The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen nor touched, but are felt in the heart.
- Helen Keller
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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...
To Those I Love and Those Who Love Me
When I am gone, release me, let me go
I have so many things to see and do
You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears,
Be thankful for the beautiful years.
I gave to you my love. You can only guess
How much you gave to me in happiness.
I thank you for the love that you have shown,
But now it's time I traveled on alone.
So grieve awhile for me, if grieve you must
Then let your grief be comforted by trust.
It's only for a time that we must part
So bless the memories within your heart.
I won't be far away, for life goes on
So if you need me, call and I will come.
Though you can't see or touch me, I'll be near
And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear
All my love around you soft and clear.
An then, when you must come this way alone,
I'll greet you with a smile and say, Welcome Home.
--author unknown
If you are struggling with a difficult decision about euthanasia or the loss of your pet, visit a pet loss web sites or call one of the hotlines.
- The Loss of a Pet : New Revised and Expanded Edition, by Wallace Sife. This Maxwell Award winner, given by the Dog Writers of America for Best Non-fiction, offers solace and understanding for pet owners and counselors alike.
- It's Okay To Cry, by Maria L. Quintana, Shari L. Veleba, Harley G. King. A collection of 60+ stories from others who have lost their pets. You are not alone!
- Cold Noses at the Pearly Gates, by Gary Kurz.
- When Your Pet Dies: How to Cope With Your Feelings, by Jamie Quackenbush and Denise Graveline. Simon & Schuster Pocket Books, 1985.
- Pet Loss: A Thoughtful Guide for Adults and Children by Herbert A. Nieburg and Arlene Fisher. Harper and Row, 1982.
- Coping With Sorrow on the Loss of Your Pet by Moira K. Anderson. Peregrine Press, 1987.
- When Only the Love Remains: The Pain of Pet Loss by Emily Margaret Stuparyk.
- A Funeral for Whiskers by Lawrence Balter. Barron's Educational Series, 1991.
- The Tenth Good Thing About Barney by Judith Viorst. Atheneum, 1975.
- When a Pet Dies by Fred Rogers. Family Communications, Inc.
- Death of a Goldfish (video) by Fred Rogers. Family Communications, Inc.
- Remembering Pets by Gina Dalpra-Berman and Barbara Hoss-Schneider. Robert D. Reed, 2001.
- Because of Flowers and Dancers by Sandra Brackenridge. A short book for a parent to share with a young child, helps to facilitate discussion of euthanasia and remembering a pet.
- Growing Time by Sandal Warburg. Jamie's dog, King, dies and his uncle Jim helps him face the reality and meaning of death.
- I'll Always Love You by Hans Wilhelm.
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