Just this side of
Heaven is a place called the Rainbow Bridge. When an
animal dies that 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 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 begins to quiver.
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.