EXTRACT FOR
Koda, The Dog Who Saved the Rainbow Bridge
(Craig M. Sampson)

      My name is Koda. Things here at the Rainbow Bridge are back to normal now, but there was a time just recently in which the future of our home here was a bit uncertain. My friends here have urged me to write down my story.......I'm not so sure. To me, it's not that big a deal, but everyone here seems to feel differently. Mostly it's my guys........you know.......dogs......... that are insistent on this point. I talk to everyone here-even the cats. It's not that I dislike cats at all, it's just that, well.......they're cats. I'm not sure I can explain this very well........my guys understand, but beyond that, it comes out confusing. 



        I guess the best way to put it into writing, is that cats are just different. Even when I was back on Earth this was the case. Here in this beautiful place that we all have come to after our Earth-bound lives, cats are still sort of in their own little world.......it's still all about them even here. I am really hoping you take this as an observation only........I do not mean it to sound like I am judging.........my guys.......we don't judge.........never have...........hopefully never will.



      I am guessing that maybe you are wondering exactly what it's like here at the Rainbow Bridge. I could go into all that and paint a detailed picture for you, but I think a little mystery in life is a good thing. Our good friend, Mr. Dahl, has made an amazing and pretty accurate depiction of the place in his poem which I know is well known and respected among you humans back on Earth who holds a special place in your hearts for those of us fortunate enough to call this home now. You may also have heard that my guys don't reincarnate as our unique makeup gives us, shall I say a pass, on coming back to learn lessons we need to learn before moving on. In general, that is true.........think about a dog you know in your life on Earth..........any dog. 



       From our introduction into the material world, we are blessed with the gifts that most humans strive for in their development. In fact, and now this is just one dog's opinion, if you would pay more attention to how we live when we are on Earth, you might get insight into some of these lessons that you spend multiple lifetimes trying to learn. As dogs, we live to serve-even if only as a close companion, live pretty much only in the moment, are quick to forgive, rarely if ever hold a grudge, exude unconditional love, exhibit patience for you-except for those yummy liver treats-just could never control myself around them-and.....and this is a big one.......tolerate cats........haaaa, got ya! Just wanted to see if you were paying attention........cats are OK.......but all the other points I make, I make in all seriousness.



       So, just take what you know of the Rainbow Bridge as it is and let your imagination fill in any details that you feel are necessary to understand it. As I said, a little mystery in life is a good thing, I think........how boring to know everything........where's the challenge and where's the learning opportunity if you know it all already? The only detail that I will embellish on, and it is more of homage to Mr. Dahl, is the last couple paragraphs in his poem........we are waiting......waiting patiently for our humans to arrive. Don't roll your eyes at me........it happens and I have seen it and if I could have cried when I saw it I would have. The eventual reunions that I have witnessed are among the most mystical and magical events ever.  



       As I will explain later, my incarnation to Earth was for a really specific purpose..........not that all dogs do not have a special purpose-they do.........but in this case, my mission was unique, and this is what this story is about. But like you humans, my arrival on Earth was clouded and cloaked in memory loss and fuzziness of the distinct details.........I have been through the whole cycle, so you will just have to trust me on this. If you knew everything all along your journey, it would mess it up.........your briefing prior to your actual incarnation is detailed and specific, but as you make the trip of incarnation it is purposefully disguised in order that you might act in accordance with your free will as it is intertwined with your life's purpose. Pretty good for a dog, don't you think? So just move along your own unique, individualized path knowing that you are important and vital-just as me and my guys are. At times it may not seem like it, but having been around the horn, so to speak, it is true.



      Dogs, both here and on Earth, seem to gravitate toward wanting to serve and be great companions. My friends here seem to feel that's true of me, and I know from my last visit to Earth and my best friends that I had there, that it was true on Earth as well. Anyway........everyone here seems to be viewing me now as some sort of hero for what happened recently in the near demise of Rainbow Bridge. To me, "hero" is a pretty overblown title-not sure I really need to carry that around, but it is what it is. So at their insistence, I guess I will relate my story........well, not me doing the actual writing really.......I'm getting some help.



         Things here are more magical and joyful than I had ever imagined, but the reality is that I still need help with writing. I can tell the story just fine........it's just that the physical process is still limited........the paws vs. fingers thing. Couldn't open a can of my food on Earth and cannot get my words onto paper from here by myself. So, I have recruited a special friend from Earth to set this down in a way that you can understand it and if you are so inclined, pass my story along to "your guys".



       I lived with my best friends from Earth most of my last life, and I know they still miss me greatly-the feeling is mutual. When I left my physical body on Earth, it was a time of great sadness for my friends and they are just now, almost 2 years later, really coming to terms with my departure. We still talk.........not like you guys do with each other.........but we still talk. This is hard to describe, and if I did I am not sure you would be able to understand-just have to trust me again on this one. So, I have recruited help to set my story into words.........it will make everyone here very happy and will give my friend a closer connection to me through this work. To really understand what almost happened here, and why my connection to its near-collapse is key, we will have to go back to my incarnation to Earth and why my presence here was vital to preserving the Rainbow Bridge.