“Do dogs go to heaven?” I remember asking my mom when I was about six years old and the first dog I ever knew, Tippy, was run over by a car. Tippy was a German Shepard/Collie mix with a white tip on his tail. I didn’t understand death but knew he was no longer around. I don’t remember my mom’s response, but it made me think that our dog was in a happy place.
I am now grieving from the unexpected passing of my dear brown tabby soul cat, Mog. The story of a Rainbow Bridge eases some anguish. This metaphor gives me, as well as others, a form of heaven and comfort for pets who have left this physical world.
The notion describes a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth– the Rainbow Bridge because of its many colors. On the earth side of the bridge is a land of meadows, hills, and valleys with lush green grass. When a beloved pet such as Tippy or Mog dies, the pet goes to this place. There is abundant food and treats. Frail animals become young again. The animals play all day together.
Something is missing, however, at the Rainbow Bridge. They do not have the special people who loved them on earth. They run and play until one suddenly stops and looks up. This pet runs from the group and sees his/her special friend and they meet again. They cuddle and kiss again and again. Together the person and the pet cross the Rainbow Bridge together to heaven, never again separated.
The idea of the Rainbow Bridge makes me smile as I think about Mog being happy and patiently waiting for me as she had done every day in our home for the past 15 years. I don’t think the idea of the Rainbow Bridge existed 70 years ago, but it now represents heaven to me.
I know Mog is waiting for me as are the other animals I have loved over the years. My dad passed 11 years ago this summer, and I am confident that Tippy is now with him and they crossed over that Rainbow Bridge together. Someday I will be reunited with my dear friend Mog.