Rainbow Bridge

17 years ago

In sending my condolences to Ritamay and expressing by belief that her furbaby went over the rainbow Bridge, I wondered if maybe some of our KT friends have ever heard about this trip our departed pets take .

RAINBOW BRIDGE

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 the 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 that 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 each 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.....

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Comments (8)

Jasdip
17 years ago
OMG, Dotmom. This made me cry.
I've seen Rainbow Bridge mentioned several times here, but never knew the significance. How wonderfully, deeply moving.

Thanks so much for posting this. I've had a few cats cross the Rainbow Bridge. I'll be looking for them when it's time!
grandma_bonnie
17 years ago
I have used this poem when dealing with the death of animals - especially with the children. My DH was also somehow better after I printed this out with the picture of his Belle in the corner... It is such a nice thought - that our animals will meet us and go Over the rainbow bridge with us when it is our turn... Have you read the Rainbow Bridge on 9-11? I just found it - be ready for the tears...
Welcome at the Rainbow Bridge 9/11/01

by Alexander Theodore, Bouvier, Fourth Year Resident

On the morning of September 11, 2001, there was an unprecedented amount of
activity at the Rainbow Bridge. Decisions had to be made.

They had to be made quickly. And, they were.

An issue, not often addressed here, is the fact that many residents really
have no loved one for whom to wait. Think of the pups who lived and died in
hideous puppy mills. No one on earth loved or protected them. What about the
many who spent unhappy lives tied in backyards?

And, the ones who were abused, Who are they to wait for?

We don't talk about that much up here. We share our loved ones as they
arrive, happy to do so. But we all know there is nothing like having your
very own person who thinks you are the most special pup in the Heavens.

Last Tuesday morning a request rang out for pups not waiting for specific
persons to volunteer for special assignment.. An eager, curious crowd surged
excitedly forward, each pup wondering what the assignment would be.

They were told by a solemn voice that unexpectedly, all at once, over

4,000 loving people had left Earth long before they were ready. All the
pups, as all pups do, felt the humans' pain deep in their own hearts.
Without hearing more, there was a clamoring among them - "May I have one to
comfort?"

"I'll take two, I have a big heart." "I have been saving kisses forever."

One after another they came forward begging for assignment. One
cozy-looking fluffy pup hesitantly asked, "Are there any children coming? I
would be very comforting for a child 'cause I'm soft and squishy and I
always wanted to be hugged." A group of Dalmatians came forward asking to
meet the Firemen and be their friends. The larger working breeds offered to
greet the Police Officers and make them feel at home. ! Little dogs
volunteered to do what they do best, cuddle and kiss.

Dogs who on Earth had never had a kind word or a pat on the head, stepped
forward and said, "I will love any human who needs love."

Then all the dogs, wherever on Earth they originally came from, rushed to
the Rainbow Bridge and stood waiting, overflowing with love to share - each
tail wagging an American Flag.
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dotmom
Original Author
17 years ago
Yup, Grandma Bonnie, you were right. I[m bawling like a baby. That is so very touching. Thanks for posting it. Dottie
ritamay91710
17 years ago
Dotmom.....how thoughtful and sweet of you to send that. Thank you so much. I hope it's true. I do believe that we will see him again. I have to believe it. I hope he's up there playing fetch and lounging in the sun.
I just noticed that it's your B-day. I hope you have had a nice day. Thanks for taking the time to respond to me.
Rita
clubm
17 years ago
The poem was given to me when we had our Dobermen cremated. Its beautiful but I can't read it without crying.
Jeane Gallo
17 years ago
I definitely believe that our pets will be there waiting for us in heaven. When I lost my dog that I'd had for 18 years, I couldn't be consoled. I ended up writing a poem about him. I just happened to post it to my blog today. I know some of you aren't crazy about bloggers promoting their blogs, but I don't advertise anything. It is just a hobby. You are invited to visit...or not.

Here is a link that might be useful: NeeNee's House
dotmom
Original Author
17 years ago
Ritamay, your so welcome. I truly it helps a little, although the ache lasts a while. I lost my 18 yr old "Baby" in December, and I think of her every day. Just this past week I was able to toss out her scratching box. Thank you for the nice B'day greeting. Dottie
Tally
17 years ago
The petloss website has a lot of info on grieving for pets.

I am most familiar with the Monday Night Candle Ceremony which I first took part in in 1997.

For those of you who don't know, this is a world wide ceremony that began in 1993 which lights candles at the exact same time across the globe in memory of pets we hold dear, or for those who are listed on the Ceremony website.

Candle lighting times on Monday nights are:

In USA:
10 PM Eastern
9 PM Central
8 PM Mountain
7 PM Pacific
6 PM Alaska
5 PM Hawaii

Although I don't specifically reference the Rainbow Bridge site, we have continued the candle lighting every evening, and in doing so my husband and I send special thoughts out to anyone we know who needs them. And when we don't have anyone specific to think about, we just send thanks for a good day or anything else we are grateful for.

The link below will send you to the International Pet Grief Site which first published the Rainbow Bridge, gives information on how to post your pets name to add to the International Candle Lighting Ceremony and to the Ceremony itself:

Here is a link that might be useful: International Pet Grief, Rainbow Bridge, International Candle Lighting

Rainbow Bridge

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