RAINBOW BRIDGE

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)

CHAUNCY (July 2009)

Baby Mine,

Oh my Chauncy, I cannot believe that it's been five months since you left this world. There is not a day that goes by that I do not think about you and all of the joy you have brought to my life.

Nine and a half years ago when I saw you sitting alone in that cage, something sparked within me.  I knew you were meant to be mine, and I had been sent by God to help one of his creatures.  I knew you desperately needed me to give you a chance at life, but I didn't realize how desperately I needed you, too.  I don't need to tell you how hard life had been for me before you came to me, and at the moment you entered my life, I began to learn a series of life lessons about having love and respect for the animal world and myself.  Who would
have thought that one bunny would lead to my rescuing over
100 others?

I went to see a psychic medium tonight, and I prayed that you would come through with a message that you're okay on the other side. The medium said that I don't need him to validate what I already know, and he was right. Even though I didn't connect directly with you, I know even in the past five months that we are living in separate worlds, we are still deeply connected by the heart we share. Love knows no boundaries — not even in death — and I know that you have not left my side. I felt you there tonight in that theatre sitting next to me just as I felt you with me at the John Tesh Show that you sent me to the day after you died.

The medium also said that an animal will leave us when they have finished teaching us the lessons we are to learn, but you continued to teach me even after your passing. Your earliest lessons were about earning trust and respect. Through patience and persistence, I was able to bond with you even though you had been horribly mistreated by the pet store. From there, you taught me to help others, even when I thought I had nothing to give. You taught me to sing even though I can't hold a note (you always tooth purred and hunkered down when I sang your songs to you). You taught me to cuddle with those I love even when I think I have too much to do. You taught me to laugh and be silly - bunny 500s and binkies are fun for humans, too. But your last lesson was the hardest for me. It was never to close my home or my heart to an animal in need. Never allow sadness to stay for too long, because in time, even broken hearts will heal.

My Chauncy, of all the blessings that have been bestowed upon me, you will always remain the greatest. You have helped to make me the woman I am, and I'm proud to know I was your mommy. I miss you so much, my baby girl. I look forward to the day we are reunited at Rainbow Bridge. Wait for me...

Love,

Mommy

ALEXANDER

Shortly after coming into our care, this sweet, beautiful bunny was diagnosed with cancer. He returned whatever attention and love we gave him tenfold, and we felt lucky to be able to give him the comfort, medical care, love and attention that seemed to elude him in the past. He was a bunny who never gave up, and never doubted that his purpose was to love others and be loved.

We've set up a fund in his honor to help provide rescued bunnies medical care so they can have a second chance at life; or a chance for a dignified, pain-free and comfortable life until it's their time to pass over the Bridge. See more about Alexander's Fund.

For information about PET LOSS SUPPORT,
visit www.rabbit.org/faq/sections/loss.html