The Rainbow Bridge
After recently losing my beloved dog, Polo, everyone in the dog world told me that he would be at the Rainbow Bridge waiting for me. But, what exactly is the Rainbow Bridge? The poem goes like this:
‘There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth. It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of its many colors. Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows, hills and valleys with lush green grass.
When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place. There is always food and water and warm spring weather. 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. Her bright eyes are intent; her eager body begins to quiver. Suddenly she begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, her legs carrying her faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion. 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 the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated.’
I hope that this concept of a paradise where pets wait for their human owners is true! The animals do not simply wait for their owners, but they also help each other learn and grow, and recover from mistreatment that they may have endured in life. Several of our sitters at Gwinnett Pet Watchers have lost a pet recently and it has been very hard for all of us. This blog is dedicated to anyone who has lost a pet. I hope this poem gives you encouragement and cheers you up. I know that it has given me hope and is helping me to get through.
