I've loved animals all of my life, and I've had pets in my family for as long as I can remember. This means that sometimes, I find myself wondering what happens when our furry friends cross the rainbow bridge. I find myself worrying less about the humans I lose in my life, and not because I loved them any less. Humans are independent and know how to care for themselves, not to mention they are all familiar with the idea of some type of afterlife. Animals don't have this familiar idea when they are facing the end of their life, they just know they will lose their humans. The families that cared for them for their entire life, and that they will be separated.

So to my little furry critters who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge, here are some things I find myself wondering about.

When you crossed the rainbow bridge...

Were you in pain anymore? I wonder if you were able to run again like you could before you got sick. I hope your knees felt the way they did before the surgery and that your limping finally stopped.

Could you see again? Were you able to see the others waiting for you on the other side? You hated to wear your little antennas to keep you from bumping into things, so I hope you don't need them anymore.

Were you greeted by the others who crossed before you? Were you reunited with the ones you missed so much? I picture one big group of animals on the other side all playing together and welcoming the new ones.

Do you approve of the new pets our family has taken in? They are by no means replacements for you, so please don't feel that way. We felt as though you guided us to choose them, and I find comfort in this idea.

Were you scared anymore? I could see it in your eyes that towards the end you were just as scared as we were. You didn't want to be separated from us and you didn't understand why you had to be. I'm sorry I couldn't help you make sense of it all.

Did we do the right things? Were you comfortable and did you feel loved enough? I wonder if there was anything more we could have done for you and I hope you respect how we handled it all. No one in the family was ready to say good-bye to you, but we felt in our hearts that it was the right time for you.

Are you looking down on us? When I walk on your favorite path or find an old photo of us, I wonder if you're there with me in that moment. Do you keep an eye on things like you used to?

Do you miss us like we miss you? Despite the number of times we said you were "bad" for eating something you weren't supposed to or because you were being mean to another animal; do you still miss us? Because not a day goes by where we don't miss you.

Do you remember the life you had here? We remember the years we spent with you, every little step of the way. You were a chapter in our life, but we were your entire life and all you ever knew. I wonder how that must seem from your point of view and I hope you reminisce as much as we all do.

Lastly, when you crossed the Rainbow Bridge, I hope you knew you were loved.

I know you can never answer these questions, but I feel as though I know the answers in my gut. I love you and miss you all, someday I hope we are reunited. Until then I hope you are happy, at peace and still doing the little goofy things that made you so happy here on earth.

-Written in memory of Zaboo, Jazmine, Delilah and all of the other furry friends who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge.-