Story of the Rainbow bridge

How a piece of paper, personal loss of a beloved dog Major and grief led to a story that touched millions of owners who were or are dealing with the pet loss journey!

More and more my family members are going to the Rainbow bridge. What a reunion that will be!

19-year old Edna Clyne, 1959., from Scotland has just said final goodbyes to her labrador Major. She often talked with him and said he understood her, without training, the way we all know our pets understand us. It is much more than simple "meow" of "woof". I will always say that they read us as an open book and that they know us better than we know ourselves!

This is the reason they deserve for us to put in some effort and learn their language so we can communicate at much deeper level. More posts are to come about veterinary behaviourism and how I can help you understand your pets needs. Reach out for on line consultations and let's make their lives even better!

After saying goodbye, Edna had the urge to write something. She once said that it was like Major was guiding her. She took a piece of paper, erased the text her sister has written there and went on writing the "Rainbow Bridge". In that short text she interwined something that never dies-HOPE. Hope that one day we will be with our pets together and we will meet them at the Rainbow Bridge. There they have everything they need- meadows, hills, sunshine, health, food, play. But they miss one important thing which they left on the earth- their special person!

One of many beautiful and meaningful proverbs says: To us, our pets are only a small part of our lives, but to them, we are their whole life!

I often stop to think about that one, especially when my pets are playing with my last nerve. My time with them will pass to quickly and I am their life. They come to me for cuddles, comfort, safety, shelter, food and company. I am the person they are happy to see. More important than what will be when they are gone is how we treat them right now. In this moment. Tomorrow. Let's make their lives full of happiness and love. Because that is what they are giving us every day. Back to the Rainbow bridge story and Edna. Later she showed that paper to her mother and husband (who published it). Edna refused to rewrite the text on a clean sheet of paper, saying it is perfect the way it is and that it has Mjor's spirit in it.

Author of this photo and text: Edna Clyne

If you haven't seen it yet, here it is:

" Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, your 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 friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who have been ill and old are restored to health and strength, those who were hurt are made better and strong again, like we remember them before they go to heaven. They 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 shineing (sic), his body shakes. Suddenly he begins to run from the herd, rushing over the grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cuddle in a happy hug never to be apart again. You and your pet are in tears. Your hands again cuddle his head and you look again into his trusting eyes, so long gone from life, but never absent from your heart, and then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together."

To this beautiful story I would like to add a few saying and poems which I often share with my owners and which are also consolation to me. If you have lost your pet or if you are preparing for final goddbyes, i hope this blog post brings you peace, hope and knowledge that it is not a finall "goodbye". It is just "bye till we meet again!".

"If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever" (My personal all time favourite).

“One day we will see our pets in the eternity of Christ,(Pope Paul VI. to a boy who just lost his dog).

And my favourite poem:

"You'll meet me in the light

I know you can't see me, but trust me I'm right here.

Although I'm up in heaven,

my love for you stays near.

So often I see you crying,

many times you call my name.

I want so much to lick your face and ease some of your pain.

I wish that I could make you see

that Heaven indeed is real,

If you could see me run and play

how much better would you feel.

But our loving God has promides me

that when the time is right,

you'll step out of the darkness and

meet me in the light! "

Share you own favourite proverbs, thoughts, stories or poems. They might help other woners overcome their grief and serve as a reminder that this parting is only until you meet again!

This is a gift from my dear friend, in the moments of grief for letting go and saying goodbye to our Zara (in the middle). Grief turner to laughter and this gift has a special place in my living room to remind me of all the joy I got from my pets (and Alan Rickman as Severus Snape)! Thank you, my dear A.

Before wrapping up, let me just explain why this photo brings so much joy!

Left is my Pasha with whom I had 15 wonderful years. If soul mates really exist, he was mine! Also, he is the reason why German Shepherds are my all time favourites.

In the middle is Zara, our little dog with the widest smile (yes, it is not a photoshopped image-that was her trademark smile!) who came to us unexpectedly and left us the same way, too soon even if she was 14.5 years old.

What about Severus Snape? Alan Rickman was one of my favourite actors and, as you probably know, he passed away some years ago. My generation was raised on Harry Potter book and movie franchise and Severus Snape was my favourite. My friend A. probalby has PTSD from me and Snape!

So when I saw the photo, this is the mental image that popped up:

Rainbow bridge, Pasha and Zara together again, playing... and Severus Snape saying: "There will be no foolish tail wagging or silly barking in this place!" . If you are a Potterhead, you know this iconic scene when he enters the classroom!

And that is the best way to deal with loss and grief- through beautiful memories and laughter!

Edna Clyne is still alive and her "recipe" to overcoming pet loss is- get another pet!

That is the topic that will surely make an appearance on my blog!

Happy Easter and let us keep the HOPE of eternal life and meeting our pets at the Rainbow Bridge alive!

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