Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When a pet dies, one that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.

It is a land of hills and valleys, meadows and lush green grass where all our special friends can run and play together.  There is always food and water, warm spring weather and gentle breeze.  Our friends are warm and comfortable and happy.

Those who had been ill or old are restored to health and vigor.  Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, They are just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, but for one small thing: they miss someone very special to them, someone 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.  The nose twitches; ears go up; bright eyes are intent; the eager body quivers.

Suddenly this one breaks away from the group, flying over the green grass, legs pumping faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you both meet, you take them into your arms, embracing them in joyous reunion.  The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head.

You look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life, but never absent from your heart.

And together you cross over, never to be parted again.

13 responses to “Rainbow Bridge”

  • heysugarsugar
    December 27th, 2012 at 5:17 am

    Oh my….11 years ago my first Boxer ‘Vinnie’ died in my arms..he was my best friend, we went everywhere together. I t was a very sudden illness and he was so young only 18 months old…he came up to me lay on my lap and passed. …I was in bits. an old friend sent me this very poem on a few days later and I printed it off and to this day I have it. your dog was very beautiful and this post is heart touching. Ceri

    • Wyrd Smythe
      December 27th, 2012 at 10:10 am

      Aw, that sucks when they die young. That Cocker-Poodle I mentioned. She didn’t make it to one-year-old. Long story, but basically she chased a bus and lost. It’s a very sad tale (not an occasion for the obvious pun there, but consider it referenced) with some interesting notes that make it worth telling. I’ll write a post about it someday.

      The Black Lab pictured, Sam, was my child. She got a fast-moving cancer when she was 11. It was not much more than a month from detection to when I had to let her go, so it was mercifully quick (at least compared to what some pets and owners suffer). The raw wounded feeling goes away after a few years, but I still miss her; we had great times together. (I don’t know if you’ve found it, but I have written one post about Sam. It’s about an incredibly perfect day. I have more planned; at least one for in January.)

  • heysugarsugar
    March 8th, 2013 at 3:39 am

    😦

  • Hariod Brawn
    July 3rd, 2014 at 7:00 pm

    I so want to believe this; or rather just be there.

    Won’t be long Nellie.

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