To a friend who just lost a friend.

Rainbow Bridge

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 have 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

begins to quiver. 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

10/18/97