Rainbow Bridge

Last night I experienced the loss of our fourth family pet. Although this dog was technically my parents dog, he was a big part of our lives and we have cared for him on and off for the past couple of years when my parents went out of town, and even know while we are staying here.

Although Harley has had some health problems over the past year (wrist problems, arthritis, and neuron firing problems) I never expected to lose him last night. At 12:15 a.m. my husband and I heard him make a very painful sound so I decided to wake my dad up and tell him what was going on. My dad stayed with him until 2:15 when he felt his stomach and it was twice the size it should have been. My dad woke me up at 2:15 and we took him straight to the animal ER. We were told that his stomach had flipped and other than surgery there was nothing they could do. Putting him through surgery would have been torture as he was barely hanging on by a thread as it was. My dad decided to let him go peacefully.

I thought I would share the Rainbow Bridge poem since it has helped with the past losses of pets and hopefully it can help someone in the future. It is truly one of the saddest moments to see the life go out of an animals eyes. Rest in peace, sweet Harley.

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...