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Rainbow
Bridge
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 our special friends
so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine.
Our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who have been ill and were old
have been 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 gone by.
The animals are happy except for one small thing;
they each miss someone very special to them, who has been 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. Suddenly he begins to run from the group,
his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted
and when you and your special friend 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. . .
You then cross Rainbow Bridge together.
Apparently,
it appears that at least three writers lay claim to being the
original author, or to having written something remarkably similar
to The Rainbow Bridge, as we know it. The known contenders presently
are:
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Paul
C. Dahm
Last known to live in Lincoln City, OR Dahm is a grief counselor.
He is said to have written the poem in 1981, copyrighted it
in 1994, and published it a book titled "The
Rainbow Bridge" in 1998.
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William
N. Britton
Mr. Britton's book, Legend
of Rainbow Bridge, copyright and published in 1994 , has
lovely illustrations by Ron Dawson. Mr. Britton and his late
wife were co-founders of Companion Golden Retriever Rescue in
West Jordan, Utah.
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