Just this side of the Summer Country
is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially
close to someone on this plane, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There
are meadows and hills, cushions and catnip, for all of our special friends
so they can run and play, drowse in the sun and dream lovely dreams. There
is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
Our Lady of the Animals smiles upon them and blesses them all with Her
touch. 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. Her bright eyes are intent; Her eager body begins to quiver and
a hopeful purr starts deep within her. Suddenly she begins to run from
the group, flying over the green grass, her legs carrying her faster and
faster. A familiar and much loved face has been spotted. When the two come
together they cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again.
Happy kisses rain upon tear streaked face and fur; hands again caress the
beloved head, paws pat and knead, and trusting eyes gaze once more into
each other, so long absent from life but never absent from the heart. Then,
as the Lady smiles at the rightness, they cross the Rainbow Bridge together....
Rainbow Bridge Roll Call