>From: Universal Ferret <[log in to unmask]>
>... I need to know the story of The Rainbow Bridge.  I used to have a
>copy of a poem or a story about it but cannot locate it.
 
Hej Diane,
 
Here is the full text version of the Rainbow Bridge story or poem or
whatever... I recently lost my oldest & sweetest little weezul girl to
recurrent cancer and every time I even think about this I cry... but it
is so special...
 
When my little Cleopatra crossed over the bridge... kind people from
this group sent me unsolicited condolences which are still vastly
appreciated... Anyway... here is the full text... just below my
"signature."
 
El Capitan Perro Loco & his weezul merry crew
S/V Marsha Edmonds
 
THE RAINBOW BRIDGE
 
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 ...
 
Author Unknown
[Posted in FML issue 3614]