Death is a sad fact of life, and you've no doubt felt that terrible wrench when a beloved pet has passed away. Pets are members of our family, and losing them can utterly devastate devoted pet parents. Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day on August 28 is a day dedicated to celebrate the lives of those pets that we've lost, and to embrace grief as part of the natural healing process.
Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day is the brainchild of Deborah Barnes, a celebrated author, blogger, and cat advocate. On August 28th 2013, she said goodbye to her cat, Mr. Jazz, and realized that pet parents need to be allowed to grieve, and to honor their four-legged companions the best way that they know how. Following an outpouring of support following her own loss, it became apparent to Barnes that our pets are so much more than just pets.
Where does the name come from? Pet parents the world over have become familiar with the term Rainbow Bridge, which is used to describe the place that pets go to when they pass on – the place at which we will one day be reunited with those we have loved, regardless of the number of legs they possess. There are a number of pieces of poetry and prose that refer to this wonderful place, though all agree that it is a bridge between heaven and Earth, where our pets wait for us to cross over together.
If you would like to honor a beloved pet this Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day, please visit the event's Facebook page. The page features inspiration for celebrating the lives of our furry friends, including writing poetry or prose, sharing pictures, and taking a moment to reflect. Whatever it was that made your bond with your pet special, today is the day to share it.
How will you honor the memory of your cherished pets who have passed on? Let us know in the comment section below.
Photo ©iStock.com/BilevichOlga
