Rainbow Bridge

[Moonwalker]

Darn it Hooligan! You posted that poem for someone who lost their dog and it makes me cry everytime!!
It IS a beautiful poem and does provide a lot of comfort.

Does anyone happen to have the version about the Animal Rescuer? I used to have it on my laptop, but it seems to be gone.

Something to the effect that there are a bunch of animals on THIS side of the bridge that look on everytime someone passes and meets their pets. Then a person comes and they all follow and all the other animals waiting for their owners bow their heads as he/she leads the others across. This person is a rescuer and all of those animals are showing their respect as the strays get to go over the Bridge.
It is written a LOT better than my synopsis! I would love to have a copy if someone has it stashed away somewhere.

 

[tiffanyh]

I dont have it but maybe this will move you up so some one else can give it to you!

It is pretty. I worked as a CVT and we used to give it to clients.....always makes me cry!...but that is not saying much...I am a bit of a weinie.

 

[Equest94]

Is this it?:


Unlike most days at RainBow Bridge, this day dawned cold and gray, damp as a swamp and as dismal as could be imagined. All the recent arrivals were confused and concerned. They had no idea what to think for they had never experienced a day like this before. But the animals who had spent some time waiting for their beloved people knew exactly what was happening and began to gather at the pathway leading to the Bridge to watch. They knew this was something special.

It wasn't too long before an elderly animal came into view, head hung heavy and low with tail dragging along the ground. The other animals on the pathway...the ones who had been at RainBow Bridge for a while...knew the story of this sad creature immediately. They had seen it happen far too many times.

Although it was obvious the animal's heart was leaden and he was totally overcome with emotional pain and hurt, there was no sign of injury or any illness. Unlike the pets waiting at the Bridge, this dog had not been restored to his prime. He was full of neither health nor vigor. He approached slowly and painfully, watching all the pets who were by now watching him. He knew he was out of place here. This was no resting place for him. He felt instinctively that the sooner he could cross over, the happier he would be. But alas, as he came closer to the Bridge, his way was barred by the appearance of an Angel who spoke softly to the old dog and apologized sorrowfully, telling him that he would not be able to pass. Only those animals who were with their special people could pass over the RainBow Bridge. And he had no special beloved people...not here at the Bridge nor on Earth below.

With no place else to turn, the poor elderly dog looked toward the fields before the Bridge. There, in a separate area nearby, he spotted a group of other sad-eyed animals like himself...elderly and infirm. Unlike the pets waiting for their special people, these animals weren't playing, but simply lying on the green grass, forlornly and miserably staring out at the pathway leading to the Bridge. The recent arrival knew he had no choice but to join them. And so, he took his place among them, just watching the pathway and waiting.

One of the newest arrivals at the Bridge, who was waiting for his special people, could not understand what he had just witnessed and asked one of the pets who had been there for some time to explain it to him.

"That poor dog was a rescue, sent to the pound when his owner grew tired of him. They way you see him now, with graying fur and sad, cloudy eyes, was exactly the way he was when he was put into the kennels. He never, ever made it out and passed on only with the love and comfort that the kennel workers could give him as he left his miserable and unloved existence on Earth for good. Because he had no family or special person to give his love, he has nobody to escort him across the Bridge."

The first animal thought about this for a minute and then asked, "So what will happen now?"

As he was about to receive his answer, the clouds suddenly parted and the all-invasive gloom lifted. Coming toward the Bridge could be seen a single figure...a person who, on Earth, had seemed quite ordinary...a person who, just like the elderly dog, had just left Earth forever. This figure turned toward a group of the sad animals and extended outstretched palms. The sweetest sounds they had ever heard echoed gently above them and all were bathed in a pure and golden light. Instantly, each was young and healthy again, just as they had been in the prime of life.

From within the gathering of pets waiting for their special people, a group of animals emerged and moved toward the pathway. As they came close to the passing figure, each bowed low and each received a tender pat on the head or a scratch behind the ears. Their eyes grew even brighter as the figure softly murmured each name. Then, the newly-restored pets fell into line behind the figure and quietly followed this person to the Bridge, where they all crossed together.

The recent arrival who had been watching, was amazed. "What happened?"

"That was a rescuer," came the answer. "That person spent a lifetime trying to help pets of all kinds. The ones you saw bowing in respect were those who found new homes because of such unselfish work. They will cross when their families arrive. Those you saw restored were ones who never found homes. When a rescuer arrives, they are permitted to perform one, final act of rescue. They are allowed to escort those poor pets that couldn't place on Earth across the Rainbow Bridge. You see, all animals are special to them...just as they are special to all animals."

"I think I like rescuers," said the recent arrival.

"So does God," was the reply.

--Author Unknown--

 

[pips&peeps]

That was beautiful. I am sitting here all a mess because we lost our vizsla to cancer during the night.

 

[chickbea]

pips&peeps - I'm so very sorry. My thoughts are with you.

 

[nccountrygirl]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

 

[runamuck]

Thank you, Its lovely "sad" and I hadn't read that version before. Yep, I'm a mess "sniff,sob"

I'm a weinie too

 

[sundance]

We are going to have to have our Great Dane put to sleep, due to age,Everytime myDau says it is time , I begin to cry, she is part of our family and its hurts so much to know that she won't be here much longer. But I can't bear to see her in pain either, so pray for us both for me and for Rasha. At 71 I know that my time is also probably shorter than it used to be so I guess that is why it hurts so much. She has been a part of our family for almost 9 years and i understand most Dane;s don't live that long so we are blessed having her as long as we have. marrie

 

[JaciesCoop]

pips&peeps :

That was beautiful. I am sitting here all a mess because we lost our vizsla to cancer during the night.

Oh I'm so sorry. In my 60+ years I've had so many come and go in my life (dogs, cats, fish, alligators, chipmunks, horses, etc. etc,) and it's always like losing a part of me.
I remember all of them and they were all so special.


Sundance: I'm so sorry for you too. I know what you are going through as my chow is now 14 and doing pretty good but I too know it won't be long before she starts to fail.

Danes are a wonderful animal. We raised them when I was growing up along with 4 other breeds. They are magnificent.

God Bless you both
Jacie​

 

[Moonwalker]

Yes!! That was the second part that I was looking for! Thanks!!



For those of you that have recently lost or will soon lose their pets, here is a re-posting of the Rainbow Bridge:
It makes me cry everytime I read it, but it gives comfort as well.

The 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 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 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.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...