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...

She will be with you in the night and in the day.

Her velvet eyes will watch as you walk in the sunshine

Her silent paws will follow you

And her breath will gently dry your tears away.

She is not gone

But waits for you beyond this place....

She will come forth on some bright day

When next you meet and kiss again your face.

........................KATHY REED, AUTHOR

What is the origin of the rainbow bridge???

"The Lenape people, whose traditional homeland stretches from what is now Pennsylvania and New Jersey up along the lower Hudson River, describe the Milky Way as the road to the afterworld. They say there is a bridge along the Star Road at the place where the Milky Way appears to fork. That bridge is guarded by the dogs that each person owned while they were alive on Earth. If you were kind to your dogs and treated them well, they will be waiting for you and will help you to cross safely. If you mistreated your dogs, they will block your path."

From Our Stories Remember, American Indian History, Culture, and Values through Storytelling by Joseph Bruchac, Fulcrum Publishing ISBN 1-55591-129-3

PAGE TWO OF DOG POETRY CONTINUED HERE

return to HOME PAGE OF THE DOG DIGS