Rainbow Bridge

[PurpleHat]

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 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....

Author unknown...

[dicards]

That brings a tear to my eye Jay, having lost 2 pets in the last 4 years. Only thing is, I have had 5 dogs and a cat in my life so far - I would probably be killed all over again in the rush

[Troubledee]

This poem gets me everytime I read it. I have to admit I would love to see Max come running to me.....he made Garfield look active.

Luv Jane XX

[maymac]

This is really lovely. Those who have never had pets don't know the sense of loss we feel when we lose one of ours, especially when they have been such a large part of your life for a long time

Love
Mary xx

[sandybeachdonkey]

ive lost a number of dogs as i allway resued rough collies, i allways read this, and it make me think that when i cross rainbow bridge i will ge to see, Jessie, Patch,Sable,Maisey, Laddie,Fudge, Tammy, Kelly, and Dusty who died this year, run over to greet me,

[Eiglas]

Tears my heart every time I read it....but I still read it.
Even though I now have my Charlie and he's a total dote, I still miss my Judy, Kerry, Kindi, China and most of all my lickle Magic and my beloved Merlin who will never ever be replaced.
Thank you for the reminder.
Hugs
Ei
x

[kingdom kid]

This helped me recently, too. Thanks for posting xx

[TwistedWitch]

This chokes me up every time I see it, but I found it a great help when I lost my lovely little hounds Tilly and then Bonnie. These days I am blessed with my Darling Poppy, who has more energy than any dog has a right to but has her paws firmly around my heart.

[Nemnog]

I love this - it gets me every time. But have you seen the other poem of it?

The Rainbow Bridge
inspired by a Norse legend

By the edge of a woods, at the foot of a hill,
Is a lush, green meadow where time stands still.
Where the friends of man and woman do run,
When their time on earth is over and done.

For here, between this world and the next,
Is a place where each beloved creature finds rest.
On this golden land, they wait and they play,
Till the Rainbow Bridge they cross over one day.

No more do they suffer, in pain or in sadness,
For here they are whole, their lives filled with gladness.
Their limbs are restored, their health renewed,
Their bodies have healed, with strength imbued.

They romp through the grass, without even a care,
Until one day they start, and sniff at the air.
All ears prick forward, eyes dart front and back,
Then all of a sudden, one breaks from the pack.

For just at that instant, their eyes have met;
Together again, both person and pet.
So they run to each other, these friends from long past,
The time of their parting is over at last.

The sadness they felt while they were apart,
Has turned into joy once more in each heart.
They embrace with a love that will last forever,
And then, side-by-side, they cross over… together.

[kingdom kid]

That's a lovely version too - thanks for posting it x