This page is dedicated to, and is remembrance of:Simcoe,Cindy, Niles and all those who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge.
The following poems were collected by our dear friend Jocelynne from the Halton/Peel Pet Loss Support Group. We would encourage any of our visitors who may have a special poem to send it along to us and we will post it on this page. In times of need and sadness all offerings of love and compasion can be helpful.
Bridge Called Love
It takes us back to brighter years, to happier sunlit days and to precious moments that will be with us always.
And these fond recollections are treasured in the heart to bring us always close to those from whom we had to part.
There is a bridge of memories from earth to Heaven above... It keeps our dear ones near us It's the bridge that we call love.
Author Unknown
Sequel to Rainbow Bridge
Oh, when we get to Heaven We hope that we will find The Souls that once we loved Who left us all behind. Some left at the right time, They left this world in peace. Others left too sudden Without the chance to say goodbye. They were gone before we had The chance to even cry.
There's a special place for grownups; A special place for kids; Me, I'll be on the other side - The side called Rainbow Bridge. Across the dark green meadow, A-top the hills I'll run, Where the colors from the Rainbow Glitter from the sun.
And there I'll find my sweetheart running fast toward me, Into my arms where he belongs FOR ALL ETERNITY!!
Jean McColgan
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, water and sunshine and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and 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 and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing: they each miss someone very special, someone who was 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 begins to quiver. Suddenly, he breaks from the group, flying over the green grass, 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 those trusting eyes, so long gone from your life, but never absent from your heart. Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together...
"Author Unknown"
Beyond the Rainbow
As much as I loved the life we had and all the times we played, I was so very tired and knew my time on earth would fade. I saw a wonderous image then of a place that's trouble-free,where all of us can meet again to spend eternity.
I saw the most beautiful Rainbow, and on the other side were meadows rich and beautiful--lush and green and wide! And running through the meadows as far as the eye could see were animals of every sort as healthy as could be! My own tired, failing body was fresh and healed and new and I wanted to go run with them, but I had something left to do.
I needed to reach out to you, to tell you I'm all right that this place is truly wondrful, then a bright glow pierced the night.'Twas the glow of many candles shining bright and strong and bold and I knew then that it held your love in its brilliant shades of gold.
For although we may not be together in the way we used to be,we are still connected by a cord no eye can see.So whenever you need to find me, we're never far apart if you look beyond the Rainbow and listen with your heart.
C.G. 1995
Is Today A Difficult Day?
I hope that you may find comfort in reading this...
It says in the Bible that many years ago God told Noah that He would destroy many of the creatures and most of the people on earth. The Lord instructed him to build an ark for his family, and once this was done, he would have to bring a certain number of animals onto the ark. Then God Himself led all of the animals to be saved to the great ark...Supernaturally...Noah would have never been able to do this himself, on his own...the enormous size of the ark was a great testimony to the large number of creatures which the Lord saved.
If it had not been for God’s great mercy, we would not have the animals that we do today... He could have just as easily destroyed them all during the flood...Then you and I would not know the beauty of the many different creatures that live on this planet, and we would not know the love and joy that each of our pets has brought to us...
Are you feeling sad today because you are wrestling with a difficult decision? Your pet is suffering, and you have an opportunity to end that, but you feel guilt and you really can’t bear to let your pet go?
Thank God for your precious pet...Then consider his or her suffering...Animals cannot speak for themselves. They put up a brave front when they are sick...They hide their pain as best they can. A vet knows when an animal is suffering. Take his or her word for it. As human beings, we have been given dominion over the animals of the earth. When you feel ready, you can end your pet’s suffering at your veterinarian’s advice. Don’t let his pain go on for too long. God has entrusted your pet to you...He loves your pet so much... He even talks about how much love He has for the sparrow in Scripture. He loves everything that He creates, so don’t forget that He loves you too..
Lend Me a Pup
I will lend to you for awhile, a pup, God said, For you to love him while he lives and mourn for him when he's dead. Maybe for twelve or fourteen years, or maybe two or three But will you, 'till I call him back, take care of him for me.
He'll bring his charms to gladden you and (should his stay be brief) you'll always have his memories as solace for your grief. I cannot promise he will stay, since all from earth return But there are lessons taught below I want this pup to learn.
I've looked the whole world over in search of teachers true And from the folk that crowd's life's land I have chosen you. Now will you give him all your love Nor think the labour vain, Nor hate me when I come to take my Pup back again.
I fancied that I heard them say "Dear Lord Thy Will be Done," For all the joys this Pup will bring, the risk of grief we'll run. We'll shelter him with tenderness we'll love him while we may And for the happiness we've known forever grateful stay!
