Beyond the Rainbow Bridge
Foreword
First and foremost, I want to share with you that it is extremely difficult for me to write these rows! No matter how much we try to avoid thinking about it, eventually the heartbreaking moment will come when we have to say goodbye to our beloved partner...
That moment when this companion, friend, and everything that meant happiness to us, will pass away and only a memory will remain... That moment that shatters our soul, leaving behind a void that will last as long as we live on this earth. We can no longer stroke the soft and warm fur, we can no longer look into those warm eyes, we are no longer called to play, we no longer hear the happy barking, we are no longer greeted when we come home, and we no longer feel the wet nose, the feeling that uplifts you, makes you happy, and makes you feel fulfilled and joyful for all the small yet important things in life.
As a breeder for over 30 years, I have been through this moment 21 times. 21 times I've experienced that heartbreaking, indescribable moment when my beloved companion crossed the rainbow bridge, leaving me here on earth, eternally grieving, less than I was and eagerly awaiting a reunion. 21 times a big piece of my soul has been ripped out from me, I don't even know if there is anything left, only a huge black hole, which sucks all the joy of living... I am horrified at the thought of forgetting any one of them! Almost daily - sometimes in my mind, sometimes out loud - I say everyone's name. And I feel a state of mind, a remorse: could I have changed something, could I have extended their life, did I make a mistake, and if I made a mistake, where did I do it?
By choosing this passion, I have lost my right to happiness forever.
I feel them all the time near me, around me. I KNOW they are somewhere around here, not far away, I just can't touch them! We can't touch each other...
I have reflected over and over, wondering if they are doing well now? Did they cross the rainbow bridge safely? Are they waiting for me at the other end as eagerly as I waiting for them? What will we say to each other, how will we communicate? What would they tell me at this moment?
Because of this and many other reasons, I started researching, and I found extremely interesting things, and I wrote down what I found out.
In the following chapters, we will talk about the "Rainbow Bridge", real and documented events, canine psychology, and much more. I will share with you everything that I find interesting, everything that can help you prepare for the inevitable. Or soothe your soul if you have gone through this trauma.
In memoriam: Lassie, Lady, Rocky, Kyra, Cassie, Csini Baby, Obi, Lord, Kurazs, Malna, Princess, Little Malna, Duchess, Bessie, Joe, Jenny, Geeny, Armi, Billy, Barbie, Brindly…
And, unfortunately, the list remains open...
All dog owners - and not only them - who have faced the heartbreaking pain of saying goodbye to their beloved souls can relate to agony. If you could communicate with them again, there are certain things that your deceased dog would want you to know.
After losing many dogs myself, I can understand and sympathize with the emotions you are going through. In my moments of deep pain, I have often thought about what my lost dogs would want me to know if they were still here. If they were standing next to me, looking directly into my eyes, what would they say?
In an effort to ease the pain of a grieving pet parent, I present to you these 20 things that your missing dog would want you to know, feel, and find comfort in.
1. What happened to me was not in your power.
You couldn't control what happened to my life. But you did everything in your power and gave me everything you could while I was on earth. It is normal to feel sadness and cry over my loss, but I wish you to live a life inspired by my memory until we meet again in the future.
2. Don't reject another dog that needs help.
Your heart is incredibly generous and loving, so share it with a new partner. Although no one can take my place, someone else deserves the abundance of love you have to offer. By doing so, you can continue to honor me through your words, behavior, and choices.
3. I made the most of every moment of the time I spent with you.
I didn't get stuck in what happened 10 minutes ago, nor did I anticipate what might happen in the next 5 minutes. Instead, I lived only in the present, and as a result, I will now exist in eternity. Learn from my experience and seize the present moment.
4. You don't have to feel guilty about anything.
You did the best you could with the information available at the time. You made our time together full of joy and satisfaction, and those memories will stay with me forever.
5. Whenever the thought of my death comes into your mind, refrain from dwelling on it.
Try to replace that idea with a memory related to how I lived. Remember a happy moment we shared. Did we go on an adventure trip together? Did I make you laugh with one of my pranks? Keep those memories alive in your mind.
6. It's ok to share your emotions with others.
The human world is full of love and suffering. Don't expect your pain to just go away. It is important to seek help from people who can understand you.
7. Do something in my memory
By planting a tree in my name, creating a painting inspired by me, documenting our shared experiences in a journal, and compiling our cherished memories in a photo album, you can play an important role in preserving our love and keeping it alive for many years to come.
8. Self-care is important, so don't forget to take care of yourself.
I want to see you happy again, so go ahead and take a trip, treat yourself to a visit to a museum or a manicure, go on a nature hike or indulge in a TV series marathon of your favorite shows.
9. Take a break to deal with the pain.
You don't have to be in a state of continuous mourning for me. It's too hard and unfair for you. You are not betraying me if you take the time to think about something else besides me. I promise you that I'm okay.
10. If I pass away due to an accident, take appropriate measures.
It also guides other pet owners on how to prevent such accidents. By doing this, you are paying me tribute and helping to saving lives, and I love you for that.
11. I will always be with you.
Do you still have my old ID that were attached to my collar? You can attach them to your keys, or keep one in your wallet. That way, even if I am not physically present, I'll still be with you.
12. I worry about you the same way you've always worried about me.
You made sure I had enough food and water, and now I want to do the same for you. I am concerned about your well-being and hope that you will nourish your body and soul the same way you have nourished mine. Even though my time on Earth is ended, you still have a long life ahead of you.
13. Although the world is big, we managed to find each other.
What are the chances of that happening? I feel gratitude that you are my parent, and our relationship is indestructible. Love is everlasting.
14. You can notice signs of my presence.
If you smell a scent that makes you think of me, it could be a sign that I'm close. A sparrow visiting you may be a sign from me. Likewise, a Honey-Bee landing near you could be a quick greeting from the other side. I'm close to you!
15. Everyone here knows everything about you.
You don't stop thinking about me, but I've told all my friends about you. Occasionally, we check on your health and express our joy through a smile, a wagging tail, or a snooze.
16. If you want to visit me in your thoughts, make time for it.
However, don't let pain stop you from living your life. Take some time to remember me and have a conversation with me when you feel the need. I feel your presence and your experiences.
17. Find solace in the fact that my end is actually a new beginning for me.
I'm growing in my new environment, and I am confident that we will be reunited in the future. In the meantime, I'll keep an eye on you.
18. I will come to you in your dreams.
A few of my friends appear in their parents' dreams when they are asleep, while others are too shy to join them in the dreamland.
19. Remember my birthday, or the day I was adopted.
It would mean a lot to me if you would commemorate my birthday by doing something in my honor so that I can live on forever in this way.
20. Please be aware that you have not lost me.
I simply moved to another place. From there I will be able to watch over you without any worry or suffering. Find solace in that. Remember me, let our love guide you through life and make sure that my legacy continues to live on by honoring me with a well-lived life.
P.S. I Love You!