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Click
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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, someone who was 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 begins to quiver.
Suddenly, he breaks from the group, flying over the green
grass, 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 those
trusting eyes, so long gone from your life, but never absent
from your heart.
Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge
together...
"Author Unknown" |
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Rainbow Bridge-
Rescuer's Version
Unlike most days at
Rainbow Bridge, this day dawned cold and gray, damp as a swamp
and as dismal as could be imagined. All of the recent arrivals
had no idea what to think, as they had never experienced a day
like this before. But the animals who had been waiting for
their beloved people knew exactly what was going on and
started to gather at the pathway leading to The Bridge to
watch.
It wasn't long before
an elderly animal came into view, head hung low and tail
dragging. The other animals, the ones who had been there for a
while, knew what his story was right away, for they had seen
this happen far too often. He approached slowly, obviously in
great emotional pain, but with no sign of injury or illness.
Unlike all of the
other animals waiting at The Bridge, this animal had not been
restored to youth and made healthy and vigorous again. As he
walked toward The Bridge, he watched all of the other animals
watching him. He knew he was out of place here and the sooner
he could cross over, the happier he would be. But, alas, as he
approached The Bridge, his way was barred by the appearance of
an Angel who apologized, but told him that he would not be
able to pass. Only those animals who were with their people
could pass over Rainbow Bridge.
With no place else to
turn to, the elderly animal turned towards the fields before
The Bridge and saw a group of other animals like himself, also
elderly and infirm. They weren't playing, but rather simply
lying on the green grass, forlornly staring out at the pathway
leading to The Bridge. And so, he took his place among them,
watching the pathway and waiting.
One of the newest
arrivals at The Bridge didn't understand what he had just
witnessed and asked one of the animals that had been there for
awhile to explain it to him. "You see, that poor animal was a
rescue. He was turned in to rescue just as you see him now, an
older animal with his fur graying and his eyes clouding. He
never made it out of rescue and passed on with only the love
of his rescuer to comfort him as he left his earthly
existence. Because he had no family to give his love to, he
has no one to escort him across The Bridge."
The first animal
thought about this for a minute and then asked, "So what will
happen now?" As he was about to receive his answer, the clouds
suddenly parted and the gloom lifted. Approaching The Bridge
could be seen a single person and among the older animals, a
whole group was suddenly bathed in a golden light and they
were all young and healthy again, just as they were in the
prime of life. "Watch, and see" said the second animal. A
second group of animals from those waiting came to the pathway
and bowed low as the person neared. At each bowed head, the
person offered a pat on the head or a scratch behind the ears.
The newly restored animals fell into line and followed him
towards The Bridge. They all crossed The Bridge together.
"What happened?"
"That was a rescuer. The animals you saw bowing in respect
were those who found new homes because of his work. They will
cross when their new families arrive. Those you saw restored
were those who never found homes. When a rescuer arrives, they
are allowed to perform one, final act of rescue. They are
allowed to escort those poor animals that they couldn't place
on earth, across The Rainbow Bridge. "
"I think I like
rescuers", said the first animal.
"So does GOD", was the reply.
--Author Unknown |
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WELCOME AT RAINBOW
BRIDGE
by AlexanderTheodore,
Bouvier, Fourth Year Resident
On the morning of September 11, 2001,
there was an unprecedented amount of activity at the Rainbow
Bridge. Decisions had to be made. They had to be made quickly.
And, they were.
An issue, not often addressed here, is
the fact that many residents really have no loved one for whom
to wait. Think of the pups who lived and died in hideous puppy
mills. No one on earth loved or protected them. What about the
many who spent unhappy lives tied in backyards? And, the ones
who were abused. Who are they to wait for?
We don't talk about that much up here.
We share our loved ones as they arrive, happy to do so. But we
all know there is nothing like having your very own person who
thinks you are the most special pup in the Heavens.
Last Tuesday morning a request rang
out for pups not waiting for specific persons to volunteer for
special assignment.. An eager, curious crowd surged excitedly
forward, each pup wondering what the assignment would be.
They were told by a solemn voice that
unexpectedly, all at once, over 4,000 loving people had left
Earth long before they were ready. All the pups, as all pups
do, felt the humans' pain deep in their own hearts. Without
hearing more, there was a clamoring among them - "May I have
one to comfort?" "I'll take two, I have a big heart." "I have
been saving kisses forever."
One after another they came forward
begging for assignment. One cozy-looking fluffy pup hesitantly
asked, "Are there any children coming? I would be very
comforting for a child 'cause I'm soft and squishy and I
always wanted to be hugged." A group of Dalmatians came
forward asking to meet the Firemen and be their friends. The
larger working breeds offered to greet the Police Officers and
make them feel at home. Little dogs volunteered to do what
they do best, cuddle and kiss.
Dogs who on Earth had never had a kind
word or a pat on the head, stepped forward and said, "I will
love any human who needs love."
Then all the dogs, wherever on Earth
they originally came from, rushed to the Rainbow Bridge and
stood waiting, overflowing with love to share - each tail
wagging an American Flag. |
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A Pet's Prayer to St.
Peter
I have traveled far to reach this Pearly
Gate
But I do not want to wander beyond this place
I just need to rest awhile for my friend I wait
Please let them know I love them still
Let them know that I understand
what they did they did with love
With my body gone my spirit flew
on the wings of a dove
to my Creator's Heaven above
Now I ask that I may wait
I will lay quietly here by the gate
For if I entered now without my friend
it wouldn't be Heaven at all
Written by John Quealy |
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Lend Me A Pup
I will lend to you for awhile,
a pup, God said,
For you to love him while he lives
and mourn for him when he's dead.
Maybe for twelve or fourteen years,
or maybe two or three
But will you, 'till I call him back,
take care of him for me.
He'll bring his charms to gladden you
and (should his stay be brief)
you'll always have his memories
as solace for your grief.
I cannot promise he will stay,
since all from earth return
But there are lessons taught below
I want this pup to learn.
I've looked the whole world over
in search of teachers true
And from the folk that crowd's life's land
I have chosen you.
Now will you give him all your love
Nor think the labour vain,
Nor hate me when I come to take my Pup back again.
I fancied that I heard them say
"Dear Lord Thy Will be Done,"
For all the joys this Pup will bring,
the risk of grief we'll run.
We'll shelter him with tenderness
we'll love him while we may
And for the happiness we've known forever grateful stay!
But should you call him back
much sooner than we've planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes,
and try to understand.
If, by our love, we've managed,
your wishes to achieve!
In memory of him we loved,
to help us while we grieve,
When our faithful bundle departs this world of strife,
We'll have yet another Pup and love him all his life.
author unknown |
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The Last Battle
If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this -- the last battle -- can't be won.
You will be sad I understand,
But don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.
We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.
Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don't grieve that it must be you
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We've been so close -- we two -- these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.
-- Unknown |
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