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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 and water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who have 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 begins to quiver. 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 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 together you and your special pet cross the Rainbow Bridge...
Rainbow Bridge Sequel To Original
by Jean McColgan
Oh, when we get to HeavenWe hope that we will find
The Souls that once we loved,
Who left us all behind.
Some left us at the right time,
They left this world in peace.
Others left too sudden,
Without the chance to say Goodbye.
They were gone before we had
The chance to even cry.
There's a special place for grownups,
A special place for kids;
Me, I'll be on the other side,
The side called Rainbow Bridge.
Across the dark green meadow,
Atop the hills I'll run...
Where the colors from the Rainbow,
Glitter from the sun.
And there I'll find my sweetheart
Running fast toward me.
In my arms where he belongs
FOR ALL ETERNITY.
Links to Pet Loss Pages
Pet Loss Remembrance Page - for lost pets; you may submit photos, tributes, poems or just stop by and be comforted.
The Legend of Rainbow Bridge - William N. Britton's rendition of the Rainbow Bridge story. This 16 page booklet is beautifully illustrated and you can order it online.
Melanie's Rainbow Bridge Page - A Tribute to Melanie, Rainbow Bridge stories, dog Stories and Poems,Links for coping with pet loss.
Other Poems and Tributes
TRIBUTE TO A BEST FRIEND
Sunlight streams through the window pane, Unto a spot on the floor...Then I remember, It's where you used to lie, But now you are no more.
Our feet walk down a hall of carpet, and muted echoes sound...
Then I remember, It's where your paws would joyously abound.
A voice is heard along the road, and up beyond the hill,
Then I remember it can't be yours...Your "Golden" voice is still.
But I'll take that vacant spot of floor, and empty muted hall,
and lay them with the absent voice, and unused dish along the wall.
I'll wrap these treasured memorials, In a blanket of my love,
and keep them for my best friend, Until we meet above.
YOUR PETS IN HEAVEN
For all of the times that you have stooped and touched my head, fed me my
favorite treat and returned the love that I so unconditionally gave to you.
For the care that you gave to me so unselfishly....For all of these things, I am
grateful and thankful. I ask that you not grieve for the loss, but rejoice in the
fact that we lived, loved and touched each other's lives. My life was fuller
because you were there, not as a master/owner, but as my FRIEND.
Today I am as I was in my youth. The grass is always green, butterflies flit
among the flowers and the sun shines gently down upon all of God's
creatures. I can run, jump, play and do all of the things that I did in my youth.
There is no sickness, no aching joints, no regrets and no aging. We await
the arrival of our lifelong companions and know that togetherness is forever.
You live in our hearts as we do in yours. Companions such as you are so rare
and unique. Don't hold the love that you have within yourself; give it to another
like me and then I will live forever. For love never really dies, and you are
loved and missed as surely as we are.
Ken D. Conover
LOSS OF DOG
I explained to St. Peter,I'd rather stay here,
Outside the pearly gate.
I won't be a nuisance,
I won't even bark,
I'll be very patient and wait.
I'll be here, chewing on a celestial bone,
No matter how long you may be.
I'd miss you so much, if I went in alone,
It wouldn't be heaven for me.
Old Ann Lander's Clipping, Author Unknown
A DOG SITS WAITING
A dog sits waiting in the cold autumn sun,Too faithful to leave, to frightened to run.
He's been here for days now with nothing to do
But sit by the road...waiting for you.
He can't understand why you left him that day.
He thought you and he were stopping to play.
He's sure you'll come back, and that's why he stays.
How long will he suffer...how many more days?
His legs have grown weak, his throat's parched and dry.
He's sick now with hunger and falls, with a sigh.
He lays down his head and closes his eyes.
I wish you could see how a waiting dog dies.
By Kathy Flood
ALONE AGAIN
I wish someone would tell me what it isThat I've done wrong.
Why I have to stay chained up and
Left alone so long.
They seemed so glad to have me when
I came here as a pup.
There were so many things we'd do
While I was growing up.
They couldn't wait to train me as a
Companion and a friend.
And told me how they' never fear
Being left alone again.
The children said they'd feed me and
Brush me every day.
They'd play with me and walk me
If only I could stay.
But now the family "Hasn't time".
They often say I shed.
They do not want me in the house.
Not even to be fed.
The children never walk me.
They always say, " NOT NOW".
I wish that I could please them.
Won't someone tell me how?
All I had, you see, was LOVE.
