Rainbow Bridge Heaven For The Critters

My children have four paws. My grandchildren have fur. My four legged fur kids are smarter than your honor student." Whether boasted on a bumper sticker or proclaimed aloud, these phrases capture the importance people place on their relationships with their pets. Indeed, the relationship between human and animal is special.

The loss of a pet is devastating, and many pet owners find the grief associated with the loss of a pet is just as or even more challenging than the loss of human loved ones. Our fur kids know our deepest secrets, our fears. What makes us happy what makes us sad? If we have had a bad day they always greet us brightening our day and making us forget the bad. They don't hold grudges, and even when we are upset they find a way to make you feel happy. Most animal owners will say they are family "I do agree". Animals love us unconditionally. Being there to love and support us is a pet's primary job. They think our extra 15 pounds is super snuggly, our bad breath lunch smells delicious, and our old tattered sweatshirt is the softest thing ever. Whether our bank

accounts overflow or overdrawn is of no concern to them. However, we are wonderful in the eyes of our pets. Unfortunately, human relationships often do not provide this level of loving acceptance.

Pets know our secrets. Our pets have seen the most vulnerable sides of us. They have bore witness to our best moments - and our worst. They have seen our tears and know our true feelings, perhaps better than anyone else, partly because of their keen

perceptiveness and partly because we do not feel the need to hide it from them.

Pets are dependent upon us and are, in a sense, like perpetual "furry children." Our pets derive their food, shelter, affection and entertainment directly from us just like children. The deep love and

intimacy of that bond does not change as our pets get older. Our pets do not move off to college, get

married, and start families of their own. We are their entire world. And, for some of us, they are ours.

So we as Christians believe that when we pass we go to heaven... so where do our animals go? Do we believe that there is a place called the Rainbow Bridge (Heaven for animals) where the creatures go when they pass? As long as we believe there's hope for us and the world.

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 that 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...

A Letter from the Rainbow Bridge

Hi, Mom &Dad

Now that I've been across The Rainbow Bridge for a couple weeks, they said I should write a letter home. Sorry, mom & dad, but I'm so busy 'across the bridge' that I haven't thought of home much. They said it's okay and that you would understand. I hope you do. (I think you will.)

Remember that night when I wasn't feeling very well and we were all crying? I don't remember

much, but I do remember seeing and hearing all of

you and feeling your touches and hugs...I remember

hearing "we love you" and that one last command of "Go through". I didn't know what you meant, so I turned around and walked through the fog that was in front of me. I saw the biggest bridge I've ever seen! And so many friends on the other side of it! They were all playing with toys and balls! You were right to tell me to go there!

My feet kept moving forward, but my heart kept pulling me back. Your touches became lighter and lighter and I wanted to come back and nudge your hands for more love, but I was overcome by this feeling of curiosity for the happy place over the bridge! My feet started moving on their own, like a gentle breeze was moving them forward for me! I can't explain it, but I had no doubt that it was the right thing to do!

So, I walked across that big, huge bridge by myself! I looked for you, because you're always by my side, walking with me, but this was different. I didn't have a collar around my neck or a leash connecting me to you ~ I was 'free'! Even though you weren't there with me, I never felt alone! I actually felt like I had a huge cape of love wrapped around my body and the more I walked, the easier it was to breathe! So, I kept walking! And I would feel more warmth in the big hug, so I kept on walking! I eventually made it over the big bridge – I did it by myself, dad!

When I got here, all of my new friends greeted me and helped me walk off the bridge ~ it was so cool! They gave me a pair of wings and said that I was now a Guardian Angel!

What I've learned over these past few weeks has been amazing and nothing like I've seen before! We're all the same up here ~ we all have wings and we all have Forever People to watch over ~ that's YOU, dad! You're my Forever Person and I'm your Forever four legged fur kid "ALWAYS & FOREVER". ! We had such a great life together and I do miss you a LOT, but please know that I am so happy in my new home across The Bridge!

I'll send you another Earth Angel so you won't be alone. Give them your whole heart, like you gave it to me. I'll check in every so often to make sure they treasure your love ~ I always did! When you miss me, think of a rainbow and know I'm on the other side of it, waiting to walk with you again. I'll always be in your heart. I love you, dad! Time for me to go play

Author unknown