A Rainbow Bridge

19 Quotes About Cats

ihammond — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 15:52:28 +0000

“There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats.” – Albert Schweitzer

“Owners of dogs will have noticed that, if you provide them with food and water and shelter and affection, they will think you are God. Whereas owners of cats are compelled to realize that, if you provide them with food and water and affection, they draw the conclusion that they are God.” – Christopher Hitchens

“A happy arrangement: many people prefer cats to other people, and many cats prefer people to other cats.” – Mason Cooley

“It is impossible for a lover of cats to banish these alert, gentle, and discriminating friends, who give us just enough of their regard and complaisance to make us hunger for more.” – Agnes Repplier

“How we behave toward cats here below determines our status in heaven.” – Robert A. Heinlein

“I used to love dogs until I discovered cats.” – Nafisa Joseph

“I love cats because I enjoy my home; and little by little, they become its visible soul.” – Jean Cocteau

“I have felt cats rubbing their faces against mine and touching my cheek with claws carefully sheathed. These things, to me, are expressions of love.” – James Herriot

“I love my cats more than I love most people. Probably more than is healthy.” – Amy Lee

“Every cat is my best friend.” – Unknown

“All you need is love and a cat.” – Unknown

“What greater gift than the love of a cat?” – Unknown

“Perhaps one reason we are fascinated by cats is because such a small animal can contain so much independence, dignity, and freedom of spirit. Unlike the dog, the cat’s personality is never bet on a human’s. He demands acceptance on his own terms.” – Lloyd Alexander

“Cats know how to obtain food without labor, shelter without confinement, and love without penalties.” – W. L. George

“Cats have it all – admiration, an endless sleep, and company only when they want it.” – Rod McKuen

“Cats seem to go on the principle that it never does any harm to ask for what you want.” – Joseph Wood Krutch

“I believe cats to be spirits come to earth. A cat, I am sure, could walk on a cloud without coming through.” – Jules Verne

“Way down deep, we’re all motivated by the same urges. Cats have the courage to live by them.” – Jim Davis

“A cat has absolute emotional honesty: human beings, for one reason or another, may hide their feelings, but a cat does not.” – Ernest Hemingway

The post 19 Quotes About Cats first appeared on A Rainbow Bridge.

Does It Matter That My Pet Passed A Long Time Ago?

ihammond — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 13:55:11 +0000

Should I still create an obituary for my pet that passed a while ago?

Of course!

The loss of a beloved pet is felt many years after they pass. This was a family member. Even though time has passed and wounds have healed, it is only right to still miss them.

A pet from any period of your life had an impact on you. Even though time has passed and healed, it often helps to put down into words the way they made you feel. One of the benefits of writing a pet obituary after time has passed is that these are often just pleasant memories rather than feelings of grief. Think of it as just telling happy stories about a loved one in your past.

Childhood Pets

For many, losing a pet in childhood is the first real experience of loss. It can be traumatic, even years later. Writing about them is a useful process. The pup that greeted you when you got home, the bunny you rushed home to care for, the cat that you dressed up (to its irritation). You get a chance to share memories about them from a more mature perspective.

These pets may only exist in the memories of those who cared for them. What a great way to revive their memory! Write an obituary, or celebration of their life, and post it to share with others. Do you only have physical pictures? No problem! You can take those photos and scan them to upload. Another option is to lay them on a flat surface and use your phone to take a digital picture and upload.

In Our 20’s

Making our way in the world isn’t always easy when we’re young. We’re trying to figure out careers and personal relationships. We now have the responsibilities that come with adulthood: bills, loans, and jobs.

Having a pet during this time can be reassuring. With all of the uncertainty, you know there is someone who will love you unconditionally when you get home. This is often the first pet that is truly ‘ours’ as you have your own place to live.

Pets that come into our lives in our 20’s often see us through marriages and the birth of kids. They hold a special place in our hearts. Losing them is difficult. When they cross over the Rainbow Bridge, it is an affirmation that our youth has passed.

Remembering them and this time of our lives is important. When writing a pet obituary, write about the things that you did together at this point in your life. It may be a great trip down memory lane.

