Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies who 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 dreams or 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 others, 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 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.