Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog’s owner, his wife, and their little boy were all very attached to Belker and they were hoping for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family there were no miracles left for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home. As we made arrangements, the owners told me they thought it would be good for the four-year-old boy to observe the procedure. They felt he could learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker’s family surrounded him. The little boy seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away. The little boy seemed to accept Belker’s transition without any difficulty or confusion.

We sat together for a while after Belker’s death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. The little boy, who had been listening quietly, piped up, “I know why.” Startled,we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I’d never heard a more comforting explanation.

He said, “Everybody is born so that they can learn how to live a good life - like loving everybody and being nice, right?” The four-year old continued, “Well, animals already know how to do that, so they don’t have to stay as long.”

Just this side of heaven is a placed called the Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to the Rainbow Bridge.

There are meadows and hills for our special friends so they can run and play. There is food, water and sunshine, our friends are warm and comfortable.

All who were ill are restored to health and vigor. Those injured or hurt are made whole again, just as we remember them in our dreams. The animals are content, except they each miss someone special who was left behind.

They play together until one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His body quivers. He flys over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted.

The happy kisses rain upon your face, your hands again caress the beloved head and you look into the eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never from your heart. Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together…..

-Authors Unknown-