Trinket

Just this side of heaven is a place called the Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies who has been
especially close to someone here, the 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 who had been ill or 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 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 to each other in
joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress
that 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.
"The Legend of the Rainbow Bridge," Copyright © 1997, Paul C. Dahm.