The Origin of the Rainbow Bridge

Grieving the loss of a beloved pet is serious matter. Veterinarian Julie Ann Luiz Adrian, an associate professor at the University of Hawaii, published a study in 2017 that concluded "people follow the same path of grief no matter who or what — human or animal — they are mourning". Almost 30 percent of pet owners reported prolonged grief lasting six months or longer, she reported, while 12 percent suffered severe grief that resulted in major life disruption. More than 5 percent suffered post-traumatic stress. The level of grief was determined by how the owner perceived the animal, Adrian said.

Anyone who has ever lost a cherished pet will agree with the above. Overcoming grief is hard but it can be eased by talking about the death of your pet, accepting your feelings - and those around you understanding them and supporting you - taking care of yourself and your family and celebrating the life of your departed furry friend whether it be telling stories about them with those that knew them, enjoying photographs of them or perhaps helping other animals in need.

The concept of the The Rainbow Bridge, first entering the zeitgeist in the 1980s, was something that mourning pet owners grasped onto as part of the healing process. Upon their passing, a pet will find itself in a beautiful Eden-like meadow filled with sunshine. They are pain-free, health and body fully restored, and will run, play and eat unlimited treats until one day, when we ourselves pass, we are reunited and cross the Rainbow Bridge to heaven together. Again. Forever.

I have to admit, I love the thought of it myself and it's brought me comfort as I've buried my face into the neck of so many pets I've had to say goodbye to over the years, telling them "Godspeed, say hello to everyone who has gone before you and I'll see you at the bridge".

(click on any image to view full screen)

Cayenne, left this world July 2021

Since the writing of the post in February of 2022, thanks to tireless research of art historian, author and cat owner Paul Koudounaris, it's been discover that the original text of the poem was written by Scotswoman Edna Clyne-Rekhy. You can read the amazing story here and read the original text below:

"Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, your 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 friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who have been ill and old are restored to health and strength, those who were hurt are made better and strong again, like we remember them before they go to heaven. They 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 shining, his body shakes. Suddenly he begins to run from the herd, rushing over the grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cuddle in a happy hug never to be apart again. You and your pet are in tears. Your hands again cuddle his head and you look again into his trusting eyes, so long gone from life, but never absent from your heart, and then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together."

Unfortunately dozens of people have claimed authorship of the poem over the years leading to it's lack of proper attribution for decades. Thanks to Mr. Koudounaris and confirmed by National Geographic, we now can give Mrs. Clyne-Rehky the credit she deserves.

Jeni, left this world May 2022

Another popular, rhyming version of Paul C. Dahm's poem was penned by husband and wife Steve and Diane Bodofsky, giving nod to the original version as their inspiration. This may be the version that you're most familiar with.

“By the edge of a woods, at the foot of a hill,

Is a lush, green meadow where time stands still.

Where the friends of man and woman do run,

When their time on earth is over and done.

For here, between this world and the next,

Is a place where each beloved creature finds rest.

On this golden land, they wait and they play,

Till the Rainbow Bridge they cross over one day.

No more do they suffer, in pain or in sadness,

For here they are whole, their lives filled with gladness.

Their limbs are restored, their health renewed,

Their bodies have healed, with strength imbued.

They romp through the grass, without even a care,

Until one day they start, and sniff at the air.

All ears prick forward, eyes dart front and back,

Then all of a sudden, one breaks from the pack.

For just at that instant, their eyes have met;

Together again, both person and pet.

So they run to each other, these friends from long past,

The time of their parting is over at last.

The sadness they felt while they were apart,

Has turned into joy once more in each heart.

They embrace with a love that will last forever,

And then, side-by-side, they cross over… together.

Princess, left this world June 2021

Hotline, Support Group and Pet Loss and Grief Website Resources

While the poem may provide some initial relief after the loss of a pet, it might not be enough. Luckily today there are multiple avenues where one can find support to help deal with the loss of a furry best friend.

Here is a list of some support resources to help you with your grief:

Annie, left this world July 2022

A Reading List For Dealing With Pet Loss

If group support isn't a good fit, there are a number of books that can help you cope with the loss of a pet, here is a sample reading list (scroll down a bit further for child and teenager appropriate suggestions):

Goodbye, Friend: Healing Wisdom for Anyone Who Has Ever Lost a Pet by Gary Kowlaski (full of sound, compassionate advice to help you cope with the loss of a pet)
Saying Goodbye to the Pet You Love by Lorri A. Green, Ph.D. (written by a psychologist, a practical but sympathetic guide to navigating grief with a special section to help the elderly)

