. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rainbow Bridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Just this side of heaven there 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 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 vigour. 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.

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 together in joyous reuninion, 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 ...

 (Author unknown)

 

A last resting place

Losing a dearly loved companion is always tough. The garden can be a last resting place for your pet: but this may not always be possible, or you may prefer not to do this. There are plenty of alternative options, such as scattering ashes along a favourite walk, or interring him or her in a pet cemetery: these and other suggestions are covered in more detail in my book 'Dog Friendly Gardening'. If you'd eventually like your remains to lie together with those of your pet, visit the Dignity Pet Crematorium website - you'll find a link on the Links page - to find out more.

Whether you lay your pet to rest at home or elsewhere, you may decide to create some kind of memorial to your pet in your garden. When I lost my whippet/GSD cross Lisa, a beautiful Hebe called 'Lisa' seemed absolutely perfect - and naturally a Geum 'Borisii' marks the spot where Boris lies. Fern of course was easy - but I had a lot of fun choosing one which seemed just right.

They aren't the only plants: as well as snowdrops, Narcissi and a sprawling, shaggy Creeping Speedwell to help give year-round interest, taking centre spot is a beautiful Rosemary bush which has delicate little pink flowers in the Spring and a wonderfully heady fragrance. Because it is evergreen it means that no matter the season, there is always something to look at in this special corner of the garden - and it is also a traditional symbol of love, loyalty and remembrance, which makes it seem all the more appropriate.   

 

Gone but never forgotten ...

If you would like to place a memorial on this page, please contact me using the form on the contact page

 

 

Chester

Rescued from the roadside as a puppy: champion snuggler and duvet diver: hero worshipper: Mick's faithful and constant companion: together forever.

 

 

Boris

Rescued from death row of a pound in Wales on his last day: finder and collector of balls: a singer of songs: Scruffts winner: fuzzball: a patient teacher and trusting, steadfast and loyal best friend, who is much missed.

 

Lisa

Rescued as an 18 month old hyperactive teenager with severe separation anxiety issues and the most wonderful sticky-up ears: warbled, trilled and carolled her way through life, refusing to grow up: adored Agility: battled cancer twice: a sweet-natured best friend who is much missed. 

Fern

Came to us at 8 years old with an unknown history, lots of lumps and bumps and a heart murmur, attracting our attention by batting her long blonde eyelashes: foodie: accomplished thief: sun worshipper: feisty: another champion snuggler: duvet diver: a much missed best friend.

Sophie Long

July 15th 1998 - October 20th 2012  

A winner of beauty contests, a reluctant herder who preferred to supervise from the sidelines, and a happy camper who accompanied her guardian and carer on numerous photography trips. She loved much and was much loved in return and is greatly missed.