The Rainbow Bridge
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Maggie's Page
"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 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 or 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 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 your and your special friend finally
meet, you cling to each other in joyous reunion, never to be parted again.
The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands 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 Rainbow Bridge together........"
I think that is the most beautiful piece ever written on pet loss. The author is unknown. Sometimes, I think that things who are written by an anonymous author are really written by God.
There is not a single doubt in my mind that animals go to heaven. People have come up to me and spouted religious "doctrine" and their opinions, telling me that I'm wrong. Well, I don't believe that. I have seen too much to make me believe otherwise. As for God, I know He is a loving God and that His creatures go back to Him when they die. We humans have to get rid of the notion that we are the supreme beings and the only ones capable of going to God. It's not true. We are far from supreme and we won't be without our little furbabies when we cross over.
Here's more on death and pets:
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 autumn's gentle rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the sweet uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight
I am the first star that shines at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there. I did not die.
--that was by another unknown author--hmmmmm.
Near this spot are deposited the remains of one who possessed Beauty without Vanity,
Strenght withut Insolence,
Courage without Ferocity,
and all the Virtues of Man without vices.
This praise,
which would be unmeaning Flattery
if inscribed over human ashes,
is but just a tribute
to the Memory of Boatswain, a Dog.
--Lord Byron
Most High and Holy,
most powerful Lord.....
To Thee and Thy Creatures
we proffer our praise
Who brings us the beauty
and joy of our days.....
They shall merit Thy crown.
--St. Francis of Assisi--patron saint of animals.
Request from Rainbow Bridge
Weep not for me though I am gone
Into that gentle night.
Grieve if you will, but not for long
Upon my soul's sweet flight.
I am at peace, my soul's at rest
There is no need for tears
There is no pain, I suffer not,
The fear now is all gone.
Put now these things out of your thoughts,
In your memory I live on.
Remember not my fight for breath
Remember not the strife
Please do not dwell upon my death,
But celebrate my life.
--Constance Jenkins
Godspeed
Good-bye, Magic.
Don't be afraid.
There's no more pain for you now, old girl.
No leashes.
No "bad dog."
No fences.
Look-
There's green, green grass
and laughing children
a cat to chase
shady trees to lie down by
and a master who's always glad to see you.
You're going home now.
I wish you safe passage and plenty of bones.
I wish you a sturdy pull-ring
a high-bouncing ball
and a strong, forever-young boy to play with.
Someday I'll find you.
--Marianne Hudz
"I think God will have prepared everything for our perfect happiness ( in Heaven). If it takes my dog being there, I believe he'll be there.
-Reverend Billy Graham
"Our German forefathers had a very kind religion. They believed that, after death, they would be again all the good dogs that had been their companions in life."
--Otto Von Bismarck
I have already had my first addition from someone else. This comes from Jonetta, who speaks of Elvis her cat:
"Elvis walked into my life about two years ago. He literally just appeared in my backyard one day. He was this dirty, scruffy cat who was horrified of me, but still ate the food I put out for him. It took a couple of weeks for our relationship to grow from blurred fur running past me, to purrs and loving meows. Because of those first couple of weeks we had a special relationship built on trust and love.
Elvis was, I believe, smarter than most people. I know, I know people always say that about their pets. My love, Elvis, was truely smart though, and proved it many times. He learned his name in a matter of days, and came running everytime I called. He seemed to undestand every word I said to him. My mom told me that if I want Elvis to live in the house, I'd have to give him a bath first. Well, I tried first to give him a bath, and of course as soon as he heard the water, he panicked. But I sat him down and explained to him that if I don't do this, he won't be allowed in. He sat and listened to what I had to say and when I felt he was done thinking I tried it again. I was so amazed at his reaction. He just sat there!! He hated every minute of it, but he let me do it as if he understood it was something that had to be done. I was so glad he let me give him a bath too, because after he dried he was magically transformed into the beautiful cat he was before all the dirt. A little skinny, but that would soon change. He also put aside all his killer instincs once he got into the house. The first few hours were so hard because he was constantly trying to kill my birds and guinea pigs. But then I told him, "Elvis, I love you, and I love my other pets too, so you''re going to have to stop trying to eat them." Well, he did that and more when it came to the guinea pigs. He let the guinea pigs walk all over him, cuddle with him, and even chew on his collar. He seemed to love them and all the attention they gave him. It was so funny to watch because he looked like a mother with her litter of kittens. I say litter because there were six of them.
He'd follow me around the house and everytime I stopped he'd rub against my feet and purr so loud. When I looked down at him he'd look back up at me with his beautiful blue eyes and there was so much love in them. I knew that was the time I should pick him up and pet him or else I was going to get a little love nip.
In the year that I had him, he was my heart and joy. I didn't know this at the time, but before he came into my life he contracted Feline Leukemia and on Oct. 10,1997 that's what he died of. I was there for him till the end and I could still feel the love he had for me. I think now he's up in heaven singing with the real Elvis, just waiting for me to come up and make it a trio."
Thank you Jonetta!!
Sheba: On April 10, 1999, my friend Jenny's dog went to the Bridge. It was the day before Jenny's birthday. :-) Thatnkfully, she knows that Sheba is free of pain and they will meet again.
Peppy: My fiance's poodle passed on April 28, 1999. Peppy was 14 years old. Ago really caught up with him and they decided to put Peppy to sleep. Now Peppy is young again--he can walk, see, hear and taste again and is waiting to be reunited with his loved ones.
Nikki:My fiance's cockateil passed in October 1999. She will be missed, but we know she is happily flying around in Heaven.
If anyone else would like to contribute anything please e-mail it to me. Thanks. :-)
More to come..........
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