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 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 have 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. Her bright eyes are intent; her eager body begins to quiver. Suddenly, she begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, her legs carrying her 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...

I m Still Here

Friend, please don t mourn for me
I m still here, though you don t see.
I m right by your side each night and day
... And within your heart I long to stay.

My body is gone but I m always near.
I m everything you feel, see or hear.
My spirit is free, but I ll never depart
As long as you keep me alive in your heart.

I ll never wander out of your sight
I m the brightest star on a summer night.
I ll never be beyond your reach
I m the warm moist sand when you re at the beach.

I m the colourful leaves when Autumn s around
And the pure white snow that blankets the ground.
I m the beautiful flowers of which you re so fond,
The clear cool water in a quiet pond.

I m the first bright blossom you ll see in the spring,
The first warm raindrop that April will bring.
I m the first ray of light when the sun starts to shine,
And you ll see that the face in the moon is mine.

When you start thinking there s no one to love you,
You can talk to me through the Lord above you.
I ll whisper my answer through the leaves on the trees,
And you ll feel my presence in the soft summer breeze.

I m the hot salty tears that flow when you weep
And the beautiful dreams that come while you sleep.
I m the smile you see on a baby s face.
Just look for me, friend, I m every place!

(Chelsea Hanson)

Cats Remembered Forever

I'll see you in my dreams tonight
My gentle, loving friend
Just know my love is with you
Even in the distance, it never ends

I still miss you each night
And think of you each day
I still look by the window
And where your toys would lay

I know that you're still with me
There's a place still in my heart
Where you left your pawprints
Even though we had to part

You'll never be forgotten
As not a day goes by
That I don't remember
The way you changed my life

I know you walk beside me
And you're with me every day
I know you're waiting for me
And we will be together someday

I will hold you in my heart
And remember you, my friend
As I know that one day
We will meet again

Leslie is Co-editor of Cats Remembered Forever on Facebook.