The 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...




Almost a year ago, Panda (short for Pandora, because she was so curious)developed a kidney problem and we almost lost her. To everyone's surprise, especially the vet, she rallied and fought back against the darkness. She endured being force fed through a syringe when her weight would go down, twice weekly trips to the vet to have water injected under her skin, and being medicated twice a day.

She remained bright-eyed and feisty throughout the last year. Despite the vet's warning that we'd only be buying her a couple of years at best, death seemed a long way away.

Two weeks ago she started losing weight again. First, on the 18th, she went down to 5.8 pounds. The following week she was down to 5.2, which was lower than she'd been when she was first diagnosed with a problem. Thursday she was down to 4.9 pounds. As painful as it was, we came to the realization it was time to let her go.

Rest in peace, our precious girl.