The Meaning Behind Rainbow Bridge

[Leonard and his bud Snuffles]

Since being on newf.net, Rainbow Bridge is a term that has become part of my vocabulary. I never really knew a meaning for it though. A friend sent me this today. I hope it can become a Sticky here

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...

 

[R Taft]

Yes it always makes me teary.....But then I think of all the dogs and horses that will greet me again and I will be over-run I won't have enough hands, but I won't be lonely

 

[NinaA]

I keep this on my favorites list to remind me ever so often

http://www.indigo.org/rainbowbridge_ver2.html

 

[Murphy]

Geez Leonard... Coulda attached a hanky alert..

 

[victoria1140]

I had an interesting talk with a religous person who patooied the rainbow bridge. A s I politely said if God respects me and my choices he would respect my animals too and as they have a soul too surely they deserve my respect and saving too

 

[Jeannie]

I believe we will once again be with our beloved pets. I do not see God allowing us such a companion on earth and not allowing us to spend eternity together. I know there will be animals in heaven as the bible says 'the lion will lay down with the lamb'. I beleive the best part will be we will be able to carry a conversation with them. In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve were able to talk to all the animals.

You can read the book "Cold noses at the pearly gates"

 

[KodysGrandma]

I have never bought the idea that dogs don't have souls. If they have souls they will be with us.

 

[bria]

Tissue alert. For those of us who rescue here is another Rainbow Bridge Poem. We are so going to the bridge.

Rescue Rainbow Bridge

Unlike most days at Rainbow Bridge, this day dawned cold and gray, damp as a swamp and as dismal as could be imagined. All of the recent arrivals had no idea what to think, as they had never experienced a day like this before. But the animals who had been waiting for their beloved people knew exactly what was going on and started to gather at the pathway leading to The Bridge to watch.

It wasn't long before an elderly animal came into view, head hung low and tail dragging. The other animals, the ones who had been there for a while, knew what his story was right away, for they had seen this happen far too often.

He approached slowly, obviously in great emotional pain, but with no sign of injury or illness. Unlike all of the other animals waiting at The Bridge, this animal had not been restored to youth and made healthy and vigorous again. As he walked toward The Bridge, he watched all of the other animals watching him. He knew he was out of place here and the sooner he could cross over, the happier he would be.

But, alas, as he approached The Bridge, his way was barred by the appearance of an Angel who apologized, but told him that he would not be able to pass. Only those animals who were with their people could pass over Rainbow Bridge.

With no place else to turn to, the elderly animal turned towards the fields before The Bridge and saw a group of other animals like himself, also elderly and infirm. They weren't playing, but rather simply lying on the green grass, forlornly staring out at the pathway leading to The Bridge. And so, he took his place among them, watching the pathway and waiting.

One of the newest arrivals at The Bridge didn't understand what he had just witnessed and asked one of the animals that had been there for a while to explain it to him.

You see, that poor animal was a rescue. He was turned in to rescue just as you see him now, an older animal with his fur graying and his eyes clouding. He never made it out of rescue and passed on with only the love of his rescuer to comfort him as he left his earthly existence. Because he had no family to give his love to, he has no one 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 gloom lifted. Approaching The Bridge could be seen a single person and among the older animals, a whole group was suddenly bathed in a golden light and they were all young and healthy again, just as they were in the prime of life.

"Watch, and see" said the second animal. A second group of animals from those waiting came to the pathway and bowed low as the person neared. At each bowed head, the person offered a pat on the head or a scratch behind the ears. The newly restored animals fell into line and followed him towards The Bridge. They all crossed The Bridge together.

"What happened?"

"That was a rescuer." The animals you saw bowing in respect were those who found new homes because of his work. They will cross when their new families arrive. Those you saw restored were those who never found homes. When a rescuer arrives, they are allowed to perform one, final act of rescue. They are allowed to escort those poor animals that they couldn't place on earth, across The Rainbow Bridge.

"I think I like rescuers," said the first animal.

"So does GOD," was the reply.

(Author Unknown)

susan

 

[Lori]

Ok, I was already teary eyed at the first post, now this one. Susan, thank you for posting it. It's beautiful. Knowing that I will be reunited with my furbabies and family who have gone ahead is the only thing that makes me a bit less scared about dying someday.

 

[R Taft]

some more for the rescues........

 

[Sue M.]

And then there is "Beyond the Rainbow", one of my all time favorites.

BEYOND THE RAINBOW
As much as I loved the life we had and all the times we played,
I was so very tired and knew my time on earth would fade
I saw a wondrous image then of a place that's trouble-free
Where all of us can meet again to spend eternity.
I saw the most beautiful Rainbow, and on the other side
Were meadows rich and beautiful - lush and green and wide
And running through the meadows as far as the eye could see
Were animals of every sort as healthy as could be
My own tired, failing body, was fresh and healed and new
And I wanted to go run with them, but I had something left to do
I needed to reach out to you, to tell you I'm alright
That this place is truly wonderful, then a bright glow pierced the night
"Twas the glow of many candles, shining bright and strong and bold
And I knew then that it held your love in it's brilliant shades of gold.
For although we may not be together in the way we used to be
We are still connected by a cord that no one else can see
So whenever you need to find me, we're never far apart
If you look beyond the Rainbow and listen with your heart ​

 

[bria]

Just when I thought I couldn't lose it over another poem I realize I thought wrong. This one is beautiful.

This is also what keeps me going and why I'm not afraid of dying because there are so many fur bears of my own and those I have helped find homes that will be there to greet me. It's also what keeps me going.

Susan

 

[KodysGrandma]

Thank you. It always helps to remember there are other people in the world who feel about the animals like we do.

 

[AngusMcDubhsMom]

Oh, gosh, I'm out of tissues.....

