I want to share something that truly touched my heart.
iHeartDogs.com – an incredible company I admire for their commitment to animal welfare – just launched a new online space called “The Rainbow Bridge” – a loving, free space where you can create a can create a FREE memorial for your dog who’s crossed the bridge – because their story deserves to live on. I’m in tears as I write this blog post, having just added one for my boy Baldwin.
[NOTE: The original “Rainbow Bridge” website was created more than 25 years ago and is still available.]
Just like I did, you can upload a photo, share your pup’s story, and invite friends and family to leave messages, virtual flowers, or even donations to help shelter dogs – all in your dog’s honor. Here’s what really moved me: for every free memorial created, one hungry shelter dog gets a meal. That’s the kind of full-circle love that makes my heart swell.
As someone who’s experienced the deep loss of a dog, I know how healing it is to share my story. It’s a way to say, “You mattered. You still do.”
If you’re missing your best friend, or know someone who is, I hope you’ll take a moment to visit “The Rainbow Bridge.” It’s a beautiful reminder that the love we shared with our dogs lives on – and keeps doing good.
And because so many of us have held onto these words through our grief, here is the original “Rainbow Bridge” poem:
The Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called the 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.
…and then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.
Edna Clyne-Rekhy
If your heart is missing a four-legged friend, I encourage you to honor them by creating a memorial at either Rainbow Bridge website. It’s free, beautiful, and meaningful – and your dog’s memory will help another dog in need.
If you love swapping stories and tips about life with dogs, I’d love to have you join me over on my Substack, BlissDog, where I share heart-centered essays, dog-inspired rituals, and behind-the-scenes stories from life with Seven and Paige Turner. Come sit, stay, and read with us — your dog-loving heart will be in good company.