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 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....

DON’T GRIEVE TOO LONG

Don’t grieve too long for now I’m free.  I’m following the path God set for me.
I ran to Him when I heard His call, I wagged my tail and left it all.
I could not stay another day, to bark, to love, to romp or play.
Games left unplayed must stay that way.  I found such peace it made my day.
My parting has left you with a void, so fill it with your remembered joy.
A friendship shared, your laugh, a kiss; Oh, yes, these things I too shall miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow, I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life’s been full, you’ve given so much – Your time, your love and gentle touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief, don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me.  God wanted me now, He set me free.
~Author unknown.

A DOG’S PRAYER

Treat me kindly, my beloved master, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.

Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between the blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me do.

Speak to me often, for your voice is the world’s sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep falls upon my waiting ear.

When it is cold and wet, please take me inside…for I am now a domesticated animal, no longer use to bitter elements…and I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth…though had you no home, I would rather follow you through ice and snow than rest upon the softest pillow in the warmest home in all the land…for you are my god…and I am your devoted worshiper.

Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for although I should not reproach you were it dry, I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst.  Feed me clean food, that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life, should your life be in danger.

And, beloved master, should the Great Master see fit to deprive me of my health or sight, do not turn me away from you.  Rather hold me gently in your arms as skilled hands grant me the merciful boon of eternal rest…and I will leave you knowing the last breath I drew, my fate was ever safest in your hands.

~Beth Norman Harris