Rainbow Bridge (Was: Pets passing away.

[M. Jacobs]

In article <1993Aug7.1...@news.cs.indiana.edu>, "amy lynn young-leith"
<aly...@kiwi.ucs.indiana.edu> says:
>
>I've come to rec.pets for some support. Just for someone to say they
>understand.

Hi Amy,

I'm terribly sorry for your loss and you have my deepest
sympathy.

I understand. My dog died of a lung tumor in March. Charlene
Douglas on the Canine-l has a packet of grief information that
you might find useful. The loss of my dog was as deep a loss
to me as the deaths of my human family members.

Also, I posted a number on the Canine List about the canine grief
hotline here in Chicago in case that is of help to you.
If you can't read the Canine-l, I will send you the number
via e-mail if you want it.

Here is one of the best posts on the Canine-l about
the loss of your close friend. You have every right to
mourn this loss in the same manner as a human loss, even if
no one else does, and even if they do not understand you
or criticize you for your mourning. It is a terrible loss
and it is real. I wish you the best in coping. If your
husband cannot mourn the loss, you still have every right
to mourn in your own way.

And, your dog will always be with you in your memories and
your feelings, so the death does not end your relationship
at all. You still have that inside of you and you always will.

See "Rainbow Bridge" below:
(The Caniners sent it to me when Shanti died.)

Mary
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| M. Jacobs | This is MY view | If the world were logical, |
| U45301@UICVM | not the view |men would be the ones riding|
| U45...@uicvm.uic.edu | of the "U" |side saddle. -- Jim Dines |
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Date: Thu, 7 Jan 1993 15:35:00 EST
From: ML...@NCH08A.EM.CDC.GOV
Subject: Rainbow Bridge

The following was taken from Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League Newsletter
which reprinted it from the Akita Rescue Society of America. It touched me
so....., that I wanted to share it with all of you.

THE RAINBOW BRIDGE
There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth. It is called the Rainbow
Bridge because of its many colors. Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge,
there is a land of meadows, hills and valleys with lush green grass.
When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place. There is always
food and water, and warm Spring weather. Those old and frail animals
are young again. Those who have been maimed are made whole again. They
play all day with each other.

But there is only one thing missing. They are not with their special
person who loved them on earth. So, each day they run and play until
the day comes when one suddenly stops playing and looks up. The nose
twitches, the ears are up, the eyes are staring, and this one suddenly
runs from the group. You have been seen, and when you and your special
friend meet, you take him or her in your arms and embrace. Your face is
kissed again and again and again and you look once more into the eyes
of your trusting pet.

Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated.

[Anne Cotton]

I've lost two dogs; both had to be put down, and both went out
in my arms, hearing me reassure them. It's NEVER easy.
But keep in mind that that much love simply cannot die.

When I lost my last dog, I had her cremated; some months later,
I buried the ashes under a small shrub that had already bloomed
for the season when I put it in the ground (late May). For my
birthday a month later, the shrub put forth one blossom. A
friend who is an Episcopal priest had the perfect comment; she
simply said, "Love is honored." (P.S. The shrub had to be
replaced this year, and the new shrub bloomed again, for the
first time, right on my birthday.)