The Rainbow Bridge

Written somewhere in the last decades of the twentieth century, "The Rainbow Bridge" is a poem that depicts a place where animal companions go upon death. It is located right at Heaven's entrance and there the pet is cured of any pains from its life before. Happily it lives there with the companionship of other pets as it waits to be reunited with its human guardian when he or she finally arrives at Heaven's gates as well. Together they then cross the bridge and enter together.

Many animal lovers who have lost a pet know and have come to know about this poem. It has been spread across the world and has no certain origin as to who the author is. Nevertheless, the poem has brought great comfort and hope to those who deeply need it in their time of mourning their beloved animal companions and will certainly continue to do so as long as there is need.

Original picture: "Rainbow Bridge" by Gail Hogan.
Edited by Nyxity Lee to include picture of Peabody.

The Poem

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 and 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 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. The bright eyes are intent; the eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to break away 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....

The Rainbow Bridge ~ Author Unknown.