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. 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 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....
-Author unknown
The loss of an animal companion can lead to challenging emotional responses that warrant professional mental health support. The resources listed here are not intended to directly support or provide a substitute for definitive mental health care, especially in a crisis.
The Association of Pet Loss and Bereavement - Online Support Group
Rainbow Bridge Pet Loss Grief Center - Online Support Groups
Hoofbeats in Heaven - Horse Loss Support Group
Assistance Dog Loss Support Group
Lap of Love Pet Loss & Bereavement Support
Call: 855-352-5683
Cornell University Pet Loss Support
Call: 607-218-7457
Tufts University Pet Loss Support
Call: 508-839-7966
"A Final Act of Caring" - Herb & Mary Montgomery, Montgomery Press, 1999.
"A Snowflake in My Hand" - Samantha Mooney, Delta, 1989.
"Kindred Spirit, Kindred Care: Making Health Decisions on Behalf of our Animal Companions" - Shannon Fujimoto Nakaya, DVM, New World Library, 2005.
"Pets Living with Cancer" - Robin Downing, DVM, American Animal Hospital Association, 2000.
"Preparing for the Loss of Your Pet: Saying Goodbye with Love, Dignity and a Peace of Mind" - Myrna Milani, Prima Lifestyles Publishing, 1998.
"Surviving the Heartbreak of Choosing Death for Your Pet: Your Personal Guide for Dealing with Pet Euthanasia" - Linda Mary Peterson, Greentree Publishing, 1997.
"The Final Farewell: Preparing for and Mourning the Loss of your Pet" - Marty Tousley & Katherine Heurman, Pals Publishing, 1997.
"Without Regret: A Handbook for Owners of Canine Amputees" - Susan Neal, Doral Publishing, 2002.
"A Dog Like Jack" - Dyanne DiSalvo-Ryan, Holiday House, 1999.
"A Special Place for Charlee: A Child's Companion Through Pet Loss" - Debra Morehead, Partners in Publishing LLC, 1996.
"Badger’s Parting Gifts" - Susan Varley, Lothrop, Lee and Shepard, 1984.
"Cat Heaven" - Cynthia Rylant, Scholastic, 1997.
"Dog Heaven" - Cynthia Rylant, Scholastic, 1995.
"For Every Cat an Angel" - Christine Davis, Lighthearted Press, 2000.
"For Every Dog an Angel" - Christine Davis, Lighthearted Press, 2003.
"Goodbye Mousie" - Robie Harris, Simon and Schuster Children's, 2001.
"I’ll Always Love You" - Hans Wilhelm, Dragonfly Books, 1988.
"I Remember: A Book About My Special Pet" - Herb and Mary Montgomery, Montgomery Press, 2000. (Journal/Workbook/Scrapbook)
"Jasper’s Day" - Marjorie Blain Parker, Kids Can Press, 2002.
"My Pet Died" - Rachel Biale, Tricycle Press, 1997. (A journal/scrapbook.)
"Remembering Pets: A Book For Children who have Lost a Special Friend" - Gina Dalpre-Berman, Robert D. Reed Publishers, 2001.
"Remembering My Pet" - Nechama Liss-Levinson & Molly Phinney-Baskette, Skylight Paths Publishing, 2007.(Journal/Workbook/Scrapbook)
"Tear Soup" - Pat Schwiebert & Chuck DeKlyen, Perinatal Loss, 2001.
"The Dead Bird" - Margaret Brown, Harper Collins, 1995.
"The Legend of the Rainbow Bridge" - William N. Britton, Savannah Publishing, 1994.
"The Tenth Good Thing About Barney" - Judith Viorst, Aladdin Books, 1987.
"Tough Boris" - Mem Fox, Harcourt, 1998
"When a Pet Dies" - Fred Rogers, The Putnam and Grosset Group, 1998.
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