Thursday, March 27, 2008

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

16 comments:

jenn said...

That's beautiful. I wish I'd had that to read to my girls when we lost our cat a couple of years ago.

Melodie said...

That was so sweet, it made me cry all over again!

Anonymous said...

WOW that is sweet. My heart breaks for you, Mr. Ashley and your children.

Anonymous said...

I went online right after your first post to find this poem...it's beautiful and true...even if it makes me cry again. xoxo

Life, Love And Lola said...

Miss Heidi Louise is in good company. I have three pets in Heaven on that side of the rainbow bridge. I can see them all now running through the meadow together.

The Bee Hive said...

I'm so sorry. Please tell us more about your sweet dog. Let's do a tribute. I love my Jack Russell Terriers like children. I know how you feel.

Anonymous said...

Oh Ashley & Mr. Ashley! I'm so sad for your family for your loss.

There just aren't enough words...but I'm thinking & praying for comfort for y'all.

(((big cheesy internet hugs)))

-Irish

Stacy said...

So sorry to hear about your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry, Ashley and family.

I just went home to check on my wienie dog that has cancer. He loses a little more of 'himself' each day. I fear I'll be making the hardest decision of all my days very soon. Our pets are so loyal and ever-loving. They're always there when we need a smile, forgive us for having a bad day and never "talk back." It's such a joy to have them in our lives, if only for a while.

I wish you peace. Heidi Louise knew you loved her and loved you in return.

Sorry to get all sappy...I'll be thinking of you.

Mo said...

our vet gave my sister and I that when we had to put our sweet dog Abby down about two years ago- it made me feel better to read it then, and reading it here again today brought it all back- hang in there!

Barb McMahon and Alan Mailloux said...

I'm so sorry about your dog. Nothing else to say, just sorry.

The Mrs. said...

That was beautiful. I am new to your blog and feel like I've happened upon you at just thre right time. I lost Scooter my 20 pound human wrapped in a cat suit a couple of months ago. I was devatstated and could barely breathe. it is a shock and I'm still not over it. he held so much of my past. Had him even before I had hubby. I loved that dman cat. Thanks for making me feel a little better. I know you will too. xox

Anonymous said...

That poem is so sweet and heart-wrenching.

I had the same dog from the age of five to 19. I remember the day she came to us. Then, one day, she was just gone. I guess dogs go away from the pack to die. I still miss her when I think about her. She was such a good dog, and I know we made her life a happy one. I can't wait to see Shawna on that Rainbow Bridge.

Anonymous said...

I love this... and I'm still thinking about you and your family and hoping that you can all find some rest and peace.

Ami said...

Thanks for sharing this. Heidi Louise had a partner on the journey yesterday, as we had to put down my husband's dog of 16 years last night. Again, I'm so sorry.

Anonymous said...

Ashley family I'm so sorry. Heidi Louise was so blessed to be loved so much while here on earth.