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

This is Ian. He was a present given to my daughter, Amy,
after she returned home from the hospital.
Ian and Amy shared a birthday, which made him
all that much more special to our family.
Ian passed away just a short while back, after my Amy,
leaving a tremendous hole in my heart.
He was one of the last things I had to hold on to that Amy adored so much.
I am able, however, to take great comfort in knowing that wherever
Rainbow Bridge exists, that Ian and Amy are there together.
Between Heaven and Rainbow Bridge is where my heart resides.

Backgrounds and altered images © Wendy Trackey 2004
Original image of Ian © NayNay