Abby did print the poem—and confessed to shedding “a tear or two”—but she also pointed out to her 100 million readers that the author’s name was regrettably missing. “If anyone in my reading audience can verify authorship, please let me know.” Your kitty certainly wouldn’t want you to be sad and lonely. That’s why they brought you so much joy in life and comforted you when you needed it most. Adopting a new cat can be a great way to honor your old kitty’s love, and you’d be saving a life. And that’s O.K. at the Rainbow Bridge, where all the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor, just as we remember them in our dreams. Your cat, threatened by the presence of so many healthy, vigorous animals (even though, truly, they could not care less about him and barely noticed his arrival), will start marking every part of the Rainbow Bridge, until the meadows and hills have a sort of stale ammonia smell. My Dog & Me : Write My Storykeepsake book, is a lovely, personalized uniquely guided writing journal, a perfect book to record the story of you and your pet. It would also make a beautiful caring gift for somebody you know who is going through pet loss and bereavement.

Sadly after a deterioration in health Dushka passed peacefully over the Rainbow Bridge on Monday 24 January 2022 aged 22 &½ years-young. If you’ve lost a pet, you have likely encountered “Rainbow Bridge”—a simple but poignant poem about animal heaven and the promise of reunion with furry loved ones. Copies of the poem are regularly given to bereft clients by veterinary hospitals; references commonly appear in condolence cards and social media messages to grieving pet parents. 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.Clyne-Rekhy spent years in India and later moved to an olive farm in Spain—a path that may help to explain why she was not aware of the poem’s growing popularity in the U.S., Britain, and beyond, Koudounaris says. In addition to loss of interest, some gravely ill cats experience behavioral changes related to their mood. They may become depressed or even aggressive, growling or lashing out at you when touched. It is also common for a kitty to purr as her time approaches. Researchers and veterinarians believe they do this to comfort themselves. When Koudounaris finally reached Clyne-Rekhy in January and asked if she was the author of “Rainbow Bridge,” her first response, she says, was “How on Earth did you find me!?’”

Some versions he read, for example, talked about animals “who are maimed and made whole again,” while others referenced animals being “returned to vigor.” These slight differences “let me know something important: That this has been traveling around for a while,” Koudounaris says. The human-animal bond is powerful if for no other reason than that you can truly love one another unconditionally. I created a free printable based on “Rainbow Bridge” in loving memory of my daughter’s (and our family’s) cat, Caressa, who died yesterday. Caressa entered our lives when Christina was 12 years old and added much beauty and joy to our lives over the years. Caressa suffered from lymphoma and was expected to die two years ago. Christina and her husband, Tom, lovingly cared for Caressa, giving her two extra years. Caressa died naturally and peacefully yesterday at age 15 while being loved and petted. Let your cat be your guide as to how much or how little care she wants/needs from you before her time arrives.

Sadly on Sunday April 3 2022 at the grand age of 16 & 1/2 years Ginger’s family had to make the heartbreaking decision to let him go as his health started to deteriorate rapidly. According to the story, when a pet dies, it goes to the meadow, restored to perfect health and free of any injuries. The pet runs and plays all day with the others; there is always fresh food and water, and the sun is always shining. However, it is said that while the pet is at peace and happy, it also misses its owner whom it left behind on Earth. Beautiful Buddy: Buddy was the most kindest, gentlest cat I have ever met, he was so obedient and lovable, he was almost human and almost understood every word you said… Just make sure you have copies of all pictures you use in case you lose your wallet or jewelry. Some people choose to even get tattoos that pay tribute to their cats so they always have a memorial with them, no matter what. Like many Rainbow Bridge poems, this one doesnt reference the Rainbow Bridge in specific terms, but it does offer a similar message of hope and support. Although this is a general pet loss poem that doesnt focus on one specific animal, its mention of a sparrow with a broken wing reminding someone of a lost pet makes it an ideal choice after a birds death. 13. A Time to Remember by John Quealy