I remember when I went with my mom to put down our cat, Phoebe. It was unreal because I never thought that we would actually lose her, we always joked she was too mean to die and here we are going to euthanize her. Phoebe was old, she had a lot of health issues and it would be better for her to "go" this way. We sat there crying, holding her, saying our goodbyes, and not wanting that moment to end but it did. This was the first pet I ever lost so I didn't know how to handle it. Though, I am so grateful that we had the nurse we did because he told me about the Rainbow Bridge.

I was confused at first. Why was this man telling me about some rainbow colored bridge while i'm devastated that my cat was gone? But he explained it to me.

The Rainbow Bridge is where pets go after their time on Earth is done. They are restored to perfect health there. There are green fields and hills that go on for miles with the sunshine bright and warm. Plenty of food and water to keep them happy. They play and make friends with all the other pets that have passed away. But even though they have everything they need they still are missing one thing, their loved ones. So they pass the time playing, eating, sleeping, doing whatever they'd like. But once their owner passes away the two reunite in this field. Then they travel across the Rainbow Bridge together into Heaven.

My mom and I went home heartbroken with a piece of our family gone it was tough on us, especially on our dog Chelzey who Phoebe treated as her own baby. After cuddling with our other furry babies we decided to look up the Rainbow Bridge poem. The poem was beautiful and of course made us weep more but this time we were happy. We read it then read it again and then once more. What made us cry the most was seeing a black cat with bright green eyes in the background picture of the poem among all the other animals. That was definitely Phoebe, right in the front assuring us that she was okay.

This poem is something I go back to whenever one of our furry family members passes on. It gives me a sense of relief and joy for them even though I wish they could still be here with me. I just remind myself that one day I will reunite with my furry babies again. I will remember the Rainbow Bridge for the rest of my life and I am thankful for the nurse who shared it with me.

Rest in peace to all the pets we've lost and see ya at the Rainbow Bridge.