But should you call him back much sooner than we've planned, We'll brave the bitter grief that comes, and try to understand. If, by our love, we've managed, your wishes to achieve! In memory of him we loved, to help us while we grieve, When our faithful bundle departs this world of strife, We'll have yet another Pup and love him all his life.
author unknown
An Owner's Plea
Please, God, if You should hear a scratch on Eden's Gate tonight,a gentle whine, a muffled bark; have Peter take a light and open up the Pearly Gates and call her Spirit in,for I think she lived in Heaven once; please take her back again.
She may have been a mongrel, without a pedigree,yet she was noble, kind and good; I think You will agree: That she'll be very useful where the souls of children play.She'll romp with them, and see; Dear God; they do not go astray.
Just tell her that we're sorry that we could not pat her head,and whisper how we loved here 'ere her Spirit fled. I pray that when death beckons, and my soul surmounts life's fog,I'll rate a place in Heaven, Dear God, beside our dog...
Author Unknown
Time to Go
The time has come I think you know the Lord is calling so I must go I love you so much; I wish it wasn't so I wish I could stay; I don't want to go
You're the best family a dog ever had so kind and gentle, never mean or mad I'll never forget the day that we met I was so lucky to become your pet
You opened your door and showed me your heart I'll never forget you; we'll never part You loved me and cared for me over the years you taught me everything and took away my fears
The Lord is calling now I must go but before I go I want you to know I know it hurts to lose a friend but I'll always be with you even to the end.
Written by John Quealy
A Special Place
You have a special place Dear Lord that I know you'll always keep A special place reserved for dogs when they quietly fall asleep With large and airy kennels and a yard for hiding bones With maybe a little babbling creek that chatters over stones. With wide green fields and flowers for those who never knew about running freely under Your sky of perfect blue. Lord, I know You keep this Special Place And so to You I pray, For one Special Rottweiler Who quietly died today She was full of strength and love and so very, very wise. The puppy look she once had Had long since left her eyes. She is dearly missed my Lord By a very good friend of mine. She went to join her ancestors To Your land that is Divine So, speak to Crimmy softly please And give her a warm hello. She's a Special gift to You Dear Lord From Brenda, who loved her so. Jan Cooper 1994
Heaven's Doggy-Door
My best friend closed his eyes last night, As his head was in my hand. The Doctors said he was in pain, And it was hard for him to stand.
The thoughts that scurried through my head, As I cradled him in my arms. Were of his younger, puppy years, And Oh...his many charms.
Today, there was no gentle nudge With an intense "I love you gaze", Only a heart that's filled with tears Remembering our joy filled days.
But an Angel just appeared to me, And he said, "You should cry no more, GOD also loves our canine friends, HE's installed a 'doggy-door'!!!
Jan Cooper '95
Golden Memories
They say memories are golden, well, maybe that is true. I never wanted memories, I only wanted you. A million times I cried. If love alone could have saved you, you never would have died. In life I loved you dearly, in death I love you still. In my heart you hold a place no one else could fill. If tears could build a stairway and heartache make a lane. I'd walk the path to Heaven and bring you back again. Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same. But as God calls us back one by one, the chain will link again.
A Special Gift
They're a very special gift; to be cherished and loved You're chosen for each other; by God Himself above It's a match made in heaven; so it can't be wrong You're tied together by a bond; that's oh so strong All they'll ever ask from you; is to be loved and fed And at night make sure they have, fresh water and a bed In return for so little; the rewards are so great You'll get a companion for life; with some very special traits. When you are lost; and the end seems so far away They'll walk by your side; they'll help you find your way When life gets you down; they can put a smile on your face As they run you in circles; with their fast pace You'll share the good with the bad; you'll be happy and sad And through it all you have a friend; the best you ever had You're time together; will be special and unique It will be as priceless to you; as a rare antique Then before you know it; the day will arrive When suddenly your life; takes a steep dive The furry friend who's been with you for all of these years Has now passed on; and left you in tears As you sit and wonder; what did I do Why is this all happening to you Into each of our lives; a little rain must fall And you must be strong; to answer the call Your little one's spirit has flown home on the wings of a dove To a special place that awaits them; in heaven above St. Francis will meet them; when they get home He will take them to a meadow; where they're free to roam There in the meadows; down by the pond Your furry friend will remember his loving bond He'll look into the water; then you apppear He can see you're frightened; he can feel your fear Through the bond that still ties you; from heaven above He looks down upon you; he sends you his love Because you loved him; and because you care Whenever you need him; he'll always be there There in the meadows; they patiently wait for the day When you will celebrate your life together; each and everyday Waiting for that day; when you come walking back home When together for an eternity; through the meadows you'll roam.
