The 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 that 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….

We would like to honor your loved ones who have crossed the bridge by posting a memorial of them below. Please include a digital photo & a testament to your beloved hound with your submission to the Memorial Form.

Beans

Beans was the love of my life. He was the best first dog, best brother, best guard, best patroller, best snuggler, and best snoozer. In short, he was a very, very good boy. He made me smile every single day. He is missed terribly.

Calvin

I adopted Calvin 8.5 years ago when he was a sweet and somewhat sassy 5-year-old. I say somewhat because the sass only grew as he adjusted to his home! As a beagle-basset mix, he had quite the howl and an insatiable appetite for food and ear scratches. His soulful eyes won over everyone, and he was always the comedian in the room (often unintentionally). Calvin was very emotionally expressive and always let you know with his howls and his eye expressions exactly how he was feeling about everything, but there was nothing a treat and some nuzzling couldn’t fix. He also enjoyed being fashionable, either in a bow tie or a sleek fleece jacket. He also loved dressing up as an octopus for Halloween each year. When we lived in Philadelphia, he had a geriatric rescue beagle named Kenzie for a sister, and they loved sniffing all the trees around City Hall and Rittenhouse. After Kenzie crossed the rainbow bridge, Calvin came with me to Chicago, where he welcomed another geriatric rescue beagle Penelope, who became his soul sister, BFF, and howling partner in crime. Oh my goodness, as a howling pair, the two of them really woke up our neighborhood in downtown Chicago! Penelope, unfortunately, succumbed to her kidney and heart disease this past summer, and Calvin passed away yesterday peacefully, only a few months after. I have no doubt Calvin is having a bacon buffet party with squirrel-chasing games up in dog heaven with his sisters.

Ned

We welcomed Ned into our family about 8 years ago. From the first day and every day onward, he graced us with love, gobs of sweetness, and an unlimited well of affection. We have never had a dog so eager to share his gratitude for life and do so unconditionally. He was amazing and special and leaves us with a hole that can never be filled. Thank you, Ned, my friend, for sharing your life with us. We are forever blessed because of you.