MEMORIAL

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they 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. The bright eyes are intent; the eager body quivers.

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 our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food and 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 are hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

Suddenly he breaks away 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 ~

As much as I loved the life we had and all the times we played,

I was so very tired and knew my time on earth would fade.

I saw a wonderous image then of a place that's trouble-free where all of us can meet again to spend eternity.

I saw the most beautiful Rainbow, and on the other side were meadows rich and beautiful -- lush and green and wide!

And running through the meadows as far as the eye could see were animals of every sort as healthy as could be!

My own tired, failing body was fresh and healed and new and I wanted to go run with them, but I had something left to do.

I needed to reach out to you, to tell you I'm alright.

That this place is truly wonderful, then a bright glow pierced the night.

'Twas the glow of many candles shining bright and strong and bold and I knew then that it held your love in its brilliant shades of gold.

For although we may not be together in the way we used to be,

We are still connected by a cord that no eye can see.

So whenever you need to find me, we're never far apart, if you look beyond the Rainbow and listen with your heart.

~ Author Unknown ~

~If It Should Be~

If it should be I grow frail and weak and pain prevents my peaceful sleep,

Then you must do what must be done when this last battle can't be won.

You will be sad, I understand. Selfishness might stay your hand.

But on this day, more than the rest, your love and friendship take the test.

We've had so many happy years that what's to come can hold no fears.

You'd not want me to suffer, so when the time comes, please let me go.

Take me where my need they'll tend. Only--stay with me until the end.

Hold me firm and speak to me until my eyes no longer see.

I know, in time, you too will see it is a kindness that you do for me.

Although my tail it's last has waved, from pain and suffering I've been saved.

Do not grieve, it should be you who must decide this thing to do.

We've been so close, we two, these years...Don't let your heart hold any tears.

~Author Unknown~