Over the Rainbow Bridge

Suzie crossed over the Rainbow Bridge this morning. We knew she was going to; she could barely breathe or move yesterday and it looked and felt like it was her time. She went with lots of love and many refrains of "you're such a good girl". She crossed over with tears on her shoulder, as Jim wept knowing that he was losing a fellow adventurer, a devoted fan, a best friend.

She's with Karen now.

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 vigour. 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....

We’ll meet you on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge, Suzie, knowing you will have crossed over with your first love, Karen. Thank you for the grace you brought into our lives, the joy of your greetings at the door each time we returned home, the cuddles, the adventures, and the unforgettable love. Thank you for allowing us to be your friends until it was time for you to be with Karen again.

As Jim and I sat in tears this morning, I asked him if it was worth having you in our lives only to have to feel this aching grief a too-short fourteen months late. Without hesitation, we both agreed that you were the perfect image of the proverb “It is better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all”. Our lives were blessed by you. Our gripping sorrow is a lasting tribute to that blessing.

We will see you again, Suzie Q.