In your profession, and maybe as a bereaved pet parent yourself, you are likely familiar with the “Rainbow Bridge”. A touching poem which talks about what is believed to be a connection between heaven and earth. A place where our once sick or old pets are made new and wait to be reunited with us. Because of its words of comfort and hope, this poem has become a condolence standard in many veterinary practices.
August 28th is Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day. A day dedicated to honoring the pets we have lost. A day that a lot of pet parents reflect on the words and promise of the poem. But where did this poem come from and why is it so important to pet parents? And most importantly, how can you utilize the “Rainbow Bridge” as a tool to offer comfort and hope to your clients in their time of grief?
History of the Rainbow Bridge
The “Rainbow Bridge” poem has circulated the pet bereavement world for years. It’s seen on cards, in pictures, social media posts, memorials etc., but the author has never been named. A few people have claimed ownership of the poem, but until recently no author has been rightfully identified. According to an article by National Geographic, author and historian Paul Koudounaris, after doing his own extensive research, was able to connect the poem to Edna Clyne-Rekhy. Solving the over 60-year mystery.
In 1959 Edna lost her beloved companion, a Labrador Retriever named Major. Days after Major’s passing Edna was still visibly upset. Her mother suggested she sit down and write how she was feeling. Edna took her mother’s advice and began to write “Just this side of heaven is a place called the Rainbow Bridge….” She never published the poem herself but did show it to a few friends. After being deeply touched by her poem, Edna hand-typed copies for them, but never included her name. Edna showed Koudounaris the original handwritten copy of the poem, confirming her authorship further.
Edna Clyne-Rekhy, a now 82-year-old Scottish women, had no idea that the words she wrote over 60 years ago to help her through her own grief have become a staple in comforting other pet parents amid theirs. She was “absolutely stunned” to find out just how important her words had become to others.
The Importance of the Rainbow Bridge
It is clear how much Edna’s poem has touched so many grieving parents. Just like Major was to Edna, our pets play such a pivotal role in our lives. When we lose them, it can be hard to find comfort in the unknown and live our day-to-day lives without them. The “Rainbow Bridge” helps offer peace to pet parents of their pet’s well-being in the afterlife. The poem speaks about how pets are happy, not alone, and are how they’re remembered in our dreams of days and times that gone by. Most importantly, it offers hope in the belief that pet parents will be reunited with their pets in the afterlife. The poem has become popular to have read at memorials or read to children who are also grieving.
Implementing the Rainbow Bridge in Your Practice
Because the idea of the Rainbow Bridge is comforting to many pet parents, the poem is an easy way for you and your staff to offer words of comfort and hope to a pet parent during their time of grief. One New York-based veterinarian said, when referring to the poem, “it is an easy way to have something to say.”
Knowing this, our Rainbow Bridge Enclosure Cards are an easy way for pet parents to remember the comforting words of the poem. Designed to resemble a rainbow, these enclosures fit perfectly in a sympathy card, or can be handed directly to your client before they leave your office. Consider pairing this enclosure with one of our Rainbow Bridge cards: S57, S100, S101, S208 or S209.
You can also highlight the Rainbow Bridge when presenting the, already treasured, keepsake of a ClayPaws Print. Our Rainbow Bridge Accessory Kit serves as a comforting reminder of the Rainbow Bridge with rainbow colored charms and ribbon. The process of decorating the ClayPaws Print can be a healing process for your staff or the pet parent.
Thanks for all you do,
Cassie McArdle
Customer Service
World by the Tail, Inc.