rainbowbridge

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...

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.

A Christmas Story

December is the best month of the year at the Rainbow Bridge. For the dogs there is snow to romp in and the angels
always have time to toss snowballs for them to chase. The cats enjoy patting at the snowflakes as they fall, and then
curling up near the fireplace for a nice winter's nap.

But it is the lights that make this time so special. Winter on the Earth, their former home, is a time of lengthening
darkness, and in December candles glow all around the globe beginning with Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, and
continuing on right through the New Year's festivities. At the Bridge the glow of these candles is reflected in all of the
trees, and in the hearts of every Bridgekid as they observe the month in their own special way; with memories of the
lives, and the loved ones they left behind.

For most it is a time of quiet joy, but each year there are always a few who draw apart..
Near to midnight, "home time" on December 24 Charlie realized someone was missing from the Hale gathering. "I'll be
right back," he told his siblings. He passed many similar groupings as he hurried down the well worn path, many
friends called out to him, but he only acknowledge the greetings with a wave and continued on. The path ended at the
Rainbow, and there he found a small group of newcomers, each sitting quietly, alone. One of these, the missing
Sandifur, was crouched at the very edge, his stumpy tail twitching rapidly, as he stared at the scene below.

"You are missing the party, little brother," Charlie said.
"I don't care," replied Sandifur, "I don't like Christmas anyway. "

Charlie only smiled. "I felt the same way my first year. Do you remember your very first Christmas with Mom and Dad?
Remember the new scratching tree they gave us that year, and the catnip mice? And remember all the good things we
got to eat? That was a great time, wasn't it?" Sandifur nodded, still gazing intently below. "I want to go back."
"I did too, " Charlie said, licking gently at his brother's ear. "But we can't, baby brother. This is our place now." "But it's
Christmas, and Mom and Dad miss us so much. Look, mom is lighting a candle right now, just for us and she is crying."

"Christmas Eve is her time to remember, little one, but tomorrow she will pass out the presents to all of our brothers
and sisters, and she will be happy again. I want to show you something. Come with me."
Together the two kiddens climbed the arch of the Rainbow, and at the very top Charlie stopped. "Do you see that big
silver cloud over there? Watch closely."

As Sandifur gazed the cloud began to swirl and gradually an image came into view. The clearing where he had left his
family, and a larger gathering around the big, glowing pine tree. He could see the dogs, many more of them than
when he had left, playing fetch and tug of war, and the kiddens, so many kiddens, sleeping in a heap, their soggy
catnip mice forgotten in the grass.

Suddenly the kiddens all woke up, and the dogs ceased their play and stared into the darkness beyond the clearing,
tails wagging in greeting.
And then, much to Sandifur's amazement, two humans stepped into the light."
"Hurry, Charlie, we have to go back," he said. " Mom and Dad, they're here!"
"Not just yet, Sandy. That cloud is our Window into Tomorrow.
Come back with me now, and join the others. The reunion will come. We have been promised."

Sandy reluctantly pulled his gaze away from the vision of the future, and followed Charlie. They found the others
waiting for them at the base of the rainbow. "Is it time?" Charlie asked.
Terrie nodded, "They are waiting."
All of the Hale Bridgekids drew together, and looked over the edge, and along the entire length of the rainbow similar
groups were gathered, all looking down at their former homes.

Suddenly the light of a million candles from the Earth met the glow from the Rainbow Bridge. "Now," Charlie whispered.

In unison three words were repeated again and again, and as they were spoken they merged with the bridge of light,
flowing from the rainbow to the earth, and back again in ever increasing brilliance, and the colors of the rainbow
merged with the light. "I love you," they all said, and the love entered every heart of the pet parents on earth, and the
hearts of those who gathered at the rainbow.

"Merry Christmas, Mom and Dad," Sandifur whispered again, watching the lights slowly fade. "I love you. I will be
waiting."

"I will look ahead for there is our tomorrow."

Marion Hale

Erica's Song
Go Joyously into the spirit and the summerland of youth,
Glory once again in your strength. Run free amid the wildflowers.
Sniff the tantalizing smells among the wooded tangles of the forest.
Sleep in the warm sun beside murmuring brooks. And when you weary
of the green hills and fields of Rainbow Bridge, follow the bright strand-
forged of love which connects us.
It leads to the garden of my soul where a warm welcome always awaits
your coming..

The Last Battle
If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this -- the last battle -- can't be won.
You will be sad I understand,
But don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.
We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.
Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don't grieve that it must be you
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We've been so close -- we two -- these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.

-- Unknown

A Note to All our Friend(s) who wait at Rainbow Bridge
------------------------------------------------------

Time has past since that dreadful day
when the Lord decided to take you away
The emptiness still lingers from time to time
but when I think about you I know I'll be fine

You were more than just pets
you were our best friends
Faithful companions
from beginning to end

With your friendly bark and wagging tail
you never showed if you ailed
Running and playing morning to night
never a mean growl or a bite

We wish you were still here right by our side
but you'll always be with us deep down inside
We gave you a home and you gave us your heart
there is no way we will ever part

The love that you showed us we'll never forget
We'll love you forever; You are our Pets

John Quealy

Time to Go
----------

The time has come I think you know
the Lord is calling so I must go
I love you so much; I wish it wasn't so
I wish I could stay; I don't want to go

You're the best family a dog ever had
so kind and gentle never mean or mad
I'll never forget the day that we met
I was so lucky to become your pet

You opened your door and showed me your heart
I'll never forget you; we'll never part
You loved me and cared for me over the years
you taught me everything and took away my fears

The Lord is calling now I must go
but before I go I want you to know
I know it hurts to lose a friend
but I'll always be with you even to the end

John Quealy