There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth. It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of its many colors. Just this side of the rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows, hills, and valleys with lush green grass.

When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place. There is always food and water and warm spring weather. The old and frail animals are young again. Those who are maimed are made whole again. They play all day with each other.

There is only one thing missing. They are not with their special person who loved them on Earth. So, each day they run and play until the day comes when one suddenly stops playing and looks up! The nose twitches! The ears are up! The eyes are staring! And this one suddenly runs from the group!

You have been seen, and when you and your special friend meet, you take him or her in your arms and embrace. Your face is kissed again and again and again and you look once more into the eyes of your trusting pet.

Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated.

Paul Dahm, from Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul
© copyright 1998 Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Marty Becker, and Carol Kline. Excerpted from The Rainbow Bridge by Paul Dahm. © copyright 1997 Paul Dahm.