I am aware that as this site is read worldwide, there are going to be people who have never heard of Rainbow Bridge and are wondering what is going on. What has religion and a bridge have to do with animals and dogs in particular?
This blog emanates from a conversation with a Greek lady who had recently lost her much-loved dog. Being Greek, she had asked her priest (Papas) if dogs go to heaven. Unfortunately, the cleric was unable to give her the answer that would have given her comfort as the Greek Orthodox Church takes a neutral opinion on this subject and any viewpoint given by the priest, therefore, would be a personal interpretation. Having lived here for 20 years, I am aware of the ambiguous nature relating to this issue, as the subject of animals having a soul is a moot point within the Greek Orthodox Church. The Greek lady was consoled by an English expatriate who assured her that she and her pet would cross the Rainbow Bridge together.
She was puzzled, and a further explanation was required.
There are approximately 4000 religions worldwide, although these are mainly offshoots from the established 5 major ones.
Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism, Islam and Hinduism. It is reckoned that approximately 85 per cent of people identify with one of these or one of the offshoots. However, it is generally accepted that very few people follow the edicts strictly. These figures, of course, also indicate that around 15 per cent of the world’s population have no beliefs.
Well, for the benefit of all those who have not heard about the Rainbow Bridge, here goes…
Rainbow Bridge is a mythical place where our pets go to wait for their owners so that we can all cross into heaven together.
There is a slightly different version that I particularly like that says that to enter heaven, we have to cross the bridge, but all the animals that were in our care during our lifetime have the veto if they consider us to be unsuitable for entry. It just seems poetic justice to me. Love it !!!
The subject of us meeting up with our pets in an afterlife is an issue that is causing alarm among religious scholars worldwide. In the majority of religions, there is a very ambiguous approach. Most advocate animal welfare while animals are alive on earth but are reluctant to suggest that we will meet up in heaven, but having said that, there is considerable confusion as to who goes in and what form we take. Hardly surprising as nobody knows what is in store for any of us until the time arrives.
The Rainbow Bridge and animals are inextricably linked together, and the verse can bring comfort to those who are mourning the loss of a beloved pet. Until recently, the authorship of the poem was considered to be unknown.
I, however, have no doubt whatsoever as to who wrote the verse and why. The author was a Scottish lady, a teenager at the time, who in 1959 was inspired to write it in a tribute to her much-beloved dog Major. This was something that the lady considered to be private and didn’t put her name to the text that she wrote, although some of the missives were distributed to friends who requested a copy.
Please be aware that reading it can lead to tears as the memories flood back of departed pets and can be particularly emotional if you are mourning a recent loss. The poem is not written in a form that most people recognise as a poem, but more in a series of stanzas or paragraphs.
If you want to go ahead, the poem appears next with the author’s name at the end.
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 and water and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who have been ill and old are restored to health and vigour. Those who are hurt or maimed are made 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 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 on joyous reunion, never to be apart again. The happy kisses rain upon your face, your hands caress the beloved head and once more you look into the trusting eyes of your beloved pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together…..
Edna Clyne-Rekhy
With subtitle or not?