Rainbow Bridge
&
Pet Bereavement Support

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 and water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had 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 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. The bright eyes are intent; the eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to break away 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 the Rainbow Bridge together.

Author - Anon

She is Gone

You can shed tears that she is gone, Or you can smile because she lived.

You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back,
Or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left.

Your heart can be empty because you can't see her,
Or you can be full of the love that you shared.

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.

You can remember her and only that she is gone,
Or you can cherish her memory and let it live on.

You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back,
Or you can do what she would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

Author - David Harkins

Pet Bereavement Support

If you have recently lost a dearly loved animal companion, these may help...

Remembrance Page
If you would like to pay tribute to a loved cat who has passed to Rainbow Bridge, you can now do so on Cat Chat. Our Remembrance Gallery has been set up to honour special cats who have left a pawprint in human hearts ~ and in their memory, helping other cats in need >> Remembrance Page

The Pet Bereavement Support Service
Offering support to bereaved pet owners through a national network of trained volunteer telephone and email befrienders. Launched in 1994, the service is operated by the Blue Cross in partnership with the Society for Companion Animal Studies. Telephone the pet bereavement helpline: 0800 096 6606 (8.00am - 8.30pm daily), or email: pbssmail@bluecross.org.uk, or visit: Pet Bereavement Support Website

Animal Samaritans
The Animal Samaritans run a pet bereavement service for those who have recently lost a much loved pet, to help with their loss and to offer advice. Contact them as follows: Tel. (South East London area): 0208 303 1859 Tel. (North West Kent area): 01474 703542 Email: info@animalsamaritans.org.uk Web site: www.animalsamaritans.org.uk

The Cat Chat Forum
Share your feelings with other cat lovers on the Rainbow Bridge section of our Forum, most of whom have suffered the loss of a pet at some time. It can help greatly to talk to others who understand: www.catchat.org/forum

The Ease Animal Charity
EASE provides a pet bereavement support service for those who have lost a dear companion animal. Contact them via their Website: www.ease-animals.org.uk

Association of Private Pet Cemeteries & Crematoria
Members of the Association adhere to a strict Code of Practice, ensuring that people get a genuine service, for example, ensuring their pet receives a genuinely individual cremation if they have asked for one. For member cemeteries and crematoria across Britain, call: 01252 844478 or visit: www.appcc.org.uk

"Parting Words Parting Ways"
A sensitive and sensible book for anyone coping with the loss of an animal companion. Written by Laura Ritter Carlson, it offers creative and comforting ways of coping with the loss, and also ways of honouring their memory. All proceeds go to animal welfare charities. Available from Amazon and via most bookstores.

Rainbow Bridge
If you or someone you know has recently lost a beloved pet, you or they may like to read Rainbow Bridge (above), a moving piece of prose by an anonymous author: Rainbow Bridge