Today is Rainbow Bridge Appreciation Day—a day to remember those cats and dogs we loved and who have gone to that special place we call the Rainbow Bridge. Deborah Barnes, former president and active member in the Cat Writer’s Association, founded Rainbow Bridge Appreciation Day in honor of one of her beloved cats.
It’s not hard for any of us who has loved a cat to bring him or her into our memory today and, in fact, every day of the year. Cherish those memories today. And cherish the cats still in your life.
There are several renditions to the poem about the Rainbow Bridge. Here is one of them: Try not to weep. I couldn’t read it through without tearing up.
“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 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. Their bright eyes are intent. Their eager body quivers. Suddenly they begin to run from the group, flying over the green grass, their legs carrying them 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 the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. (This is where I lose it—how about you?)
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….”
