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...

Ten Commandments for Pet Owners

1. My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years.  Any separation from you will be very painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want from me.  Do not break my spirit with your temper, though I will always forgive you.  Your patience and understanding will teach me more quickly those things you want me to learn.

3. Have me spayed or neutered.

4. Treat me kindly, my beloved friend, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for your kindness than mine.  Don't be angry with me for long, and don't lock me up as punishment.  After all, you have your job, your friends, your entertainment.  I have only you.

5. Speak to me often.  Even if I don't understand all your words, I understand your voice when it's speaking to me.  Your voice is the sweetest sound I ever hear, as you must know by my enthusiastic excitement when your footsteps fall upon my waiting ear.

6. Please take me inside when it's cold and wet. I'm a domestic animal and am no longer accustomed to the bitter elements.  I ask for little more than your gentle hands petting me.  Keep my bowl filled with clean water;  I cannot tell you when I'm thirsty.  Feed me good food so that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to be by your side, and stand ready, willing and able to share with you my life, for that is what I live for.  However you treat me, I'll never forget it.

7. Don't hit me.  Remember, I have teeth that could easily crush the bones in you hand, but I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I am not getting the right food, I've been out in the sun too long, or my heart may be getting old and weak.
9. Take care of me when I get old.  You will grow old too.
10. When I am very old, when I no longer enjoy good health, please do not make heroic efforts to keep me going.  I am not having fun.  Just see to it that my trusting life is taken gently.  And be with me on that difficult journey when it is time to say goodbye.  Never say, "I can't bear to watch".  Everything is easier for me when you are there.  I will leave this earth knowing with my last breath that my fate was always safest in your hands.  I love you.