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For those of you who are not familiar with the Rainbow Bridge story/poem, here it is...


"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...

And though I can't remember the wording...I remember the thought......of all the animals waiting at the bridge to welcome the "rescue" "foster care" individual.....and to give them their thanks.....

Thanks for the reminder. It's such a beautiful thought to be greeted by my furry family members when I cross over.

Thee is a sequel to this called "Beyond the Rainbow" which is from the pet's side of it. Brings tears to my eyes reading it. But unfortunately I don't have a link for it. All you can do is put the title in your subject box and surf it on the web.

Beyond The Rainbow

As much as I loved the life we had and all the times we played,
I was so very tired and knew my time on earth would fade.
I saw a wondrous image then of a place that's trouble-free
Where all of us can meet again to spend eternity.

I saw the most beautiful Rainbow, and on the other side
Were meadows rich and beautiful -- lush and green and wide!
And running through the meadows as far as the eye could see
Were animals of every sort as healthy as could be!
My own tired, failing body was fresh and healed and new
And I wanted to go run with them, but I had something left to do.

I needed to reach out to you, to tell you I'm alright
That this place is truly wonderful, then a bright Glow pierced the night.
'Twas the Glow of many Candles shining bright and strong and bold
And I knew then that it held your love in its brilliant shades of gold.

For although we may not be together in the way we used to be,
We are still connected by a cord no eye can see.
So whenever you need to find me, we're never far apart
If you look beyond the Rainbow and listen with your heart.

cg - 1995

Oh, Nan....that is so beautiful!!! I love both poems...........

Thanks for sharing that! I hadn't read that before.

Nan, that's really nice. Who is cg?

Just wanted to bring this up for those newbies who may not have read this poem before...

Both such super sentiments. Thanks

Linda

This is my favorite Thomas Kincaid painting. It's called "Bridge of Faith." I don't know why the right side gets cut off, but you can see the majority of it. It hangs in my bedroom above my headboard. When my son was murdered I imagined him crossing this bridge enjoying the beauty and peacefulness surrounding him as he made his way to the bright light coming through the trees. This is also where I see all my animals walking and heading in the same direction to the light, enjoying their freedom from pain, suffering, ailments and old age. Someday I will make the same walk and join them in joyous celebration of love and excitement that we're all together again. For those who like to refer to the Rainbow Bridge, this beautiful scene could give a physical picture of how it might be for our loved ones - family, friends, ourselves and our pets.


Sandi

Thank you for posting those beautiful sentiments and the Rainbow Bridge poem. One vet that helped take care of 2 of my pets last day sent me beautiful sympathy card after the fact with a rainbow and the poem. What a lovely thought to help the grieving process.

I love the Rainbow bridge poem - and thanks for the follow-up of Beyond the Bridge.

Of all of the animals I've ever had, dogs, cats or horses, it's always hard to say goodbye. I have 2 dogs right now, but my Molly girl is starting to fade with bad legs & hips. Below is a poem that's helped me in the past. Helps you realize that you have to help them sometimes, no matter how hard it is on you. (be warned - you may need tissues)

A Dog's Plea
by Anonymous

"Treat me kindly, my beloved friend
for no heart in all the world is
more grateful for kindness than
the loving heart of me.
Do not break my spirit with a stick,
for although I might lick your hand between blows,
your patience and understanding will more quickly
teach me the things you would have me learn.
Speak to me often,
for your voice is the world's sweetest music,
as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail
when the sound of your footsteps falls
upon my waiting ear.
Please take me inside when it is cold and wet,
for I am a domesticated animal,
no longer accustomed to bitter elements.
I ask no greater glory than the privilege
of sitting at your feet beside the hearth.
Keep my pan filled with fresh water,
for I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst.
Feed me clean food that I may stay well,
to romp and play and do your bidding,
to walk by our side and stand ready,
willing and able to protect you with my life.
And, my friend, when I am very old
and I no longer enjoy good health, hearing and sight,
do not make heroic efforts to keep me going.
I am not having any fun.
Please see to it that my life is taken gently.
I shall leave this earth knowing
with the last breath I draw that my
fate was always safest in your hands."

So touching. Thank you for posting. Is it any wonder that we love our companion animals so much.