Pelushka Persians
Bred With Love & Care
RAINBOW BRIDGE
The poem
By the edge of a wood, at the foot of a hill,
Lays a lush green meadow, where time stands still.
Where the friends of man and woman do run,
When their time on earth is over and done.
For here, between this world and the next,
Is a place where each loved creature finds rest.
On this golden land, they wait and they play,
Until the Bridge they cross over one day.
No more do they suffer, in pain or in sadness,
For here they are whole, their lives filled with gladness.
Their limbs are restored, their strength is regained,
Their bodies have healed, and no longer maimed.
They romp through the grass, without even a care,
Until one day they start, and sniff the air.
All ears are pricked forward, eyes dart front and back,
Then all of a sudden, one breaks from the pack.
For just at that instant, their eyes have met,
Together again, both owner and pet.
So they run to each other, these friends from long past,
The time of their parting, is over at last.
The sadness they felt while they were apart,
Has turned into joy again in each heart.
They embrace with a love that will last forever,
And then, side by side, they cross over together.
The Story
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 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 contented, 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 life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross the rainbow together ............
(Author unknown)
THE AUTHOR
Who is the Real Author of The Rainbow Bridge?
This question is shrouded in mystery, since the poem has been copied so many times on the internet as "author unknown", that it seems to have moved into the area of public domain. I too have reprinted it on this site as"author unknown", but after some investigation, discovered at least three writers who lay claim to being the original author, or to having written something remarkably similar to The Rainbow Bridge, as we know it.
Paul C. Dahn
Last known to live in Lincoln City, USA. He is said to have written the poem in 1981, copyrighted it in 1994, and published it in a book, The Rainbow Bridge, in 1998.
William M. Britton
Mr Britton's book, Legend of Rainbow Bridge, copyrighted in 1994, and published in 1996, has lovely illustrations by Ron Dawson. Mr Britton and his late wife were co-founders of Companion Golden Retriever Rescue.
Dr Wallace Sife
Dr. Wallace Sife heads the Association for Pet Loss and Breavement, and his version of the poem, titled "All Pets Go to Heaven", appears on the Association's site. The Poem is also featured in his book, "The Loss of a Pet".
The Quest fot the real author of The Rainbow Bridge may never be undeniably resolved, but one thing remains true. This sweet story will continue to bring peace and comfort to thousands of animal lovers for many years to come.
PET BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT SERVICE
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