Journey to the Rainbow Bridge

We recently lost a beloved friend. His name was Wildcat. He came around a few years ago, looking so fierce and not letting anyone near him. We started feeding him and he became a regular visitor during mealtimes. He started letting us near him and pet him until he was already rolling in front of us and asking to be touched. This went on for a time. My worst fear happened in 2003 when he disappeared for days. He came back with his jaw split, he was so thin and covered with blood. Our neighbor ran over him and didn't even tell us. But ever the survivor, he overcame this. However, because of his age, he became weak and symptoms of the sickness he was carrying started to manifest.


It was in January that he lost weight very fast. He was diagnosed to have renal failure. He had sores in his mouth and half his face was swollen. He spent several days in the hospital but he refused to give up. When he was discharged we did everything we could to keep him strong. There were times he would cuddle in my lap and sleep for hours. I felt like he was already saying goodbye. He passed away in his sleep early one Sunday morning.

A friend of mine sent this and I would like to share with all who have lost a dear pet and friend.

The Rainbow Bridge story

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