Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day

I couldn't let this day go by without acknowledging Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day. Today, August 28th, we pause to remember the beloved companions who have crossed that bridge ahead of us.

The Rainbow Bridge

For those unfamiliar, the Rainbow Bridge comes from a beautiful poem that has brought comfort to millions of pet parents worldwide. The poem describes a lush meadow "just this side of heaven" where our pets go when they die, restored to perfect health, free from pain, running and playing together while they wait for us to join them. When that day comes, we're reunited in joy, never to be parted again.

For over 60 years, this poem has been shared in veterinary offices, sympathy cards, and countless online tributes. Until recently, no one knew who wrote it. In 2023, art historian Paul Koudounaris finally identified the author: Edna Clyne-Rekhy, a Scottish artist who wrote it in 1959 at age 19 to honor her beloved Labrador, Major.

Edna had kept the poem private, sharing handwritten copies only with close friends, never imagining it would become a source of worldwide comfort. "Sometimes I would just sit and talk to him, and I felt that he could understand every word I said," she said of Major. That deep understanding, that unbreakable bond, is what she captured so perfectly in those timeless words.

The Day of Remembrance

Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day was established in 2015 by author Deborah Barnes, who lost her beloved Ragdoll cat, Mr. Jazz, on August 28, 2013. The overwhelming response to her book about their journey together, Purr Prints of the Heart, inspired her to create this special day for all pet parents to share memories and honor their companions who have crossed the bridge.

Today is deeply personal for everyone. Some light candles, others visit favorite spots where they walked with their pets, and many share photos and stories. There's no right or wrong way to remember.

Here's to All of Them

Here's to my Samson, that black and white tuxedo cat who was by my side for 17 years, who witnessed my mama's love even though she "hated cats," who became her "grandcat" in her obituary, and who I believe she welcomed when he crossed that bridge.

Here's to Tina and Joe, still here with me, reminders of the miracle of love that continues.

Here's to all the companions we've loved and lost—the dogs who greeted us at the door, the cats who purred us through difficult nights, the rabbits, birds, horses, and all the others who shared our lives and left pawprints on our hearts.

Here's to the bonds that death cannot break, the love that transcends the physical world, and the hope that Edna Clyne-Rekhy gave us all those years ago, that somewhere, in a place of meadows and hills, they're waiting for us, healthy and whole, ready for that joyful reunion.

Today, we remember. Today, we honor. Today, we hold space for the grief that is, as I've written before, simply a measure of love.

To everyone missing someone with four paws (or two wings, or however many legs)—you're not alone in this. As my vet told me on the day I said goodbye to Samson, "he was lucky to have you," and you were blessed to love them.

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....