Pets with Kids/Family

Bringing pets into a family with children is special. You get to see the positive and loving interactions between them. Often, they grow together. Pets are truly a part of the family.

They make their way into our beds, onto our Christmas cards, and into our hearts.

These are special times in our lives, both as kids and then later as adults. These family photos are great to share in a pet obituary that you are creating perhaps long after a pet has left. Relive those memories and honor their spirit.

Empty Nest

Once kids have left the house, you may have an older pet that was part of the family or you may get a new pet. In either case, you’ve got a best friend. Companionship at this time of our life it important and pets provide that unconditionally. Losing one at this phase in life is difficult. Write about what they meant to you. The bond was likely different than the one you shared with your pets earlier in life.

Conclusion

In summary, regardless of when you lost a pet it is helpful to write about their lives and celebrate them. You will get to experience the good memories of their life all over again. It may be easier to write about them after time has passed. The emotions that come with loss have subsided. Now you are free to remember the great parts of them without any pain.

You are also helping others. Many are wondering, “Should I write a Obituary for my Pet?” It is a search phrase on Google that gets traffic each month. By writing one of your own you are answering that question. You also are giving examples of what others may want to include when they create on of their own.

The post Does It Matter That My Pet Passed A Long Time Ago? first appeared on A Rainbow Bridge.

How To Write A Pet Obituary

ihammond — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 15:11:58 +0000

Introduction

Pet loss is very difficult. It is hard not to feel like your beloved pet had its life cut short. A family member has died. It is right to grieve.

One way you can honor them is by writing a pet obituary.
Obituaries are great for informing friends and family about pets who have passed away. However, there’s another reason why writing an obituary is important. Make sure that your pet gets remembered well after their life has ended. Not only will this help with the grieving process as they cross the Rainbow Bridge, it gives other people the chance to learn about them.

Write An Opening Statement

Begin by stating the general facts about your pet’s life. When and where they were born and when did they pass?
You may want to include brief information about their passing, such as an illness, if it is something you feel comfortable sharing. This is also a good place to mention memorial service information, if applicable.

Talk About Your Pet’s Personality

We all know pets are as unique as people. Talk about the things that were specific to them. A few examples:
What was their favorite toy?
What was their favorite treat?
Where did they sleep most often?
Were they affectionate or independent?
How were they around other pets?
Who were their favorite humans?
Where were their favorite places to go?

Mention Their Hobbies & Interests

When writing a pet obituary, it is important to remember that your beloved pet’s interests were often a reflection of their owner’s own. If your pet loved playing fetch and jumping on the bed, mention that in their memorial. Another example, did you take them for s walk at the park every morning before work and then brought them home for dinner when you got home from work each day? Include this type of information as well.

Talk About Their Friends, Human and Otherwise
It’s important to think about the people who will miss your pet, especially if they were close friends. Consider writing a letter or email to those individuals and letting them know what happened. Talk about any other humans who played roles in their life beyond being owners —people like groomers, neighbors, trainers, boarders, friends or family members. This will shed some light on why this pet was so special!

Share Memories

Be specific. These are the unique moments that made your relationship special.
The most important thing to remember is that you don’t have to write a dry tribute, but instead share some fond memories of your pet. You can tell the story behind their name or the reason you chose them as your best friend in life. Ask yourself what attracted you to this specific dog/cat/bird/bunny and explain why they were so special for you.
Sometimes it’s the things that didn’t seem so funny at the time that makes the best stories. Did they every get into mischief around the house? What happened?
Did you or your family every dress them up?
Did you go on any trips or vacations together? Where? What happened?
What are the key moments of their life that you think about? Write those down. Share with others these special times you had together.
Get others involved! Ask the people in their life to share their memories, too!

Include Photos

Photos are a great way to remember your pet. You can include a photo of your pet with you, another pet, or even another family member or friend. If you have photos from their life together as well, this helps the reader understand how much they were loved. Pictures last forever.

