[tootsie]

Rainbow Bridge..

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...


Video..
http://www.indigo.org/rainbowbridge_ver2.html

 

[Barbs2Ks]

Re: Rainbow Bridge...

I love that it is so comforting and I always tear up reading it.  Last December Ky posted this about Rainbow Bridge and rescues, thought with so many new members it would be good to post again.  Hope you don't mind Ky.

Unlike most days at Rainbow Bridge, this day dawned cold and gray, damp as a swamp and as dismal as could be imagined.

All of the recent arrivals had no idea what to think, as they had never experienced a day like this before. But the animals who had been waiting for their beloved people knew exactly what was going on and started to gather at the pathway leading to The Bridge to watch. It wasn't long before an elderly animal came into view, head hung low and tail dragging. The other animals, the ones who had been there for while, knew what his story was right away, for they had seen this happen far too often. He approached slowly, obviously in great emotional pain, but with no sign of injury or illness. Unlike all of the other animals waiting at The Bridge, this animal had not been restored to youth and made healthy and vigorous again. As he walked toward The Bridge, he watched all of the other animals watching him. He knew he was out of place here and the sooner he could cross over, the happier he would be. But, alas, as he approached The Bridge, his way was barred by the appearance of
an Angel who apologized, but told him that he would not be able to pass. Only those animals who were with their people could pass over Rainbow Bridge.

With no place else to turn to, the elderly animal turned towards the fields before The Bridge and saw a group of other animals like himself, also elderly and infirm. They weren't playing, but rather simply lying on the green grass, forlornly staring out at the pathway leading to The Bridge. And so, he took his place among them, watching the pathway and waiting.

One of the newest arrivals at The Bridge didn't understand what he had just witnessed and asked one of the animals that had been there for a while to explain it to him. "You see, that poor animal was a rescue. He was turned in rescue just as you see him now, an older animal with his fur graying and his eyes clouding. He never made it out of rescue and passed on with only the love of his rescuer to comfort him as he left his earthly existence. Because he had no family to give his love to, he has no one to escort him across The Bridge."

The first animal thought about this for a minute and then asked, "So what will happen now?" As he was about to receive his answer, the clouds suddenly parted and the gloom lifted. Approaching The Bridge could be seen a single person and among the older animals, a whole group was suddenly bathed in a golden light and they were all young and healthy again, just as they were in the prime of life.

Watch, and see" said the second animal. A second group of animals from those waiting came to the pathway and bowed low as the person neared. At each bowed head, the person offered a pat on the head or a scratch behind the ears. The newly restored animals fell into line and followed him towards The Bridge. They all crossed The Bridge together.

"What happened?"

"That was a rescuer. The animals you saw bowing in respect were those who found new homes because of his work. They will cross when their new families arrive. Those you saw restored were those who never found homes. When a rescuer arrives, they are allowed to perform one, final act of rescue. They are allowed to escort those poor animals that they couldn't place on earth across The Rainbow Bridge."
------ Author unknown

 

[tootsie]

Re: Rainbow Bridge...

The Last Battle

If it should be that I grow frail and weak,
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done?
For this - the last battle - can't be won.
You will be sad I understand,
But don't let grief then stay your hands,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.

We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so,
When the time comes, please let me go.
Take me to where my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me until the end,
And only hold me firm and speak to me,
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time you will agree,
It is a kindness you do for me.
Although my tail its last has waived,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don't grieve that it must be you,
Who has to decide this thing you do.
We've been so close - we two - these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.

Author Unknown

 

[nano]

Re: Some comfort for when our beloved furkids cross the brid

Thanks for these posts Tootsie and Kiahsmom, they are very heart rendering.

Nano

 

[samsonsmom]

Re: Some comfort for when our beloved furkids cross the brid

These are all beautiful. Trying not to start bawling my eyes out again as I read them, not easy

 

[msdiamonddawg]

Re: Some comfort for when our beloved furkids cross the brid

I know what you mean .. I read the first line and my eyes are tearing!  I guess the pain of losing Charlie is still too fresh, even though it happened about 5 months ago.  I'll print them out for when I find the strength.

