Paya grew up with a lovable and saintly black lab named Buddy who was his best friend. He would rub on and lick Buddy for as long as Bud would put up with it which was usually longer than a lab should have to put up with. When Buddy passed, he was stuck with four small mixed breed rescues to amuse him. Being the silly pups they are, they thought that they were supposed to chase Paya at least once a day. Being the enlightened being he was, Paya would play their game briefly but would not suffer their foolishness for long. He had many safe places to go to but much of the time, he would just stop and look at them with a cool look on his face and they would be totally puzzled and go about their other business.
We had 14 years with Paya before it was time for him to join Buddy. We miss him daily and look forward to the day we cross the Rainbow Bridge and reunite with him and those who have gone before him.
For those who have not heard this wonderful piece written by an unknown author, here it is.
Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of 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 and 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! The nose twitches! The ears are up! The eyes are staring! And this one suddenly runs from the group.
You have been seen and when you and your special friend meet, you take him or her in your arms and embrace. Your face is kissed again and again, and you look once more into the eyes of your trusting pet.
Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge again together, never to be separated.
