The Rainbow Bridge Poem   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…

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.

A Pet’s Prayer

Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than mine.

Do not break my spirit with a stick, for although I should lick your hand between blows, your patience and understanding will teach me more quickly 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 I hear your step.

When the weather is wet and cold, please take me inside for I am a domesticated animal, no longer used to bitter elements, and I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet.

Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I shall not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst.

Feed me clean food, so that I may stay well to romp and play and do your bidding to walk by your side standing ready to protect you with my life should your life be in danger.

And master, when I am very old, if the Greatest Master sees fit to deprive me of my health and sight, do not turn me away. Rather see that my trusting life is taken gently, and I shall leave you knowing with the last breath I draw, my fate was always safe in your hands. Be with me on that difficult journey, remember everything is easier for me if you are there. Remember, I love you.

Ten Commandments for a Responsible Pet Owner

   1. My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years. Any separation from you will be very painful.

     2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

    3. Place your trust in me – it is crucial for my well-being.

    4. Don’t be angry with me for long, and don’t lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment. I have only you!

      5. Talk to me. Even if I don’t understand your words, I understand your voice when it’s speaking to me.

    6. Be aware that however you treat me, I’ll never forget it.

      7. Before you hit me, remember that I have teeth that could easily crush the bones in your hand, but I choose not to bite you.

      8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I’m not getting the right food, I’ve been out in the sun too long. Or my heart may be 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 if you are there. Remember, I love you.

God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be. So He put his arms around you and whispered “Come with Me.” With tearful eyes I watched you, and saw you pass away. Although I loved you dearly, I could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, my most precious boy is at rest. God broke my heart to prove to me he only takes the best.

Forever loved, forever missed.