentration. He opened his heart and turned his thoughts toward home. "Mom? Dad?

Can you hear me? I am home. I am whole. I love you and I always will. Mom? Take care of the little one

for me. Tell him I forgive him for pulling my tail.." he smiled at the memory of his little hands reaching to

 love his, "tell him I'll be here. It was time. I am home. I am waiting."

He sat for a moment looking down at the earth. He wished he could ease their sorrow, make them understand.

He closed his eyes and remembered the warmth of their hands on his fur, even the little one's

 untrained ones, and smiled. In time they would understand. In time they would be together again. She knew the

Great Promise in his heart. In time they would as well.

At last he stood and turned to the Company. Together they led him home.

In Loving Memory of SCRUFFY who will be greatly missed