Cat Poem
They will not go quietly, the cats who've shared our lives. In suptle ways they let us know their spirit still survives. Old habits still make us think we hear a meow at the door. Or step back when we drop a tasty morsel on the floor. Our feet still go around the place the food dish used to be, And, sometimes, coming home at night, we miss them terribly. And although time may bring new friends and a new food dish to fill, That one place in our hearts belongs to them. . . and always will.
by Linda Barnes
Four Feet in Heaven
Your favorite chair is vacant now... No eager purrs to greet me. No softly padded paws to run Ecstatically to meet me. No coaxing rubs, no plaintive cry Will say it's time for feeding. I've put away your bowl, and all The things you won't be needing; But I will miss you little friend, For I could never measure The happiness you brought me, The comfort and the pleasure. And since God put you here to share In earthly joy and sorrow; I'm sure there'll be a place for you In Heaven's bright tomorrow...
by Alice E. Chase
The Angel
The young pup and the older dog lay on shaded sweet grass watching the reunions. Sometimes a man, sometimes a woman, sometimes a whole family would approach the Rainbow Bridge, be greeted by their loving pets and cross the bridge together.
The young pup playfully nipped at the older one. "Look! Something wonderful is happening!" The older dog stood up and barked, "Quickly. Get over to the path."
"But that's not my owner," whined the pup, but he did as he was told. Thousands of pets surged forward as a figure in white walked on the path toward the bridge. After the glowing figure passed each animal, that animal bowed it's head in love and respect. The figure finally approaching the bridge, and was met by a menagerie of joyous animals. Together, they all walked over the bridge and disappeared.
The young pup was still in awe. "Was that an angel?" he whispered.
"No, son." The older dog replied. "That was more than an angel. That was person who worked rescue."
The Puppy
This morning, I woke up & kissed my Dad's head. I peed on the carpet, then went back to bed. "The life of a puppy, oh my, this is great." Then I thought about breakfast, "I hope it's not too late."
Mom took me outside, we walked for a while. This never fails to make Mama smile. I sniffed of everything, that we did pass, I ate something weird - it gave me gas.
I'm sure God loves me, I know that is true. He gave me so many great things to chew. Rugs, plants or rocks, I really don't care. What I truly like best, is Dad's underwear.
That obedience book, was sort of yummy. Though it didn't sit well on my poor puppy tummy. I threw up a bit, but that was all right, When Mom found it later, I was well out of sight.
I made streamers of T.P., while running at full speed. Mom is pretty quick - but I was still in the lead. I flew under the bed, and Mom flew past, She stopped - shook her head, and breathed, "You're too fast."
Mama later phoned Daddy, and said "It was frightening!" That afternoon, she was sure I pooped lighting. She'd sat at the computer, while I chewed the cord, She thought I was mad, but I was just bored.
When Mama had enough, couldn't take it anymore, That's when my tushy got shoved out the door. I live it inside, but outside is best. Lay in the cool grass, and had a good rest.
That didn't last long, there was too much to do -- Can't quite remember where I hid Daddy's shoe. I found an old bone, and scratched at the flea, I watched the dumb squirrels as they jumped in a tree.
I barked at the kids, when they got off the bus. I can't figure out why this makes Mama fuss. I barked at the neighbor, I barked at the wind. I barked and barked, till Mom yelled, "COME IN."
The sun dipped in the west - soon Daddy would come! I sure love my Daddy: we always have fun. I barked at my Daddy, then turned on my charms, I woo-wooed, "Hello," then jumped in his arms.
Sitting under the table - it's sooo hard to wait. Daddy slipped me a goodie right off is plate. I raced through the house, and scattered my toys, Richocheted off the furniture, and made lots of noise.
Mom found her purse - the one I abused. Daddy let loose a chuckle. Mom asked "Amused??" I cowered downlow, I must be in trouble. Dad said "Wasn't MY boy, it must be his double!"
Mom turned off the TV, and said "Tim for bed." Dad said "Let's go boy," and patted my head. I got in the spot, between Mom and Dad, I thought 'bout my day and what fun I had.
Mama kicked out my bone from the covers below, Then let loose a sigh -- a sigh deep and low. She gave me a kiss, and snuggled me tight, And whispered so softly, 'My darling goodnight'.
Poem for Dog Lovers
by Ginger Patton
Hello. I've been expecting you for quite some time. Here, come sit beside us for awhile and let me tell you about this old friend of mine. She might look tattered or maybe old But I won't say goodbye until you've been told. She had the brightest eyes I had ever seen, And wore a beautiful fur coat that would out shine a queen . She was never prissy but walked with an air, And oh so polite, you could take her most anywhere. She could run like the wind and could catch anything she chased But she protected and sat with me when I had problems to face. You could not find a friend nearly so dear. Because no matter the trouble she always stayed near... She has never asked for much from me; Just to love and respect her and I think you'll agree . To give her a good meal plus a nice warm bed is not much to ask ; When she has given me all her love and to her this was no task. Now I understand you have a schedule to keep. But I have a small favor before she nods off to sleep. Please fold your wings around her and let her feel young while in no pain ; Dear Guardian Angel of Pets ,please keep her safe and happy until I see her again.
Not the least hard thing to bear when they go from us, these quiet friends, is that they carry away with them so many years of our own lives