The Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called the Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to the Rainbow Bridge.

(Image courtesy of Leta Worthington)

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

(Image courtesy of Leta Worthington)

The loss of an animal loved one can be devastating. Unfortunately, their lifespans are much shorter than ours, and they are susceptible to many of the same accidents, illnesses, and diseases that humans are. Much of my work is with animals that are ready to cross over.

The animals describe their transition into the spirit world to be like taking off a sweater or a jacket. It is much harder on the person than it is on the animal. In my work I have come to understand how “alive” spirit really is. We truly are spiritual beings having biological experiences on earth. My communications with animals that are still in their physical bodies are no different from my communications with animals who have passed into the spirit world.

Sometimes we need to help our animals cross over into the spirit world. Most of the time animals can make this transition themselves, but occasionally when their passing has been traumatic they have trouble crossing over the Rainbow Bridge. Through the Shamanic practice of Rites of Passage, I can walk these animals to the light and help them cross the Rainbow Bridge.

We never want them to go, but there comes a time when we need to tell them it is O.K. Thank them for all of the wonderful things they have done, tell them how special they are, and wish them well on their journey. If they leave when you are not there, it is O.K. They needed to exit during that window of time.

Many times, with an elderly, ill, or injured animal, we are faced with the decision of when to end their suffering. Sometimes the animal will need Veterinary assistance in making that transition. I am often asked “How will I know when to let them go?” I always suggest letting your own intuition be your guide: listen to your heart. Your animal will tell you. Sometimes a person is too emotionally involved to make the decision to end their animal’s biological experience. At this point I will ask the animal for them. Of the hundreds of animals that I have talked to who have made their transitions, none have ever felt that they were treated unfairly. They understand that the decision is made with the best information that the person has at the time. They love us unconditionally, and they know we are doing our best for them, and that’s all they need. The important thing is that the decision be made out of love and with the highest intention.

I feel it is necessary to talk a little about the subject when I do public speaking. Someone will always come up to me afterward and tell me “thank you”. So I thought it important to share these experiences here.

My hope is that this information might help make a very difficult time a little easier for you.

Blessings to you and your animal loved one.