The Rainbow Bridge: Comforting Pet Owner's Coping with a Pet's Death
Published October 19, 2011
Jo Singer
The Rainbow Bridge helps many cope after the death of a beloved cat or dog.
No words can convey our heartbreak when we lose a beloved pet. Since our fur-kids are family members, it can be very difficult to cope with a cat or dog's death. So years ago, when I discovered the "Rainbow Bridge,” it gave me great comfort to think that in the future I would be reunited with all the incredible animals with whom I have shared my life.
Recently, I was asked by a friend of mine (who owns a feline-only veterinary practice) to write a feline oriented Rainbow Bridge poem to share with her clients when they lost a beloved kitty. We both agreed that while the original poem offers comfort to many people, cat behavior is really totally different than that of dogs, and therefore deserved a separate poem. This is the poem dedicated to those who have lost a cat:
When a kitty gives you their heart without reservation, loving you unconditionally, looking up at you with deeply devoted trust, a unique bond forms and you are truly blessed.
Yet, at the same time, the profound joy that such tender love brings is not without risk; the exact moment you open to that precious gift, sadly you must ultimately open to deep sorrow when your beloved cat dies.
But there is comfort in the thought that one day, when it's time, you will once again be reunited with the beautiful cat you adored and still so deeply miss. You see, there is a special place in Heaven where you will once again be able to hold your kitty in your arms, feel the tender touch of their gentle paw on your cheek, and rejoice in the familiar sounds of their contented purr.
This special part of Heaven, which many folks call the "Rainbow Bridge,” is filled with such an abundance of light and healing energy, restoring all cats to radiant health and vigor. Those who were old or sick no longer suffer. Cats who were injured or maimed are made whole and strong again.
At this magnificent place, your beautiful kitty basks in the brilliant warm sunshine, enjoying bountiful food and fresh clean water. Afternoons are spent curling up for a nap, or romping and playing in the lush green grass with all their new friends that share this special place in Heaven.
Your adorable kitty is content and not lonely, but something very important is missing. Cats truly miss their special person who was left behind, who is still thinking about them because they were so deeply loved.
But one day while your beloved cat is leaping in the air chasing butterflies or stalking through the grass pouncing on frogs, in a truly miraculous moment, your cat suddenly sees you approaching from the distance. Your cat's body quivers with delight; whiskers bristling forward, tail straight up in the air. You hear your kitty's excited and welcoming mews that let you know how glorious it is to be in your company again.
You will smile with delight as you both leisurely stroll side by side, your cat purring loudly, rubbing happily up against your legs, knowing that nothing will ever separate the two of you again; you are forever together at this special place, the Rainbow Bridge.
This was written in memory of our beloved Siamese cat, Mousie Tongue.
What comforted you the most following the death of a beloved pet? Please share your experiences in a comment.
Shortly after retiring as a social worker and psychotherapist, I discovered my "writer's voice"…
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Comments (7)
ive lost several cats for different reasons. but the one that hurt me worst was "patches".i found her on my back porch as a stray and i loved her more than anything. thanwhen she was about 12 yrs. old she developed renal failure and i had to put her down. i still cry and this was 10 years ago.
i had her cremated and thats the only comfort.
i still have part of her with me. she was my baby. she was a tortise shell and im still looking for one like her. thanks for letting me tell you about her.
What a beautiful poem, Jo. I am sitting here with tears streaming down my face. This will definately be printed and kept in the binder where I have the pictures and records of my Bridge Babies.
When my beloved Sunshine died at only 10 from kidney disease which set on rapidly, I held her in my arms as she passed and the person who supported mme through it all told me that she and I would be reunited when I went to the other side. That is the one thing that has kept me going until I read this beautiful poem. I shall print it off and cherish it forever. Patricia Sitterson
Touching and beautifully written dear Jo only as someone who has experienced the deep loss of a much loved cat can write.
Losing a pet is as much a bereavement as losing a human family member and although nothing at all can ease our grief at such a time, knowing others care and understand is a comfort.
Mousie Tongue must have been QUITE a cat. Of course, every cat lover feels this way about his or her beloved(s). I know I do. Thank you for sharing your eloquent and heartfelt memorial; and if that's Mousie in the photo, what a very handsome, fine Meezer!!! <3
Thank you so much. I love it.
The Rainbow Bridge always brings tears to my eyes.I have lost many pets, and the only thing that really brings comfort to me is time. Even time does not heal all of the hurt, it just kind of puts a band-aid on it. The Rainbow Bridge makes me relive the happy times I spent with my lost animals, and reminds me that they are no longer here for me to love, and makes me miss all the happy times I spent with them. I know I will see them again one day, that is my comfort.