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....

Author Unknown

In Memory of My Iceman 

Tonight I put your bowl away, I sit here and I cry

The hardest thing I’ve had to do was just to say good bye

For fourteen years my partner, never out of site

I let you go this morning, you left me for the light

I didn’t see your loving eyes tonight when I came home

It cut me to the quick it seems, I feel so all alone

No longer will I see you laying in the morning sun

The things that have you taught me, the hearts that you have won

I know it won’t be easy, and I never will forget

You’re in my heart as strong today as was the day we met

That small puppy with the cowlick face, and white upon his chest

Of all the pups I could have had, I knew you were the best

The time went by, our lives entwined, always at my side

You stood by me through everything the years they seemed to fly

How could I not have known that you would go so fast

Nothing that you ever tried would you ever come in last

How I long to hold you close again, and yearn to scratch your head

I reached out for you once more last night, into your empty bed

I’ll hold you in my heart of hearts, and know I have to wait

To look into your eyes again as I cross over through the Gate

Til then I have your memories, and your stories I’ll hold dear

Please don’t think me weak old friend as I stop and shed a tear

Nothing else will ever fill the space you left behind

I still see you so clearly......if only in my mind

Gail Orth-Aikmus