The Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called the Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies,
one who has been especially close to someone here,
that pet goes to the Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for
all of our special friends
where 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 who was very special to them,
someone they had to leave behind.



They all run and play together,
but the day comes when one
suddenly stops and looks into the distance.
The eyes are bright and intent,
the eager little body begins to quiver all over!
Suddenly that lucky one breaks away
from the group, and flies over
the green grass, little 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.
Happy kisses rain upon your face;
your hands once again caress that 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. . . .



 

"If It Should Be"

If it should be I grow frail and weak
And pain prevents my peaceful sleep.
Then you must do what must be done
When this last battle can't be won.

You will be sad, I understand.
Selfishness might stay your hand.
But on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship take the test.

We've had so many happy years
That what's to come can hold no fears.
You'd not want me to suffer. So,
When the time comes, please let me go.

Take me where my needs they'll tend.
Only -- stay with me until the end.
Hold me firm and speak to me.
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know, in time, you, too, will see
It is a kindness that you do for me.
Although my tail it's last has waved,
From pain and suffering I've been saved.

Do not grieve it should be you.
Who must decide this thing to do.
We've been so close, we two, these years......
Don't let your heart hold any tears.

Author Unknown

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