Lessons From The Bridge

       Note From Enzo's Mom:

As we age our bodies change which triggers that response of uh oh that middle age spread is spreading a little to far! Well the same thing happened to Enzo and guess what? His friends loved him just the way he is!  

***This blog was written as a joint project by Lucky's Mom Julie and myself. 

      

        Tummy? What Tummy?

     It seemed like I floated forever through the clouds when I suddenly landed with a "Thud" in front of a set of big golden gates. Thud? Then "Umph". Now that's odd thought Enzo I figured clouds would be soft and I sratched my head at this rather strange landing. As I sat on the nice fluffy cloud pondering about the muffled Umph. I suddenly heard a soft but slightly annoyed voice saying alright big boy would you please remove your fuzzy bottom off of me! You are getting golden fur all over my robe not to mention you bent one of my wings! I jumped up and looked between my feet at a slightly rumpled Judge Foley still clutching her notebook where she entered the names of all the pets as they entered the gates to the Bridge. What are you doing out here I said as Foley jumped up, shaking out her robe and straightening her halo. If you must know Mr Enzo you are very late for your appointed arrival time so I stepped outside the gate to see if you were actually coming today. Then while I was looking through the cloud with the hole in it something quite heavy sat on me. With that said Foley poked my tummy with her paw and said oh dear we will never find wings to fit over that round belly of yours! 

    I glanced at my tummy and realized just how many cookies I had eaten while I was hanging out with my parents. Oops I am so sorry Foley I guess I did put on a few extra pounds and I hope I didn't hurt you. Well let's get you sworn in and settled into the mountain section of the rainbow bridge then we will work on getting you in an exercise program. Oh nooooo thought Enzo I finally arrived at the place of eternal rest and the first thing I get is diet kibble and an exercise program? Nooooooo! 

    Actually, come to think of it, I said as I sucked my tummy in, I think I’m just a bit bloated from the free peanuts and soda the Angel stewardesses give you as you travel up and over the Rainbow Bridge. I didn’t mention to the judge that I actually had 3 bubbly cans of pop and 5 extra bags of peanuts before I landed on her. Luckily, as I looked away from the stern faced judge, I noticed a familiar face, my old pal Willie! 

   It had been far too long since we last saw each other. We greeted each other with a big, heartfelt hug! Willie whispered in my ear as we embraced, come with me and I’ll take you to the never ending cookie jar they have here. They are the yummiest treats I’ve ever tasted!” 

     Um, I’m sorry I squashed you when I landed Foley, but I really must go now. Willie and I have a lot of catching up to do. Then Willie grabbed my paw and we quickly ran off towards the delicious heavenly treats!

      Willie and I hurried down the neatly raked path leading to the heavenly treat jar. There were many old friends lingering around the bridge break room. But my eyes were drawn to the two beautiful flowing fountains in the center of the room. One appeared to be bubbling spring water but the other one smelled so delicious it made my nose lead me right to it! Willie what is that wonderful smell? It is chocolate said Willie, you know the stuff you were not allowed to eat in the mortal world because it was bad for you. But nothing can hurt you up here so you can have all the forbidden food you want! As Willie was speaking he showed me how to lap up the yummy cocoa flavored water. I drank until my belly started grumbling. Uh Oh I forgot about my diet!!! Judge Foley will be really upset if I get any rounder! That's when I noticed the full length mirror in the corner and paused to admire my newly aquired body shape. I patted my tummy and thought about all the wonderful treats that filled up that nicely rounded belly! That's when I noticed a small figure in the mirror. Enzo come with me we are going to the bridge gym for your first heavenly workout. But, but your honor I have only been here an hour and I already have to hit the gym?! Yes replied the judge. We must keep our angels in good shape so we don't have to keep ordering new wings. Besides I think there is a friend of yours waiting to see you. His name is Lucky and he is also on an exercise and diet program. What is it with golden retrievers anyway? Don't you know when to stop eating? Now come with me Mr Enzo.

      I begrudgingly followed the judge to the gym. Other than hiking and swimming, I’ve never cared much for other forms of exercise. Why walk on the treadmill when I can run and explore a large beautiful mountain? I don’t see any reason to lift weights, I’m very strong from helping Mommy & Daddy with all the chores around our rural property. Foley seems to be the chief around here, so I went where I was told (for now, wink). 

As I walked into to the gym, I caught myself in the mirror again. I really like my big belly, it’s full of happy, tasty memories and offers more room on my belly for rubs. My tummy also makes it more inviting for cozy cuddling. If you ask me, I look pretty darn good. Okay, time for the gym tour. “Treadmills & stair steppers here, weight room there”, I tried hard not to roll my eyes as Foley showed me around, but I just couldn’t seem to help myself. Ugh! Non of this exercise stuff was part of my eternal peace plan. 

      Finally, I was shown the pool and wow was it big and beautiful! All natural rock, slippery slides, a long, tall diving board and a big waterfall at the end of it! I think this might work out just fine, as long as I only spend my time in the pool, just then, my thought was interrupted. I heard a loud, excited howl calling to me from one of the water slides. “Hey Enzo, it’s me Buddy!” Slipping quickly into the pool I could see a gold blur, with a huge, what looked like a pink tongue hanging out of it. Was that Lucky? It all happened too fast to be sure?

Then, suddenly, from underneath the water, like a fuzzy submarine on red alert that was headed right towards me. When the curly wet mass reached my fluffy toes on the edge of the pool, up popped a big fury, wet mess with a giant smile, “Enzo, it’s you! I’ve missed you so much” Lucky said through panting breath.

      Enzo! What are you doing in the shallow end asked Lucky? With a quick roll of the eyes I explained I never learned to swim and now I am a little self conscious about my expanding waistline! I looked away just as Lucky exploded in laughter! He hopped out of the pool and proudly showed me his round tummy which he rubbed and said this is called "love" because it is filled with unlimited cookies from my parents! This tummy reminds me of my home, my family and the love we shared when I lived with them. Lucky and I got very quiet and with a big smile I rubbed my tummy and felt the love from every cookie my parents fed me. Right then I thought to myself this is not so bad after all as I hugged my friend Lucky.  

***The moral of our story is be kind to yourself and know that you are loved just the way you are.  

Golden Kisses From the Bridge,

Enzo and Lucky