Unlike most days at Rainbow Bridge, this day was cold and grey. The new arrivals had no idea what to think. But, the animals who had been there for awhile knew what was happening and started to gather at the pathway to watch. It wasn't long before an elderly animal came into view, head hung low and tail dragging. The other animals knew what his story was right away, for they had seen this happen far too often. He approached slowly, in great emotional pain, but with no sign of injury or illness. This one had not been restored to youth and made healthy again. As he walked toward The Bridge he knew he was out of place and the sooner he could cross over, the better. But, as he approached The Bridge, he was barred by an Angel who apologized but told him that he could not pass. Only those animals who were with their people could pass over Rainbow Bridge. With no place else to turn to, the elderly animal turned towards a group of other animals like himself who were lying in the green grass before The Bridge. They were staring out at the pathway leading to The Bridge. One of the newer arrivals at The Bridge didn't understand what he had just witnessed and asked one of the animals that had been there for awhile. "That poor animal was a rescue. He was turned into rescue just as you see him now, an older animal with his fur greying and his eyes clouding. He never made it out of rescue and passed with only the love of his rescuer to comfort him. Because he had no family to give his love to, he has nobody to escort him across The Bridge." The clouds suddenly parted and the gloom lifted. Approaching The Bridge could be seen a single person. Among the older animals, a whole group was bathed in a golden light and they were all young and healthy again. Another group of animals came to the pathway and bowed low as the person neared. At each bowed head the person offered a pat on the head or a scratch behind the ears. The newly restored animals fell into line and followed her towards The Bridge. They all crossed together. "What happened?" "That was a rescuer. The animals you saw bowing in respect were those who found new homes because of her work. They will cross when their families arrive. Those who were restored were those who never found homes. When a rescuer arrives they are allowed to perform one final act of rescue. They are allowed to escort those animals that they couldn't place on earth across The Rainbow Bridge." "I think I like rescuers", said the first animal. "So does GOD", was the reply.