A detour along the road...

Along the route from our city home to our country home, there is a pet cemetery off the road.  We've seen it a million times and commented, but never stopped.  Yesterday, on my way back to the city, I decided to stop.  Turns out the cemetery is actually on private property, but I was told by a lady tending to her pets' graves that people go there all the time.  So, I took a self-guided tour, occasionally looking over my shoulder to make sure no one was coming to run me off...especially since I was taking pictures!  I enjoyed reflecting upon the various shrines and mementos at the grave sites. From the very ornate to the very simple, each one a true testament to the love that exists between people and pets.

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....

Author unknown