Rainbow Bridge Poem and
Death of a Dog

The longest and shortest moment of my life was waking up to find my dog died in the middle of the night. My Lily. My sidekick. Someone who actually thought I was the end all, be all. And someone who taught me a dog can love you without being cuddly.

~ ~ ~

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 pets 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; Her 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 dog, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

~Author Unknown

~ ~ ~

I'd tried to stay awake all night to be with her. I could see in her eyes she was ready to leave and I knew a vet couldn't save her either. I thought about the Rainbow Bridge Poem.

I didn't have to tell her I loved her. She knew. I told her anyway.

The funny thing about death is it's something we all have to do. I don't fear it for myself and I actually wanted her to go so she could relax. No more struggles to stay by my side.

And then the minute she was gone, I wanted her back.

The dogs handled it better than I. Moo spent days laying on my feet and now he's ready to move on.

I looked at the Rainbow Bridge Poem for comfort, but that's for later. Now I needed the poem about Joy and Sorrow by Khalil Gibran (1883 - 1931). Perhaps it will help you too. Especially look at the line where I emphasized when.

~ ~ ~

On Joy and Sorrow

Then a woman said, "Speak to us of Joy and Sorrow."

And he answered:

Your joy is your sorrow unmasked.

And the selfsame well from which your laughter rises was oftentimes filled with your tears.

And how else can it be?

The deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain.

Is not the cup that hold your wine the very cup that was burned in the potter's oven?

And is not the lute that soothes your spirit, the very wood that was hollowed with knives?

When you are joyous, look deep into your heart and you shall find it is only that which has given you sorrow that is giving you joy.

When the treasure-keeper lifts you to weigh his gold and his silver, needs must your joy or your sorrow rise or fall.

I see the Rainbow Bridge Poem about later, and Joy and Sorrow about life here as we know it. Joy and Sorrow are opposites and without one, the other would not be as great.

So, for the time being, sorrow, grief and tears fill many moments of many hours of many days. Joy will return. It always does if you let it. Grieving is a natural process and the rainbow bridge poem helps.

I've been lucky. I've been blessed by the love of family, friends, dogs, cats, ferrets and I even have a sneaky suspicion about a ten foot snake my husband rescued. Those that came before Lily and the four dogs I have now.

After a time I will think of the Rainbow Bridge Poem and seeing Lily again. I'll cherish the good memories and even the stuff that drove me nuts. The loud thump of the trash can falling over or the snoring that woke me many nights.

I'll realize I no longer have to keep the bathroom door closed, hide the toilet paper or paper towels and never again will I walk into the kitchen and say "Lily, where's the tomato I left on the counter?" and see her spit out the stem as if on cue while her nubby tail is wagging at me.

Now Lily is okay. It's just going to take time for the rest of us.

I feel that every single person I help in any way with their dog is another tribute to Lily... and Isaac, Izzy, Jenny, Gretchen, Tasha and Jason. And to my living helpers; Helen, Moo, Bonz and Lulu.

And I'm thinking of the people who I've talked to about the loss of a dog. Some say they will never have another because the pain of loss is too great, while others get a puppy to fill the void.

For myself, neither of these will work. I can't imagine life without dogs. The love, loyalty, bond we share and their comforting ways are too good to go without. What they have taught me about myself cannot be ignored either.

And I don't know if I can ever get a puppy again. There are so many dogs in shelters and rescues who deserve a good life and a family pack. What if I could make a difference for an older dog who never had the love and acceptance of a human being? Now that would be something to be proud of in addition to a happy grateful dog.

That is where I'll go when the time is right. But first I have to heal, and the Rainbow Bridge poem helps a little.

If you are grieving and having a tough time coping, check out the eBook for sale on this page. Death is always hard to deal with and sometimes we are closer to our pets than our family members. After all, they never judged us. Just loved us no matter what; and they don't want us to suffer either.

When my time comes, I hope someone thinks of the Rainbow Bridge Poem and laughs because there may be a party there with me the guest of honor. Would that be cool or what?

~ ~ ~

Who Is At Rainbow Bridge for You?

Would you like to share things about your dog? Was your pet perfect or did he or she have habits that drove you crazy? Tell us. We are here to listen. Show us pictures if you can so we can visualize what you tell us.

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While I'm thinking of the Rainbow Bridge Poem