12/28/2025
As I made my way to the Rainbow Bridge to welcome our newest VIPs, my heart was heavy.
“Mamaw, I just don’t understand why,” I said as we walked together to join the gathering crowd. “I know I should be happy, but I’m so sad havin’ to welcome these two…it wasn’t time…”
“Sweetheart, we can really never know why,” Mamaw replied as she gently pet my head. “Sometimes it’s simply beyond our understanding and you know what? It’s ok to be sad, even though you’re happy to welcome them home. It’s all part of the circle of life, I guess.”
I nodded and as we joined the crowd, the skies began to part. Golden rays of sunshine burst forth through the clouds and there they were in all their glory — Mr. One Toof Raffie and his best friend, Odin from Bundleofbullies!
“Oh, boys!” I said as I rushed to greet them. “We’re so happy to see you! We have such a celebration planned with every kind of cheeseburgers and cookies and anything you like!”
They stood there a minute, taking it all in, and Raffie said, “That sounds great, but first can we go to that special place I heard about to talk to Mom?”
“Serenity Lake? You bet! Let’s go!”
As we all walked together the lake, I said, “Boys, most of the world knows your story, so I won’t ask you to tell it all again. But if there’s one thing you could share, what would it be?”
Raffie thought for a minute and said, “Well, Desi, I think it would be that all dogs deserve a chance. You know, my life started out in a bad situation — I was a bait dog. And the things I endured, well…” he trailed off. “Let’s just say it’s a miracle I made it outta there.”
“Oh, Raffie,” I cried. “My heart is breaking for you.”
“It’s ok, Desi,” he said. “You know why? ‘Cuz an angel saved me and gave me a chance. She saw past my fears and helped me learn to trust again. That was our mama, Maren. She helped me learn how to love.”
We slowed as the lake came into view.
“Boys, go talk to your mama.”
Raffie and Odin made their way to the crystal clear water and quietly sat as waves lapped the shore. Then Raffie began to speak.
“Mom, I know you’re devastated. First me, then my brother, Odin — it’s almost more than one can bear. But Mom, if there’s anything you taught me, it’s we’re strong and we can overcome anything. You’ll make it through this and you know how I know? Because you helped me make it through. You helped me believe I could love and trust and live a happy life again.”
“Yeah, Mom,” Odin chimed in. My past wasn’t scary as my bubby here, but you taught me what true love really was.”
“Mom, you gave me and Odin the happiest life possible. I loved our morning routines, the silly costumes, and adventures we had. I loved our snuggles and quiet moments. But most of all? I loved you, Mom. We loved you. You were our world and you gave us happiness every moment we were together. Remember that in those hard days ahead, ‘k? Remember Odin and I love you to the moon and back.”
“Oh, fellas, that was beautiful,” I said as I wiped away a tear. “Welcome home, Raffie and Odin, welcome home.”
Love
Angel Destiny 🌈
