LINK DAY Truly, The Rainbow Bridge was a special place. Animals who had left the earth could run free in the beautiful spacious area. All who had been ill or injured were renewed. Those who had been abused were restored and recalled the memories, but felt none of the pain and held none of the injuries. Hills of lush grass abounded. Streams and waterfalls of clear water were found throughout the landscape. The ferrets could run, dook and play to their hearts content. There were fountains of ferretone and treats and goodies galore. But this day there was no time for play. Time was short. They all awoke, groomed themselves, and prepared for a grand day. The time was right. The stars and planets had aligned. The forces of heaven and earth were with them. They were ready. They began to meet at the Great Reflecting pool. A pond of still, clear water. It was at this pond where the ferrets could look down upon those humans who loved them and cared for them. But today . . . . today they could be with them. They could do so for only a brief second, but it meant the world to them. A small sable named Breeze was first in line. He was quivering. Ive never done this before he explained. What do I need to do?. A ferret who had been at The Bridge for several years placed a large paw gently on Breezes back. Its simple, he explained. Just look down upon your hooman and think of a precious memory that you two shared. Something youve done. Something that will remind them of you. Breeze thought for a moment. She named me Breeze because when she held me I would breath on her neck and give her shivers. She said it was like a cool breeze on her back. Breeze turned all his thoughts toward the Reflecting Pool. He could see the vision of his human mom in the waters. Going about her business, a young woman on earth feels a coolness on the nape of her neck. She shivers for a second saying, Breeze, stop that. She reaches for the ferret on her shoulder and stops, realizing that he is not really there. As tears well up in her eyes as she glances up saying, I miss you too, Breeze . . . mommy loves you. Tears of happiness, mixed with those of sadness, begin to drop into the pond. Did you hear that? Breeze asked. She knew it was me . . . she really did . . . she misses me and loves me!. Other ferrets hug Breeze gently and smile. They know what a bittersweet moment it can be. The sadness of not being able to be with the human you love, the joy of knowing they miss you as well. A former shelter kid looks down upon his shelter mom by an empty play cage. The last time they saw me they were so happy to see me play for the first time. They didnt know I would be leaving so soon. They were happy to see me dance and play before I left. The tinkle of the bell ball gets the shelter moms attention. As she looks over she can see the hanging toys swing wildly as if being played with an unseen paw. She stops and reflects on all those who have gone. Dampness rolls from her eyes down her cheeks. A bit of sadness, yet happiness in knowing one you love is still watching over you. Throughout the world, ferret lovers experience the same thing. A flash of a ferret long gone racing past. A jingle of a toy. Nibbles on the toe or ear, a sudden shiver from a kiss on the neck, the warmth of a fuzzy laying on their chest. Perhaps even finding a lost toy or a long unused hidey-hole. A scent, favorite bedding, hearing playful dooks when no ferret is around. All designed to provoke thoughts of those no longer with us. To help bring back some of those precious memories. The days of the great link are few. But in those times when a Bridge kid can be reunited with the ones who love them . . . they can mean so much. Close your eyes . . . . clear your mind . . . you can see them, cant you? Hear the chortles and dooks as they tell you of the love they will always have for you. Kevin B & The Way Kewl Kritter Crew [log in to unmask] Pacific Ferret Shelter Network VP http://www.FERRETNET.ORG Oregon Ferret Shelter volunteer http://www.OregonFerretShelter.com [Posted in FML issue 4751]