RAINBOW BRIDGE
17. Aug, 2010 
3 Comments
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water, and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they all miss someone very special to them who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group; flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
YOU have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face, your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together…
–Author unknown
First time I read this is when I lost my cat Emmy Jan. 3, 2010. Today, whenever I read this, it brings tears to my eyes. As I watch my dog Smokey getting older and I dread the day I lose him and I will be “totally lost”.
This is such a beautiful poem for all of us who have lost a pet we’ve so cherished to know someday we will meet them at that rainbow. I’d rather be greeted by my dog almost more than some people who have passed.
Thank you, Linda, for your heartfelt words. We have all suffered this grief…and known the fear as we watch our companions aging. We are lucky to have shared our lives with them and to be confident in the knowledge that we have given them the best possible lives they could have known!
Judith Apy
”Not the least hard thing to bear when they go from us, these quiet friends, is that they carry away with them so many years of our own lives.”
~~John Galsworthy~~