There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth. It's 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 an animal dies, it goes to this place.  There always is plenty of food and water, and gentle spring weather to make them warm and comfortable.  All the animals who had been ill are restored to health and vigor; those old and frail are young; and 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 abruptly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent, his eager body begins to quiver. 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.  The happy kisses rain upon your face, your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the eyes of your trusting pet, so long gone from your life, but never absent from your heart.

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

       
       But some of them here by the Bridge are different. They were beaten, starved, tortured and unloved.  They watch wistfully as their friends leave one-by-one to cross the Bridge with their special person.  But for them, there is no special one. Their time on Earth did not give them one.  But one day, as they run and play, they notice someone standing by the road to the Bridge. They see a person wistfully watching the reunions of friends. You see, during life, this person had no pets -- this person, too, was unloved.  Standing there alone, one of the unloved pets approaches, curious as to why this person is alone.  And, as the unloved pet and the unloved person get nearer to each other, a miracle occurs … for these are the ones who were meant to be together ... the special person and the beloved pet who never had the chance to meet while on Earth.  Finally, now, at the edge of the Rainbow Bridge, they meet, their pain and sorrow disappear, and two friends come together.

                They cross the Bridge together, never to be parted again...

        Finally, a person who has given tirelessly and made it their life's work to save and succor abandoned animals and find them happy homes comes to the Bridge.  First one animal stops and looks into the distance, then more and more look up and watch ... for this is a person all of the animals know about.  As they have waited for their loved ones, they have told the story of their rescue from loneliness, neglect and impending death, and the wonderful people who helped them until a special loved one could be found. Oh Special Friend of the animals, you have been spotted.  All the dogs and other animal friends run over the fields to thank you -- the person who has enabled so many to have good lives and memories.  Then, they all walk to the gate of the Great Master's garden and say "This is a person whose name surely is entered on the roll once for each of us whose life was touched." Then, those friends who will be forever together step forward and, to the sound of great rejoicing from all the animals, cross the Bridge together ...

             To live in love and peace forever...