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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...

Coffee was a loving, affectionate and patient Dog. She enjoyed the simple pleasures of life -- good food, tummy rubs, balls, stuffed toys, hunting ducks and taking long naps. She was the world’s best snorer (a trait she passed along to several of her children). At times she would even snore while fully awake. She was loved by everyone she met and was quite willing to rollover and allow her latest acquaintance to give her a long tummy rub.

This is a hard day but she is in a great place right now the sun is always shining and the ducks are flying. Will miss you old girl but there will be a time again we will hunt together. Till then make me proud and play hard. Sheldon and Beth

Dogs’ lives are short, too short, but you know that going in. You know the pain is coming, you’re going to lose a dog, and there’s going to be great anguish, so you live fully in the moment with her, never fail to share her joy or delight in her innocence, because you can’t support the illusion that a dog can be your lifelong companion. There’s such beauty in the hard honesty of that, in accepting and giving love while always aware it comes with an unbearable price. Maybe loving dogs is a way we do penance for all the other illusions we allow ourselves and for the mistakes we make because of those illusions.

Coffee was in our lives for a relatively short time, but in that time she made a big impact on us. She was one of a kind; loving, loyal and had just the best personality that you could ask for. All I can say is, what a girl! And as Beth and Sheldon say, could she snore! I thank Sheldon and Beth for giving her a loving home for the last three and a half years of her life. She couldn't have had a better place to be and got to do lots of the fun doggy things that Coffee liked such as hunting, boat riding, camping and even spending the winter in Mexico. Who could ask for more? Sheldon and Beth came today and we reminisced and a little of Coffee is home with us again.

Yesterday I had to do the kind thing and let you go. It broke my heart to have to have this done, but I couldn't stand to see you in pain anymore. You have been the most faithful and loving friend I could ever have asked for. It was very sad to come home and not have you meet me at the door in your exuberant manner and this morning to get up and not have you greet me with your wagging tail and happy face. You will always have the most special place in my heart. Rest in peace my dear friend.

Tattney-lee Tarr - Victoria, BC

"If it should be

If it should be that I grow frail and weak,

and the pain should keep me from my sleep

Then you must do what must be done

For this, the battle, cannot be won.

You will be sad, I understand

Do not let the grief then stay in your hand,

For this day more than all the rest

Your love and friendship stand the test.

We have had so many happy years,

What is to come can hold no fears.

You would not want me to suffer so;

When the time comes, please let me go.

Take me where my needs they'll tend

And stay with me, if you can, to the end.

Hold me firm and speak to me

Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time, you will see,

It is a kindness you do for me.

Although my tail its last was waved

From pain and suffering I have been saved.

Do not grieve that it should be you,

Who must decide this thing to do,

We have been so close, we two, these years;

Do not let your heart hold any tears.

Smile, for we walked together for a little while. "

Unknown Author