It's hard for someone who has never shared their life with a horse or a dog to understand the very special bond that can be formed. I've had dogs, and I've had horses. I've loved each and every one of them, each in a very special way, always different, always unique, and I've always felt the terrible loss when that special friend leaves me. Even though we form these friendships knowing that they will end far too quickly, we still grieve for awhile, and then, if we are lucky, find another to love, to share a part of our lives with. They never replace the friends that we have lost, nothing ever could, but they establish themselves in our lives with a bond that is, if not the same, just as unique and just as strong, We never forget those who we have lost, but I have noticed one amazing thing, again and again. It's as though the new ones know, as though pain and grief have some unique scent, or there's an aura of saddened that surrounds us, and they can tell. Not always, but far too often to be coincidence, they know, and they actually try to comfort and support us through thw worst of the pain.
Maybe I'm just an old man with too vivid an imagination, but that is what I have felt and seen with others throughout my life. The joy and companionship that we share with pets and special animals has always been, to me, one of the greatest gifts that a benevolent God could ever bestow upon us, and I am always grateful for that, even in the moments of loss, If there was never any bond to begin with, there would never be the feeling of loss when that bond is severed. It's a high price, but one that I willingly pay, because the happiness shared in thetime spent together is one of the true treasures in life.
But someone else said it far more eloquently than I ever could:
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...