Pet Loss: A Spiritual Guide by Julia Harris (helps readers understand the many emotional reactions to the loss of a pet as well as helping children cope and recover)
Losing My Best Friend: Thoughtful support for those affected by dog bereavement or pet loss by Jeannie Wycherley
Three Cats, Two Dogs: One Journey Through Multiple Pet Loss by David Congalton (the author talks about how he transformed his anguish over the loss of several pets into a commitment to abused and abandoned animals)
PS. I Love You More Than Tuna by Sarah Chauncey, illustrated by Francis Tremblay (a gift book for adults trying to cope with losing a feline soulmate)

Nikko Marie, left this world January 2022

Books to Help Children Cope With The Grief of Losing a Family Pet

The loss of a pet can be especially difficult for children, whether they be too young to understand the concept of death, or perhaps a bit older, having never known a world without the family pet in it. Below is a reading list that can help you guide your child through their grief.

Dog Heaven and Cat Heaven by Cynthia Rylant (appealing to children from preschool to grade two, these colorful books depict the heavens as a place of warmth and happiness)

Tear Soup by Pat Schweibert (recommended for ages four to eight, it tells the story of an old woman who is making "tear soup", it's not specific to the loss of a pet or person, with beautiful full-color illustrations, it has been a comfort to children and adults alike)

For Every Dog an Angel and For Every Cat an Angel by Christine Davis (appropriate for a wide range of ages, these short books tell the story of the Rainbow Bridge)

My Cat is Blue by Sarah Sommer (with illustrations that transition from grayscale to full color, this book examines pet loss grief from varying viewpoints of those affected by it)

Our own Dingo, left this world June 2021 (photo credit: Sylvia Elzafon)

Something that you may have realized by now, as you near the end of this post, is that photographs of your pet can bring you comfort after they're gone. The process of sharing them with me, telling me about all the things you love about them, the crazy things they do, what images you want to be sure we create, is a cathartic process that can bring peace knowing that we're creating lasting memories of your pet that you can hold dear when they're no longer by your side.

Most special of the images we'll make are the ones of you and your pet together. Celebrating the love you have for them and the easy way you exist in each other's company. The way you scratch them in that favorite spot, kiss them (despite their obvious protest - me smooching Dingo above) or see them in their favorite place in your home. Things that you'll never be able to experience again when they're gone, but can always remember with photographs.

All Around the Pet Photography Blog Circle

We're talking about the Rainbow Bridge in this week's pet photographer's blog circle, up next is Houston dog photographer, Kelly J. Russo, shares three life lessons she's learned from dogs she's loved and lost over the years, then continue clicking on the link at the bottom of each post until you land right back here, then you will have completed the circle.

Tracy Allard of Penny Whistle Photography is a Certified Professional Photographer with the organization Professional Photographers of America; a designation held by fewer than 2,000 photographers nationwide and a hallmark of consistency, technical skill, artistry, and professionalism. Tracy has loved and lost many pets over her lifetime, each one leaving a hole in her heart. With the loss of their sweet old man Dingo last year, she and her husband found great solace in looking at all the photos she had taken of him over the years, and the family portraits taken by a photographer friend.

Penny Whistle specializes in both on-location and studio photography providing pet, equine, family, and high school senior portraits as well as corporate headshots and editorial photography services in her studio located in historic downtown Carrollton as well as on-location in Coppell, Grapevine, Southlake, Flower Mound, and surrounding communities in Dallas – Fort Worth, Texas.

Let's talk about photographing your senior pet...

7 Comments

Aug 30, 2022, 3:13:20 PM

Tracy Allard - They're ALL going to be there Linda; oh happy day!

Aug 30, 2022, 9:26:58 AM

Linda Perdue - Beautiful post sharing lots of great information. If all my pets are waiting for me, then I need to be ready to be 'bowled over' - the kisses will be many and the love will be strong!

Aug 27, 2022, 8:36:17 AM

Darlene - Beautiful, Tracy! Thank you for sharing the poems, tributes to some beautiful dogs you have photographed who have crossed the rainbow bridge, and some helpful resources for pet owners. The picture of you and Dingo is perfect - what a beautiful portrait to remember the connection you had with him. xo

Aug 26, 2022, 7:02:09 PM

Jessica - This is so well expressed, Tracy. You do an excellent job helping others help their pets cross the Rainbow Bridge with unforgettable memories.

Aug 26, 2022, 5:24:25 PM

Nicole - I've never seen the other version of the bridge poem. Thanks for sharing.

Aug 26, 2022, 10:46:27 AM

Elaine - I can't thank you enough for the book list, especially the children's books. I will be checking them out. Beautiful photos of your Bridge family.

Aug 26, 2022, 7:19:51 AM

Cahlean - A wonderful collection of history of the Rainbow Bridge along with resources who are the end stages of their pet's life or have lost a pet.

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