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,
never again to be separated