Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day

I've been told that today, August 28th, is Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day.  Those who have followed my blog since its beginnings may recognize these beautiful faces - all dogs who brought me much joy and are greatly missed. 

Top row:  Emma, Shiloh, Oliver
Middle row:  Eddie, Belle, Mitzi
Bottom row:  Caleb, Charley, Sadie

In addition to those nine, also running free at the bridge are those who lived with me before the blog:  Brandy, Shamrock, McDuff, Muffin, and Sam.  And right there with them are my three cats Pusskin, Goose and Allie, and foster dogs Petey and Pepper, and foster pigs Scotch and Soda.  I hope to see them all again one day.

For those unfamiliar with the concept of The Rainbow Bridge, here's the story that inspired it or perhaps was inspired by it (there is some speculation the concept is rooted in Norse mythology):

THE 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....

(The story of The Rainbow Bridge was written by Paul C. Dahm, a grief counsellor from Portland Oregon USA, who is said to have penned it in 1981, and later published a book by the same name in 1998).