Rainbow Bridge

When an animal dies who has been especially close to someone here, that animal 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 that 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, someone 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. Her bright eyes are intent. Her eager body quivers. Suddenly, she begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, her legs carrying her 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 loved one, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together...

A Prayer for the Animals

Hear our humble prayer, O God,
      For our friends, the animals.
Especially for animals who are suffering,
      For any that are hunted or lost or deserted,
Or frightened or hungry, for all that
      Must be put to death, we entreat for
Them all Thy mercy and pity. And for
      Those who deal with them, we ask a
Heart of compassion, gentle and kindly words,
      Make us true friends of the animals and
So to share the blessing of the merciful.

                        Albert Schweitzer.