Saying Goodbye

Saying Goodbye

cocker's life span is only a small portion of ours, sometimes only a few short years, sometimes as many as 12 to 14. The most difficult time we face is when our friend and companion has to leave us. At times it is sudden and sometimes it's after a protracted illness

At these times we should take comfort in fond memories of earlier times and realize they are in a place where they run and play like puppies with no pain and suffering. We call that place "The Rainbow Bridge."

Just this side of Heaven is a place called The Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to The 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 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 Rainbow Bridge together........

"Here lies one who loved us and whom we loved".

"No matter how deep my sleep I shall hear you and not all the power of death can keep my spirit from wagging a grateful tail. I will always love you as only a dog can."

from " The Last Will & Testament of an Extremely Loved Dog" written by Eugene O'Neill for his wife Carlotta a few days before their Dalmatian passed away from old age in December, 1940.

There are many sources of comfort on the Internet. A partial list can be found on SuperDog.com and others are listed below.

The Rainbow Bridge Memorial Site	<This link's target cannot be found>
<This link's target cannot be found>	Old Dog In A Locket
<This link's target cannot be found>	We Have A Secret
In-Memory-Of-Pets.com	Pet Loss Grief Support
<This link's target cannot be found>	<This link's target cannot be found>