The Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of Heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.  When an animal dies who has been especially close to someone here, he 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 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, someone who was 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 breaks from the group, flying over the green grass, 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 his beloved head, and you look once more into his trusting eyes, so long gone from your life, but never absent from your heart.

Then, you cross the Rainbow Bridge together...

- Author Unknown

They Will Not Go Quietly

They will not go quietly,

the dogs who've shared our lives. 

In subtle ways, they let us know

their spirit still survives. 

Old habits still can make us

think we hear them at the door 

Or step back when we drop

a tasty morsel on the floor.

Our feet still go around the place

the food dish used to be,

And sometimes, coming home at night,

we miss them terribly. 

And although time may bring new friends

and a new food dish to fill,

That one place in our heart

belongs to them...and always will.

- Author unknown