The Rainbow Bridge
 

There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth. It is called Rainbow Bridge because of its many splendid colors.

Just this side of Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows, hills, and valleys with lush, green grass.

When beloved pets die, they go to this place. There is always food and water and warm spring weather. The old and frail animals are young again. Those who are maimed are made whole again. They play all day with each other.

There is only one thing missing.

They are not with their special person who loved them on earth. So each day they run and play.
Until the day comes when one suddenly stops playing and looks up!

The nose twitches.

The ears are up!

The eyes are staring.

And this one suddenly runs from the group.

You have been seen!

And when you and your special friend meet, you take him in your arms and embrace. Your face is kissed again and again and again, and you look once more more into the eyes of your trusting pet.

Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together...Never again to be separated.

IF I SHOULD GROW FRAIL

If it should be that I grow frail and weak

And pain does keep me from my sleep,

Then will you do what must be done

for this - the last battle - can't be won.

You will be sad, I understand,

But don't let grief then stay your hand.

For on this day, more than the rest

Your love and friendship must stand the test.

We have had so many happy years,

You wouldn't want me to suffer so.

When the time comes, please, let me go.

Take me to where my needs they'll tend,

Only, stay with me till the end.

And hold me firm and speak to me

Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time you will agree

It is a kindness you do to me.

Although my tail its last has waved,

From pain and suffering I have been saved.

Don't grieve that it must now be you

Who has to decide this thing to do.

We've been so close - we two - these years,

Don't let your heart hold any tears.

GRIEVING THE LOSS OF A PET

Grief is the normal response to any important loss in life. It occurs regardless of whether death followed a prolonged illness, or a sudden accident. Grieving people experience both physical and emotional traumas as they try to adapt to the upheaval in their lives brought about by the loss.

Psychologists have long recognized that the grief suffered by pet owners after their pet dies is the same as that experienced after the death of a person.

The death of a pet means the loss of a non-judgmental love. These feelings can be particularly intense for the elderly, single people and childless couples( for whom the pet also is a child substitute).

PET LOSS AND CHILDREN

Many people do not realize how traumatic and confusing death can be on a child. Although children tend to grieve for shorter periods of time, their grief is no less intense than that experienced by adults.

Children also tend to come back to the subject repeatedly; so patience is required when dealing with the grieving child.

Some helpful tips for helping the grieving child include:

1. Giving the child permission to work through their grief.

- tell their teacher about the pet's death.

- encourage the child to talk freely about the pet.

- give the child plenty of hugs and reassurance.

- discuss death, dying and grief honestly.

2. Never say things like "God took your pet," or the pet was "put to sleep."

- The child will learn to fear that God will take them, their parents or their siblings.

- The child will become afraid of going to sleep.

3. Include the child in everything that is going on.

4. Explain the permanency of death.

DO PETS GRIEVE?

What many people find hard to believe is that animals can form very firm attachments with each other. In fact, even pets that outwardly seem to barely get along will exhibit intense stress reactions when separated.

Grieving pets can show many symptoms identical to those experienced by the bereaved pet owner. The surviving pet(s) may become restless, anxious and depressed. There may also be much sighing, along with sleep and eating disturbances. Often, grieving pets will search for their dead companions and crave more attention from their owners.

How can an owner help the grieving pet? By following the following recommendations:

1. Keep the surviving pet(s) routines as normal as possible.

2. Try not to unintentionally reinforce the behavior changes.

- if the pet's appetite is picky, don't keep changing the food. All that does is create a more finicky pet.

- Don't overdo the attention given to the pet(s) as it can lead to separation anxiety.

3. Allow the surviving animals to work out the new dominance hierarchy themselves.

- there may be scuffles and fights as the animals work out the new pecking order (dogs mostly)

4. Don't get a new pet to help the grieving pet(s) unless the owner is ready.

- It will backfire unless the owner is emotionally ready for a new pet.

- People still grieving won't have the energy for it.

Should the owner let the surviving animals see and smell their dead companion?

There is no evidence that doing so will help the surviving pet(s), but some people claim that it does.

Usually, all it accomplishes is to make the owner feel better. Therefore, if the owner wants to have the surviving pets "say good-bye," then it should be allowed.

Written by Margaret Muns, DVM.

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