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Just this side of heaven is a place called the
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 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 have 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.
Her bright eyes are intent; her eager body begins to quiver. Suddenly, she begins to run
from the group, flying over the green grass, her legs carrying her 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...
-- Anon. -- |
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THE MONDAY CANDLE CEREMONY
WE GATHER TOGETHER TO HONOR AND REMEMBER OUR PETS
Tonight, Monday, we join hands, hearts and souls across the land as one large extended family to pray for our sick and dying pets and to pay tribute to our
furbabies who have gone ahead to Rainbow Bridge. Someday, we will meet them again, with hugs, tears and kisses, as we walk together, in eternity, to our new home. Until that blessed day, we honor these precious souls and remember them with the warm glow of flickering candles, sending a message of love, light and healing, and the faith to believe in miracles.
PRAYER:
God, Creator of all living things, we ask that as we light our candles, the healing warmth of love will flow into the brokenhearted who are tending their ailing pets. Give to them Your strength and comfort. We also pray that the soft glow of light will part the clouds of grief and sorrow to surround our furbabies at the Bridge.
May excitement REIGN SUPREME as wagging tails, ecstatic purrs and flapping feathers feel our gentle touch once again. May they know the gratitude we hold in our hearts for their faithfulness and gift of unconditional love as they are forever remembered. We are temporarily separated for only a short while.
The silver cord that connects us through time and space can never be broken. AMEN.
CANDLE 1: PERSONAL FURBABY. Anything you wish to say.
I will not look back for there is sorrow.
I will not look for today for there is longing.
I will look forward for there is OUR tomorrow.
CANDLE 2: FURBABIES OF FRIENDS AND FAMILY
Read the names of those who are ill or have gone on before us as a tribute to them and their loving parents.
As we all meet here, our Bridgekids will be meeting all newcomers, easing their way.
CANDLE 3: FOR ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND PEACE
In honor of all the homeless, forgotten, abandoned, abused animals.
For the nameless furchildren who gave their lives for others, for research and as a result of humankind's inhumanity.
May the Higher Powers that be forgive the cruelty.
We light this candle for them.
As our lights shine brightly through the galaxy, may the angels smile upon us, and know that for a brief moment, we have put aside worldly differences to bond as ONE.
CLOSING:
I have sent you on a journey to a land free from pain, not because I did not love you, but because I loved you too much to force you to stay.
MOMENT OF SILENCE.
"Blessed are they that mourn, for they will be comforted." Love, light and healing to all. Amen.
The candles being lit tonight; Cast a soft and welcome flame. And draw our loved ones to the light, As we call to them by name. Imagine spirits taking flight,
For a moment our souls entwine. Say not Good Night, but in some Brighter Time Bid them all- Good Morning.
Author Unknown
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