I wish they would explain
Why they said they wanted me,
Then left me on a chain.
Anonymous
Ten Things a Dog Asks of its People:
1. My life is likely to last 10 or 15 years. Any seperation from you will bepainful for me. Remember that before you buy me.
2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.
3.Place your trust in me...it's crucial for my well being
4. Don't be angry at me for long, and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your
work, your
entertainment, and your friends. I have only you.
5. Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don't understand your words,
I understand your voice when its speaking
to me.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I'll never forget it.
7. Remember before you hit me that I have teeth that could easily
crush the bones of your hand but I
choose not to bite you.
8. Before you scold me for being 'uncooperative', obstinate', or 'lazy', ask yourself if
something might be
bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, or I've
been out in the sun too long, or my heart is
getting old and weak.
9. Take care of me when I get old: you too, will grow old.
10. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say "I can't bear to watch it", or
"Let it happen in my absence".
Everything is easier for me when you are there.
THE POWER OF THE DOG
There is sorrow enough in the natural wayFrom men and women to fill our day;
And when we are certain of sorrow in store,
Why do we always arrange for more?
Brothers and Sisters, I bid you beware
Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.
Buy a pup and your money will buy
Love unflinching that cannot lie
Perfect passion and worship fed
By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.
Nevertheless it is hardly fair
To risk your heart for a dog to tear.
When the fourteen years which Nature permits
Are closing in asthma, or tumor, or fits,
And the vet's unspoken prescription runs
To lethal chambers or loaded guns,
Then you will find its your own affair
But... you've given your heart to a dog to tear.
When the body that lived at your single will,
With is whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!)
When the spirit that answered your every mood
Is gone - wherever it goes - for good,
You will discover how much you care,
And will give your heart to a dog to tear.
Rudyard Kipling, Actions and Reactions
A DOG'S PRAYER
By Beth Norman HarrisTreat me kindly, my beloved master, 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 though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.
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 your footstep falls upon my waiting ear.
When it is cold and wet, please take me inside, for I'am now a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements. And I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your Geet beside the hearth. Though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land, for you are my god and I'am your devoted worshiper.
Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, 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 your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life should your life be in danger.
And, beloved master, should the great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you. Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest - and I will leave you knowing with the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.
DO I GO HOME TODAY ?
-
My family brought me home
cradled in their arms.
They cuddled me and smiled at me,
and said I was full of charm.
They played with me and laughed with me
and showered me with toys.
I sure do love my family,
especially the girls and boys.
The children loved to feed me,
they gave me special treats.
They even let me sleep with them,
all snuggled in their sheets.
I used to go for walks,
often several times a day.
They even fought to hold the leash,
I'm very proud to say.
They used to laugh and praise me,
when I played with that old shoe.
But I didn't know the difference
between the old one and the new.
The kids and I would grab a rag,
and for hours we would tug.
So I thought I did the right thing
when I chewed the bathroom rug.
They said that I was out of control,
and would have to live outside.
This I did not understand,
although I tried and tried.
The walks stopped, one by one;
they said they hadn't the time.
I wish that I could change things,
I wish I knew my crime.
My life became so lonely,
in the backyard on a chain.
I barked and barked all day long,
to keep from going insane.
So they brought me to the shelter,
but were embarrassed to say why.
They said I caused an allergy,
and then kissed me goodbye.
If only I'd had some classes,
as a little pup.
I wouldn't have been so hard to handle
when I was all grown up.
"You only have one day left",
I heard the worker say.
Does this mean a second chance?
Do I go home today?
Written by Sandi Thompson
WHY ARE YOU CRYING ?
Why are You Crying,I am not there.
Look not for me by the favorite chair,
I am not there.
See me not at the bed's foot, nor
at the door's step,
I am not there.
Do not look to the earth's cold hand,
it could not hold me,
I am not there.
Look to the midnight star, a comet's flash,
racing shadows in the field, sun lights dance on water's edge.
Hear me, the rustle of the grass, pine boughs sigh, the beat of bird's wings,
the rain's quiet tattoo.
Feel me in your heart, for it is there I can not leave.
Wait for my loving kiss, my paw's soft touch
at Rainbow's Bridge.
I will meet you there, and we shall dance again,
together.
Tom and the Yellow Terrorists, KC and Harley
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buttonabove to listen to "Tears in Heaven" if you choose to.
I love to hear from all you goldens out there. Email at:
orchid@sprynet.com.
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