RAINBOW BRIDGE POEM FOR PET LOSS

The Rainbow Bridge Poem is a very popular pet loss - pet bereavement poem written some time between 1980 and 1992; its original author is unknown. The theme is of a mythological place where our pets go after they pass away, eventually to be reunited with their owners. The Rainbow Bridge Poem has gained worldwide popularity among animal lovers who have lost a pet. It reads:

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 that 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
his 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...