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

When a beloved pet dies who has been especially close to someone here,
that pet goes to The Rainbow Bridge.

It is a land of meadows, hills and valleys
with lush green grass.
There is always plenty of food and water and sunshine;
our friends are warm and comfortable.
Those old and frail animals are young again,
restored to health and vigor.
Those who have been hurt or maimed
are made whole and strong again.
The animals play all day;
they are happy and content with each other.

But, there is one thing missing.
they are not with their special person who loved them on earth;
the one who had to be left behind.
Then the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance.
The bright eyes are intent;
the eager body quivers.
Suddenly he breaks away from the group,
flying over the green grass;
his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been seen.

And when you and your special friend meet,
you take him in your arms and embrace.
The happy kisses rain upon your face.
Your hands again caress the beloved head.
You look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet.

And then, together, you cross The Rainbow Bridge.

Never to be separated.

--- author unknown

Beyond the Rainbow
As much as I loved the life we had and all the times we played,
I was so very tired and knew my time on earth would fade.
I saw a wondrous image then of a place that's trouble-free
Where all of us can meet again to spend eternity.
I saw the most beautiful Rainbow, and on the other side
Were meadows rich and beautiful--lush and green and wide!
And running through the meadows as far as the eye could see
Were animals of every sort as healthy as could be!
My own tired, failing body was fresh and healed and new
And I wanted to go run with them, but I had something left to do.
I needed to reach out to you, to tell you I'm alright
That this place is truly wonderful, then a bright Glow pierced the night.
'Twas the Glow of many Candles shining bright and strong and bold
And I knew then that it held your love in its brilliant shades of gold.
For although we may not be together in the way we used to be,
We are still connected by a cord no eye can see.
So whenever you need to find me, we're never far apart
If you look beyond the Rainbow and listen with your heart.
C.G. 1995