Rainbow Bridge – Author Unknown
There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth.
It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of all its beautiful 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.
The old and frail animals are young again.
Those who were sick, hurt or in pain are made whole again.
There is only one thing missing,
they are not with their special person who loved them so much on earth.
So each day they run and play until the day comes
when one suddenly stops playing and looks up!
The nose twitches! The ears are up!
The eyes are staring and this one runs from the group!
You have been seen and when you and your special friend meet,
you take him in your arms and hug him.
He licks and kisses your face again and again –
and you look once more into the eyes of your best friend and trusting pet.
Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together… never again to be apart.
Although the origins of this poem are uncertain, and in fact, multiple people have claimed authorship, it doesn’t change the fact that it helped to bring the grief associated with the loss of a beloved pet acceptable and something to be shared. It gave a name to the sense of profound loss we can feel when we lose a pet, along with a sense of hope we will be reunited.
Because saying goodbye is an important step in managing the natural and healthy feelings of grief, sorrow, and sense of loss, the concept of the Rainbow Bridge can be very helpful. Your pet was an important part of your life and it is natural to feel like you have lost a friend or family member.
Author Deborah Barnes started Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day to give pet-lovers a day to share memories of our beloved pets that have crossed the Rainbow Bridge. August 28th is a day to celebrate the life of the pets and companion animals who have brought us joy, unconditional love, comfort, and laughter through the years.
While there is nothing that can be done to take away that pain and sense of loss, you can lessen it by choosing to find joy in your memories. Memorializing your pet in a variety of ways can help you to celebrate the life that you shared together while helping you to move on from your grief.
We welcome you to share your pet with us at Pet Cremation Services via our Online Memorial. We understand that your pet is a beloved family member, and caring for their final goodbye is an honor that we take very seriously, with care and compassion. And we love to hear about the lives you enjoyed with your pets so can celebrate those memories with you.