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

[RATTER15]

[Count-A-Strong]

Sounds like the first line of a donovan song.

[RATTER15]

Just a lovely thought for those that have lost.

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....

[Count-A-Strong]

The second line might be

Just woke up this morning with a giraffe in my fridge

[mushroom25]

are you involved with the Cinnamon Trust, Ratter?

[RATTER15]

Mushroom, I'm not involved with the cinnamon Trust but it is a great organisation, I have considered getting involved as a volunteer, trouble is, with my work and looking after my own Dogs, I have 3 Irish Wolfhounds and a Shitzu, I don't have any time left.

One day maybe :-)

[divegirl]

Do you not make the jewellery any more?

Lisa x

[RATTER15]

Me, jewellery?

Are you referring to my metal work that I once did?

I never really made jewellery, just the odd item, my work was more sculpture and art works really.

I dont get time for it anymore unfortunately.

[naomi24]

Ratter, you've had me almost in tears here. One of my dogs hasn't got long to go - and I'm dreading the day it happens.

[pastafreak]

Rainbow Bridge is such a lovely concept. I first heard of it on here several years ago when so many helped me get over the death of my moggie,Cleo. I am not religious,but it is a wonderful spiritual aid to dealing with a dear pets loss.

[divegirl]

That's the stuff, knew you did something arty!

[Carakeel]

Thanks for posting this Love. xxx

[Carakeel]

naomi24, my heart goes out to you. We all dread the time one of our dogs goes. I hope you still have quality time and loads of cuddles with your dog and when the inevitable time comes, I hope you remember the rainbow bridge. It originated from an 18th century poem, so I am told.

[wheaten]

There is a lovely, but sad, children's book called 'Heaven' by Nicholas Allan. Dill the dog knows his time is up and explains to his owner what he thinks heaven is like :'hundreds of lampposts to pee against, lots of whiffy things to smell and bones everywhere - with meat on them!' It's a good book to explain to a child what to expect when a pet's time comes.

Wheaten
(unfortunately my Dill is still in a box under the stairs, but still in our hearts.)

[EngTeach]

I just finished a book "Rescuing Sprite". I should have known it would end with the dog dying. Had a good cry though. This poem is so sweet.

[rowanwitch]

And for children who lose a cat... the last of the Mog series goodbye Mog is wonderful still cry every time I read it

[wheaten]

Another beautiful, but very sad, book is 'Tadpole's Promise' by Tony Ross and Jeanne Willis. I had to ask parents who took it out of the library to read it first before reading it to a child. Bit traumatic.
Wheaten