In Loving Memory Of Beau

Eatbugs was lounging in a sunny patch with Picnic. He turned his face into the light and was enjoying the warmth

 on his face as Picnic recounted the antics of his youth. Eatbugs chuckled from time to time. He enjoyed listening to his

 friend's tales, such an exciting life he had. Picnic was recalling a particularly entertaining encounter with poodle

when Eatbugs felt a tingling in his whiskers. Eatbugs bowed his head as the odd feeling crept over him. When he

looked up, Picnic was silent and solemn. Eatbugs nodded in answer to Picnic's questioning look.

"Another of us comes", he said in a voice so quiet that Picnic barely heard.

Silently the two friends rose and, once again, made their solemn journey to the gate.

The wind began to stir around them as the gentle music which constantly danced in the breeze changed to the

clear sad song that announced the coming of a friend. Wordlessly the kiddens walked, acknowledging with

 their eyes the others as they joined the procession. Smokey and Isolde, Puppie and Mister, Tinky and Imbri, Tiny Bubbles

and Rocky. From their games and their rest, from their conversations and meals the kiddens came to bid

welcome to yet another friend. At the gate the kiddens formed a semi-circle and began their vigil. Each of them reflected

on their arrival to the Bridge; each remembering the humans for whom they now waited and the loved ones left

 behind. Heads were bowed and tears were shed for those now facing separation and loss.

A flash of blue light appeared before them. As it faded a handsom boy kidden sat before them. He looked around,

blinking. Quietly, a beautiful white kidden stepped forward from the assembly. Ebony walked silently to her brother and gently

licked his face, "Oh Beau", she said in a husky voice, "Welcome, brother, to the Rainbow Bridge".

Beau looked up into his sister's eyes and felt an odd mix of emotions, joy and sorrow, fear and relief.

Ebony nuzzled his softly, "It's all right Beau. We are together now and together we will wait for mom".

Beau nodded and nuzzled Ebony.

Ebony turned and presented Beau to the group. One by one the kiddens came to give nose greetings and to

bid their friend welcome. Eatbugs was about to give his greeting when a loud noise caused him to jump.

The kiddens all turned to find the source of the rather strange sound to find themselves facing a rather embarrassed duck.

"Er, excuse me", said Dudley, "I'm sorry if my quacking disturbed you. I only wanted to greet my friend".

The kiddens stared at the duck, then at Beau, then at the duck. Beau blushed slightly and said,

"He's a very NICE duck". The kiddens moved aside and Dudley came forward to pay his respects.

When the greetings and welcomes had been given, the kiddens turned to lead Beau to his new home.

He hesitated and tapped Ebony on the shoulder. "But Ebony", he said, "What about mom?".

Ebony's eyes held a wistful look, "Don't worry", she said, "We will be together again.

 In the meantime, we can see her from the stars."

"Can she see us?", asked Beau.

"She can if she looks with her heart", said Ebony.

And together they crossed through to the Rainbow fields.

In Loving Memory of BEAU who will be greatly missed