What it is all about

Today was a great day and the Blessing of the Animals was a wonderful event for UrbanLife and First Church. There are many stories to tell and this is the one I choose for you tonight.
The first person in my line to have her pet blessed was a small-frame woman carrying her very old and very sick small dog, probably a Chihuahua mix. I wish I knew this woman's name; I'm not even sure if she is a member of First Church or a visitor to the park that day.
I knew that this pet was not long for this world. After I gave the pet a blessing, she began to cry. I wrapped my arm around her when she whispered that she has to put her dog down in the morning. I wanted to scoop her aside and pray for her and her dog but the press of the line behind her and her own sensitivity wanting her privacy quickly ushered her out of my presence.
I did not see her again. Somehow in the Universe's amazing ways, I hope this message gets to her. This is from the poem, The Rainbow Bridge.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal
dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow
Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can
run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our
friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are
restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and
strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss
someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play
together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance.
His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run
from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and
faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally
meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy
kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you
look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life
but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...