 

[bria]

Leonard I'm sorry I didn't mean to over shadow your original post I just thought the rescues deserved a spot as well.

Susan

 

[Snuffy's Aunt Ellen]

What a beautiful poem. I always knew our beloved pets would be in heaven. I am just glad my Skyy girl will be all good when she gets to the Rainbow Bridge. I love you

 

[KS Newf]

These are all beautiful and comforting. I just read the rescuers one and tears are streaming down my face.

 

[HeidiPeterson]

I found this one on the golden forum:
THE AWAKENING ................. By Kathleene S. Baker

Shiloh awoke ever so rested. She stood, stretched, and the lush meadow of clover beneath her paws felt velvety. She did not understand. Nor did she grasp the beauty all around her -- she'd been sightless for five years, although images did return in dreams. She'd often awake saddened, yet never gave up hope that her vision would return.

Woofs, yaps, song birds, and even unfamiliar sounds echoed in the distance. A babbling brook nearby summoned Shiloh's thirst. She ambled in that direction.

Shortly, overcome with confidence, she picked up the pace, exhibiting a confidence she'd not had in years. She sprinted towards the rivulet. What joy to run again!

Now and then she completed circles at full speed simply for the thrill. Shiloh's vision had returned! Her reflection in the sparkling water was proof! Lapping the cool water, she viewed beautifully hued fish playing chase several feet below the surface.

Shiloh gazed about for mum and dad. She'd only enjoyed free rein in the backyard and felt uncertain. What if she wandered into danger?

As anxiety escalated, two snow-white doves alit beside her. Finally, something familiar! Trees at home teemed with cooing doves when she meandered about her yard. She'd never understood their calls but now she did. They beckoned her to follow.

Looking up as they hovered above her, a rainbow glistened as if each color was configured of precious gemstones. Soon an old-fashioned, arched, stone bridge appeared glinting with gold and silver. The woofs were closer and Shiloh realized the birds crooned Christmas carols!

Only a few paces onto the bridge, Shiloh was astonished -- Josey raced to her side with a shower of kisses. A red ribbon about her neck with tiny Christmas bells attached tinkled with each movement. Momentarily, games of chase and wrestle ensued -- favorites they'd enjoyed before Josey departed her earthly home.

Shiloh instantly understood, this was Rainbow Bridge!

Mum had described it in detail for weeks as her health declined. Josey introduced Shiloh to family members who had come and gone before her. Her folk's first Schnauzer, Festus, greeted Shiloh with a high five! Tiffany, Schnauzer number two, offered kisses. Maggie and Jack, a mum and son duo, approached with wagging tails. Unexpectedly, two tiny Yorkies appeared -- Fang and Fancy! Yorkies, my folks had Yorkies? They greeted her with gestures of love.

Lastly, cousin Greta excitedly arrived. Shioh's angst began to melt in the midst of a loving family. Still, she'd forever miss mum, dad, and her Schnauzer pal Hank. He'd guided her through the darkness and gave her life meaning.

The pack revealed that the Rainbow Bridge was eternally glorious. And Christmas time was breathtaking to behold as they celebrated Christ's Birth -- the creator of domestic pets. He gifted them an inborn ability to develop remarkable bonds with humans.

With holiday preparations underway, Shiloh was in awe. Red birds, Blue birds, and white doves perched in trees -- live ornaments! All sized spiders spun golden webs of garland 'round and 'round the trees and fire flies twinkled in branches. The weather was mild, sunny, and the few clouds shimmered silvery, yet trees were veiled with snow.

For Shiloh, confusion reigned! In unison, the group proclaimed, "All things are possible at the Bridge." Every tree was decorated, none in the same manner. Covered with iridescent snow, a stately scotch pine stood embellished with butterflies, wings aflutter, displaying a magnificent array of colour and creating swirls of snow that enshrouded the tree with luminous motion.

Knowing her mum's love of poinsettias, Shiloh took special note of a huge fir tree filled with vast red blossoms, goldfinch, and thousands of fire flies. All about were gardens of poinsettias.

Tomorrow was Christmas Eve. Shiloh could only imagine what wonder lay ahead. After a hearty warm meal the pack showed her a new fluffy bed adjacent to theirs. It was plush beyond imagination. The family told of how grand golden eagles soar into the skies to select the proper sized cloud for each new arrival.

Shiloh snuggled in.

Once comfortable, an angel approached whispering, "I'm Dana and will always be nearby, Sweet Girl." She gently placed a coverlet, adorned with pink lace, across a now-healthy, restored body and silently vanished.

Shiloh thought to herself, "Dana! She's my aunt and mum's niece. Greta was her puppy. Oh, I am truly safe." She sighed.

Shiloh drifted into sleep while song birds softly sang her mum's favorite Christmas carol, The Littlest Angel. She knew it was meant for her first night at Rainbow Bridge. Mum had always called her a little angel.

Shiloh slept well, stirring only once to roll over.

She dreamt of the day she would sprint to the bridge and joyfully escort mum, dad and beloved Hank to the other side.

Until then she would play, and rest, and romp, and nap, and wait...

 

[Leonard and his bud Snuffles]

Leonard I'm sorry I didn't mean to over shadow your original post I just thought the rescues deserved a spot as well.

Susan

Hi.

I never saw your comment till now, but did see your "Rescue Rainbow Bridge". I do not feel overshadowed in the least bit. As I posted here last week, a friend of mine had a very special dog pass. My friend takes in a bunch of unwanted and abused dogs of certain breeds. Even the County Animal Shelter calls her now and then to take a dog of her breeds with enough medical problems to make it highly adoptable. She looses dogs all the time. I came back here to get your version instead of mine to include in a pet sympathy card.

 

[lapage24]

I must be a glutton for punishment. I know I'll cry if I read something like this and yet I do it anyway.