IMAGE SOURCE~lovecats.com
Originally published May 10, 2013 Bubblews, a website that no longer exists
For those of you who are pet lovers, and who have had pets and perhaps still do, there probably is nothing more gut-wrenching than when one of our pets passes on. To we pet owners, they aren't "just" pets, they are part of our family, our "children", and it doesn't matter what kind of pet you have, be it cat, dog, bird, mice, gerbil, hamster, we still feel grief, perhaps in some cases one may experience more grief over a pet's loss than family or relatives. I only say that latter part, since in most cases, with the passing of a family member or relative, we might be prepared for it.
Our pets on the other hand don't live as long as we do, perhaps only a fraction of our own lives and years. Also is the case where a pet might be diagnosed with some illness we may feel completely helpless…are we doing enough for them, did we do enough for them, and then of course there is that agonizing decision we may face to put our pet down to end their suffering. Then there maybe the complete shock of a pet dying suddenly and out of the blue that had no health problems, as what happened to my black cat Pyewacket.
I've had cats since I was five years old, I've also have had pet mice and birds... I'm now 57. As you can imagine I've had a lot of "deaths" in the family. Many of us who are pet owners hope that when it comes time for our own passing that we will be re-united with our animal "children" again.
Some years ago, I came across the now very famous Rainbow Bridge poem which many are familiar with which speaks of a special place where all pets go to, sort of an animal heaven. All the pets are happy there, they have no more pain from illness, and play with one another. But all the pets anxiously wait and wait, and wait. They wait for the time that their beloved owner comes and join them there at the Bridge.
I do so hope when my time comes and I pass on that I will meet up with all my pets, and I can assure you, I'll be mobbed!
If you've never read the poem, I share it here. Have tissues handy, it's a tearjerker.
The Rainbow Bridge Poem:
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...
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