: What is "The Rainbow Bridge"? When my dog passed away, I was told he would meet me by the Rainbow Bridge. I have heard others mention this anecdote as well. I understand it has some popularity as an aid in a time of grief

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The Rainbow Bridge is a currently unattributed poem (Wikipedia mentions multiple contenders for authorship) sourced from the internet (UseNET) purportedly by way of a canine rescue organization newsletter. There are multiple interpretations and versions of the poem. Some versions may mention Heaven directly, I have seen others that do not. While there are similarities in concept, I do not believe it has any connection to the rainbow bridge of Norse mythology.

It is a coping mechanism and frequents condolence cards given to those who have lost a pet. I received a card with one version written on it, and a letter from my veterinarian with another iteration of the poem. There are many other versions online. All of them are similar in scope; none seem specific to a species or breed of pet.

Here is a variation of the one I received when my dog passed:

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,
someone 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 begins to quiver.

Suddenly, he breaks from the group,
racing 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 those trusting eyes,
so long gone from your life
but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together...