Presented here are versions One and Two of the Rainbow Bridge text. As well, a site visitor sent in two lovely texts - the first is one man's concept of animals and what they should mean to us all, and the second is a message to grieving pet owners . . . from their pet(s).

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, the 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 of the animals who have 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 animal 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've 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 the Rainbow Bridge together.

Anonymous

There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth. It is called Rainbow Bridge because of its many colors. Just this side of Rainbow Bridge, there is a land of meadows, hills, and valleys, with lush green grass.

When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this land. There is always food and water, and warm Spring weather. Those old and frail are made young again; those who have been maimed are made whole again, and they play all day with each other.

But, there is one thing missing; they are not with that special person who loved them so well on earth. So, each day they run and play until the day comes when one pet suddenly stops playing and looks up. The nose twitches, the ears stand up, the eyes stare anxiously. Suddenly, this one pet runs from the group . . . You've been seen!

And when you and your special friend meet, you take him or her in your arms and embrace. Your face is kissed again, and again, and yet again, and you look once more into the eyes of your trusting pet.

Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated.

Anonymous

We need a wiser and perhaps a more mystical concept of animals.

Remote from universal nature, and living by complicated artifice, man in civilization surveys the creature through the glass of his knowledge, and sees thereby a feather magnified and the whole image in distortion.

We patronize them for their incompleteness, for their tragic fate of having taken form so far below ourselves. And therein we err, and greatly err.

For the animal shall not be measured by man.

In a world older and more complete, gifted with extensions of the senses we have lost or never attained, living by voices we shall never hear.

They are not brethren, they are not underlings; they are other nations, caught with ourselves in the net of time, fellow prisoners of the splendour and travail of the earth.

Henry Beston, 1928

Remember me always, but do not grieve for me too long. I have tried always to comfort you in times of sorrow, and have made every effort to add joy to your life. I never wanted to cause you pain.

Peace for me is certain now, and I suspect I will have eternal sleep in the earth I have loved so well.

Please, after your period of grieving for me, make room in your heart for another. You are the kind of human being that should always have a friend like me to love. Your kind and gentle heart should not be wasted on my memory for too long. Give your love to another. I know your new friend will never take my place, because we had something very special.

You loved me very much and I loved you. My spirit will always be with you, and no matter how deep my sleep, my grateful heart will always be purring for you.

A Cat Lover

- submitted by Angela T. and posted here in tribute to her beloved Mandy, her
best friend for the last ten years, who recently went to Rainbow Bridge

This page is a tribute to the memory of all my cherished pets I've lost over the years and who I miss so very much:

Forever remembered, forever loved by me,
I'll be with you all again one day, I'll meet you at Rainbow Bridge.

"Cara" (Burmese)

"Meesha" (Himalayan); "Sweetie" (Himalayan); "Amtrak" (stray cat); "Joey" (pet rat); "Toby" (cockatiel); "Jake" (African Grey parrot); "Tascha" (English Cocker); and all my other animals and birds who've held their places in my heart throughout my life.

Cleo's Memorial Photo Gallery

Last updated: July 19, 2000