 

[BARKersMom]

Re: Some comfort for when our beloved furkids cross the brid

Bawling my eyes out as we speak.  Our Bucket is getting up there at 12, twill be a very sad day when he crosses over.

 

[luvmybuster]

Why am I reading this?

I am all teary now.

God bless all the beautiful fur babies who have gone to the Bridge. You were all very much loved and all very much missed.

 

[henners123]

Good Heart Thinking Posts :clap2:

 

[cjkriebel]

These always make me cry. I miss Max so much.
Thanks for the post. Can't wait to see my babies again.

 

[nikita07]

That was beautiful, so well written.....thank goodness i've got my box of tissues handy :weep:

 

[JadeNikki]

I just had to read this and figure out what the Rainbow Bridge was. Ugh.

 

[marilynsmom55]

omg.....so beautiful....trying to type through tears.. our cassius is 13. hes been my child, my best friend, my protector, my nanny, and my therapist (lol). when that day comes i will make the decision, so thanks for that. i will remember it.

 

[RoJosMom]

Don't click on it...Don't click on it... Ugh!! Why did I click on this?? Crying now...I had never heard of the bridge until my rotty Manson passed and my vet sent me a sympathy card with the peom on it. I miss him so much :weep: It's been two years and it's still like a knife in the heart. Run free my big good boy...

 

[myschultzie]

I too cry everytime I read Rainbow bridge poem and then reading that other rescue poem made me cry harder!

I lost my rottie when he was ten..about 4 years ago. We had to put him to sleep and I think that is the most heart wrenching,stomache aching,guilt ridden pain that I have ever experinced. I saw,heard and smelled him for the longest time.. Cried all the time and the kids were a wreck...

There are a lot of things that you can do to help you through the rough times..

Like:....

I had found a site decicated to losing a pet and everyone there helped me through it and that is where I found out about Rainbow Bridge..

Another Idea to help ease the pain for my kids was I made prayer pillows. Actually I thought it up and My sister(decorater)made them for me.. The kids would hold those pillows and talk to it and even pray to it before bed saying that they hope Schultz(our dog)found the path to the bridge and was happy with all the other healthy furbabies and that God was treating him well.

One more idea,, A few days after he died I bought balloons, and released them into the air hoping that they will lead him to the bridge(can be whatever makes a significant point to you at the time) and what a cry I had when they lifted into to air. Not only was I crying because of the balloons, but it started to snow and someone on the board I had joined for losing a pet had did the same thing and it had snowed too and she told her daughter that it was angel tears welcoming their pet to the bridge.. Kinda hits you hard when you beleive!

Here are the prayer pillows..Not the best pictures,but the kids picked them.

 

[gimp54]

Rainbow Bridge

My husband and I lost a 3 year fawn male to cancer 6 months ago. OUr vet and his staff sent us this prayer in a card and we cried like babies. Needless we keep it close and often read it over and over. They you for sharing it wall those who have lost "true" best friend we lost before their time. Oh, in a week and a half we will be picking up our new little one, a brindleand so adorable. :emtthumbs:

 

[heather101105]

"All dogs go to heaven because, unlike humans, dogs are naturally good and loyal and kind." RIP Thai 3/18/11 I love you

 

[Sunesta]

Those words make me cry. It makes me miss my pups that have gone through and are waiting for me. It makes me miss Keno, Kiser, and my baby scooby will be there soon...he is reaching 12 years now. I know it will be a sad day when scooby passes through. :cry_baby:im so in tears right now. those are very powerful poems, words.

 

[yrichard]

I spent quite a bit of time searching for a poem to add to my photo book. This one spoke to me and is the one I have chosen. Author is unknown.


God's Garden

God looked around His garden
And He found an empty place
He then looked down upon the earth
And saw your precious face

He put His arms around you
And lifted you to rest;
God' s Garden must be beautiful
He always takes the best.

He knew that you were suffering
He knew you were in pain
He knew you'd never ever
Get well on earth again.

So He closed your weary eyelids
And whispered " Peace be thine "
Then He took you up to Heaven
With Hands so gentle and kind.

It broke our hearts to lose you
But you did not go alone,
For part of us went with you
The day God welcomed you home.