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, 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 the beloved head, and you look once more into those trusting eyes, so long gone from your life, but never absent from your heart. Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together...

Author Unknown

I'd like to think
that all the unhappy dogs
who live on chains with a little wooden dog house, lonely in the back yard, experience an infinite life of happiness without collars, and with many friends, across the Bridge. And the puppies who were hurt so badly because they didn't know the difference between a carpet and the lawn, get to pee whenever they need to across the bridge. And the pets who were the victims of the horrible experience of animal cruelty forget all the bad memories and pain, when they cross the Bridge.

All the dogs who spent their lives serving humans, pulling wheelchairs, guiding blind humans, sniffing out victims of earthquakes, and biting bad guys for the police will have a special award they wear like a medal when they cross the Rainbow Bridge. It will be like the Medal of Honor, with lots of stars on it, with a nice ribbon.

And all the other kinds of pets, who brought friendship and comfort to humans, mice, guinea pigs, ferrets, hedgehogs, iguanas, kitty cats, will all live in harmony across the bridge. There will be no fleas, ticks or furballs.

I am still moved to tears when I view Buddy's website. But, his absence is easier to understand when I realize that I, too, will cross the Rainbow Bridge one day, and he will be faithfully waiting for me!

Gloria Nickerson, Fayetteville, NC

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the mornings hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight,
I am the stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there, I did not die.

Anon

Dreambaby art by Catstuff.
Buddy-art by Alix.