| I have had several requests
for resources on Pet loss, some rather hesitantly, as though pet losses
aren't as meaningful as people loses.
Many times pets are as close or even closer to people than their friends or families. Sometimes they take the place of children or spouses, so the death of the Pet may be equal to the death of a friend or family member. My favorite "friend" died unexpectedly during Medical School. His death was more difficult for me to deal with than some of my patients at the time, because I never go the chance to say goodbye. The many poems and stories on pet loss are dedicated to all those cherished friends we have lost -- to Musti, Ruska, Laku and Ritsi, the boys who wait for me at the Rainbow Bridge. |
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On this side of Somewhere is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth. It is called the Rainbow Bridge. On this side of the Rainbow Bridge is a land of green grassy meadows filled with sweet-smelling flowers, and sheltering trees, where butterflies dance on the breeze and birds sing their happy melodies. When a beloved pet dies, that pet visits a special place, the land of near the Rainbow Bridge. In this land they find plenty of food and water with abundant sunshine. All the animals who had been ill or aging, are restored to health and youth; those who were hurt or maimed are once again restored and agile, just as they are in our dreams. In this special place these beloved pets are warm and comfortable. In this place of ever-lasting health and sunshine, the animals are happy and contented, except for one small thing--they each miss someone very special, someone who was left behind, in the land on the other side of the bridge. Each day they run and play in green meadows. On a special days one of the group suddenly stops playing and looks off into the distance. The bright eyes intently stare to the horizon, the nose twitches, the ears prick up to listen to the wind and the body begins to quiver. Suddenly he (she) breaks from the group, flying over the green grass, faster and faster, as fast as his legs will allow. You have been found! When you and your beloved special friend finally meet, you take him (her) in your arms for a long-awaited warm embrace. The happy kisses cover your face, your hands once again caress the beloved head and you look again into those trusting eyes, gone from your life, but never absent from your heart. Happily reunited you are introduced to the other beloved pets, with eyes shining in joy for one of their own now united. Gently he (she) leads you through the warm, sunny meadows, and you cross the Rainbow Bridge together,  |
| I found two slightly different versions of the Rainbow Bridge and decided to edit them together, and create a revised edition. The original can be found on the Otis-and-Jake site, a website "done" by two Laboradors. Their site contains more stories and poems (many of which require Kleenex to read) and some message boards for those grieving pet loss. |