Question about bridge

[dana]

hi, can anyone tell me why they call it the "rainbow bridge" when a precious pet dies? i have heard this term a lot, but i am not sure i know where it comes from.
thanks so much,
dana and dex

[Mark]

Hi Dana,

It is a great story that we dog lovers have adopted for comfort when we have lost a beloved furkid.

Here it is:

Just this side of heaven is a place called the Rainbow Bridge. When an animal who has been especially close to someone here dies, that pet goes to the 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 have been ill and old are restored to health and vigour; 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. With bright eyes intent and with eager body beginning to quiver your precious friend begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, on legs running 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 the Rainbow Bridge together ...

(Attributed to Abby Lederer and much appreciated by pet owners. The story comes from ancient Norse tradition.)