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....
Author unknown
The young pup and the older dog lay on shaded sweet grass watching the reunions. Sometimes a man, sometimes a woman, sometimes a whole family would approach the Rainbow Bridge, be greeted by their loving pets and cross the bridge together.
The young pup playfully nipped at the older one. "Look! Something wonderful is happening!"
The older dog stood up and barked, "Quickly. Get over to the path."
"But that's not my owner," whined the pup, but he did as he was told.
Thousands of pets surged forward as a figure in white walked on the path toward the bridge. As the glowing figure passed each animal, that animal bowed its head in love and respect. The figure finally approached the bridge, and was met by a menagerie of joyous animals. Together, they all walked over the bridge and disappeared.
The young pup was still in awe. "Was that an angel?" he whispered.
"No, son," the older dog replied. "That was more than an angel. That was a rescuer."
Sam
Sam was 10 weeks old when we got him. He was a black Labrador and cute as a button with big brown eyes staring up at you. My husband and I fell in love with him right away. At that time we had no children, so Sam was our baby.
My husband was in the military and when we moved frequently, Sam always came with us. When Bill was away on duty Sam was always there with those big brown eyes.
Sam was always there for the big events in our lives, the major ones being the births of our 3 beautiful girls. When they came home, Sam was there to welcome them with kisses and licks. Sam and our girls grew up together and loved each other.
When Sam was 11 years old we brought home a new puppy, an 8-week-old Dachshund we named Oscar. Sam and Oscar became friends and we all loved our new extended family.
When Sam was 12 1/2 years old his health started to decline and at nearly the age of 14, our beloved Sam passed away. We were heart broken. We had taken him to the vets that morning. Bill and I were there when he came into our lives and we were there when he left us.
It was a sad day for us and we all cried for days. The ride home without Sam was sad, but when we got home Oscar greeted us with a wagging tail and "happy you are home" eyes. We were grieving for Sam but Oscar's love helped with our grief.
We LOVED Sam and we were grieving him, and the love we had for Sam, we bestowed on Oscar. We will never forget Sam but having another dog helped us so much.
The death of a beloved "family member" can be devastating, to say the least; but always remember that he/she would not want you to suffer unending grief. Giving your love to another new dog is OK, you will never forget the ones that passed, they will always be in your heart and you will always have memories.
Never feel guilty for having enough love for another pet.
I hope our experience with Sam and Oscar may help someone else with their grieving.
IN LOVING MEMORY OF OUR BELOVED SAM.......
- The Marburger Family; Bill, Terry, Michaela, Marissa, Abigail; and Oscar & Bailey