The most painful part about owning a pet is their short life spans. As adults we have learned to accept it, and cherish all our moments with our pets. But how does one break the news to children who discover their precious puppy is ill. Or their sleepy old friend is never going to wake up again.
As adults or parents, we feel a need to protect our young from the harshness of life’s realities. Some may believe, it’s better to just tell them the facts at a young age. Or just keep quiet. While others, feel it’s better for the subject to be handled gently and sensitively, keeping in mind the child’s age and temperament.
At the age of 9, I remember losing Honey, our dog to a car accident. My parents knew she wouldn’t survive and kept her at the hospital where she was put to sleep to spare her from the pain. I recall waiting anxiously by the door for my parents to come home with her in their arms. And when they didn’t, I recall the look in their eyes. My father said, the doctor did all he could to save her, but she was too weak and wanted to be with her family in heaven.
No more words were exchanged.
The next few days were difficult for all of us in the family. We missed Honey acutely. And somewhere, in that process of grieving, I grew up a little.
Today, many years and many pets later, I’ve come across something known as Rainbow Bridge, a concept which was introduced to me by some animal lovers. A comforting answer to what exactly happens to our pets when they leave, it is debatable like all after-life issues, but its poignancy brought a lot of comfort to those who heard of it. Here’s a copy.
"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 and 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 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. The bright eyes are intent; the eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to break away 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 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. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together......."
Perhaps it does answer a few questions in our minds. Perhaps it makes us think. Or perhaps, the way its done for many of us animal lovers around the world, it’s given us something to believe in and share.
