Until one has loved an animal,
a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.
— Anatole France
Community Cards
The work of grief is to find a new way to love.
It’s an act of real faith to say,
“Despite my suffering, I will remain loving.”
— Allen & Linda Anderson
Reading Example- 1
Who will help me decide what to do
about Minnie’s end of life transition?
Reading Example- 2
A week after saying good-bye to Minnie
Where there is loss there is always
an even greater presence of Love.
— seen on a greeting card
The Rainbow Bridge and Journaling Questions
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…
Click here for the official Rainbow Bridge website.
Rainbow Blue- Sadness
1. What stage of grief am I currently in?
2. What other losses have I been through in my life, and how does this one compare with those?
3. How am I taking care of myself in my sadness?
4. Who can I turn to for shelter and support as I grieve this loss?
5. What support am I grateful to receive as I mourn this loss?
Rainbow Red- Remembrance
Remembering honors your animal’s life and heals your spirit.
Remembering creates appreciation and gratitude- two of the most wondrous salves for our spirit.
1. What do I most remember about the day we met?
2. What do you most remember about the day we met?
3. What do I remember most about you now?
4. How will my memories of you help me to heal?
5. What details do I remember about living with you?
6. What were the qualities that made me love living with you?
7. What qualities of mine made you love living with me?
Rainbow Yellow- Spiritual Growth
1. What aspects of living with you got me back in touch with my own spiritual nature?
2. Who and what will help me through the changes I am experiencing?
3. How did you make me feel connected to all of life?
4. Why were you with me during this phase of my life?
5. Has some other cycle in my life ended that coincides with your passing?
6. How did you help me find a simpler way of viewing life?
7. What role did you play as a divine messenger for me?
8. How did you help me to be a kinder person?
9. Did we have a sacred agreement to be together?
10. What were we supposed to give to and receive from each other?
11. Did we complete our contract of love?
12. What can I learn from my time with you that will help me with other relationships?
13. How will I fill the needs that you used to take care of for me?
14. How am I now at peace with your passing?
15. What will I do to give to others the love that you gave to me?
Other Ways to Honor Our Beloved Pets
- write a prayer
- write a eulogy
- write a song or poem
- create a ritual to help you mourn
- memorial service
- make an altar
- create a memorial shadow box
- spread ashes on newly planted trees or garden
- donate to an animal shelter in their name
- put their name tag or dog license tag on your key ring
- write a letter to them
- write a response from them, as if they were answering you
- create a special photo album or altered book
- honor their birthday eachĀ year
- place a plaque or memorial stone in your yard
- dedicate a park bench to them
- hire an artist to create a portrait
- perform simple acts of kindness and dedicate them to the memory of your loved one
Recommended Books
Rainbows & Bridges: An Animal Companion Memorial Kit
by Allen and Linda Anderson
Blessing the Bridge: What Animals Teach Us About Death, Dying and Beyond
by Rita M. Reynolds
I find I can live with the pain, after all.
The pain, now, is part of the happiness, then.
That’s the deal.Ā — C.S. Lewis, Shadowlands