Losing a pet is one of the most devastating experiences that anyone may have in their lifetime. Our pets are cherished members of our families. They are part of who we are. Recent statistics indicate that – in the United States alone – there are well over 73 million different households with pets. Annually, approximately $53 billion is spent to care for those pets. While just two very basic statistics, they display just how much we truly care for our pets. When we lose our pets, it is common to experience immense levels of devastation, grief, and varying degrees of sadness. In the 1980s or early 1990s, a poetic prose piece was composed called The Rainbow Bridge. This prose piece was designed to comfort and soothe those experiencing the death of a pet. Despite just being a piece of written material, The Rainbow Bridge does, in fact, help pet owners through the grieving process. In this multi-part series, we will share The Rainbow Bridge with you – in its entirety – and we will offer insight and information about the piece.
The Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of Heaven is a place called “Rainbow Bridge”
When an animal does 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
The Story of The Rainbow Bridge Piece
Now that you have read The Rainbow Bridge, you can clearly see that the story describes a meadow that is located immediately on the side of Heaven. This fascinating and heartwarming story tells us that our pets go directly to this meadow, upon their passing from the physical life to the spiritual life. This is comforting to pet owners because it answers the age-old question, “Do pets go to Heaven?” It places our beloved pets in an area where they are content, healthy, and full of vigor. The old has been made new. Our lost pets are not truly lost. They are among other animals, where they may play and experience happiness until we – their owners – pass from the physical life to the spiritual life. The story goes on to explain that they never forget us. In fact, they miss us; however, when we arrive, they know it – right away. They run to join us and we cross the beautiful Rainbow Bridge into Heaven, where we spend eternity with them.
We encourage you to return to follow our multi-part series on The Rainbow Bridge. If you are mourning the loss of a pet, you will be pleased to know that – until you meet at the Rainbow Bridge – there are many ways to memorialize your pet. Simply visit us today at: http://tearcatcher.com/