Write A Closing Statement

Now that you’ve written your obituary, it’s time to close with a final statement. This can be anything from “I will never forget the day we met” to “I’ll always love her for bringing so much joy to my life.”
Since they aren’t gone, but have crossed a Rainbow Bridge, perhaps “Until we meet again” is a great way to wrap-up their memorial.
All that matters is that it’s sincere and heartfelt.

Conclusion

Remembering your pet should be a happy occasion. Celebrate their lives by writing and sharing the great parts of your life with them.

The post How To Write A Pet Obituary first appeared on A Rainbow Bridge.

I Can’t Get Over My Pet’s Death

ihammond — Fri, 09 Sep 2022 18:43:04 +0000

I Can’t Get Over my Pet’s Death

If all you’re thinking right now is “I can’t get over my pet’s death”, you are not alone. The bond between a pet and its owner is incredibly strong. The loss of a pet is significant and it can lead to a lot of sad moments in your life. It’s a very good idea to prepare a rainbow bridge, or a pet obituary, to appreciate and pay homage to your pet. The truth is that nothing will provide immediate relief when you deal with the loss of a pet. It takes time, and you need to find different ways to cope with the process. Here are some of the things you can do!

Write A Pet Obituary

The role of a pet obituary is to announce the passing of your pet and to celebrate them. Yet, creating this content can be a catharsis. It can help you express your feelings and appreciation towards the pet that has passed away. You most like have that feeling “I can’t get over my pet’s death”, we all have it when it comes to losing a pet. That’s why writing a pet obituary is a great idea. It’s a wonderful way to create a memorial for your pet, an online post where you share all your ideas and feelings. We have suggestions for writing a pet obituary at this link. A good tip is to get everything out that you feel. It may seem like you are over-sharing or providing too much information. You can always edit. Good yourself a chance to put your feelings down. Keep in mind that others have been through the same. They will appreciate your honesty and vulnerability. A pet obituary is useful since it gives you a way to express yourself while also bringing in a sense of healing.

Create A Pet Memorial

When you struggle with “I can’t get over my pet’s death”, you are battling grief and closure. Another good idea is to prepare a physical pet memorial. This is one of the best methods you can use to remember your pet. Of course, we often use a block and stone monument to memorialize the departed. Other options include a photo book, keepsake, plaque, plant a tree, or structure. These memorials can be anywhere. It may seem like the only place to keep them is at your home. Think of other places that brought you joy. A dog park, a vacation spot, a pet daycare, perhaps a pet shelter. Are there other spots that were important to you both? The idea is to have a place or an item that serves as a celebration of your pet’s life.

Talk With Your Friends And Family

Socialization is crucial when you deal with the loss of a pet. You lost a family member that was very dear to you, so the last thing you want is to stay inside and mourn. You want to pay respect and celebrate their life. One way to do that is by talking about them with your friends and family. Go out, socialize, and spread the word about the love and appreciation you have for your pet. That can help you feel better and focus on better ways to deal with the issue.

Understand That Everyone Copes With Pet Loss Differently

You should always remember that every person copes differently and on different timelines. Focus on establishing your own mourning process. However, focus on healing and understanding that these things are part of life. Don’t rush this or feel pressure do things that others suggest for you. This was yours and your family’s loss and no one else’s. That’s why a pet memorial or obituary can help. You get a chance to share the great parts of their life. You get a chance to show how much your pet meant to you.

Be Kind To Yourself

When we deal with the loss of a pet, sometimes we blame ourselves for the things that happened. The truth is that you probably had nothing to do with it. We all know that our animal friends don’t live as long as humans. If you had to make the unfortunate decision to put them down it was done from a place of caring. Their quality of life was declining and you didn’t want to see them suffer. Expensive surgeries don’t always solve what is wrong. Sometimes our efforts to make things better can make their suffering worse.

If anything, blaming yourself will lead to even more grief. Instead, you want to be patient and honor your pet through the various methods you can find in this article. Comfort yourself with all the happy memories that you had with your pet. As time goes by, raw feelings will soften.

Find New Routines

A great way to deal with the loss of a pet, or dealing with grief in general, is to find new routines. Try out new things and get out of your house as much as you can. Finding new ways to stay occupied will help push grief away. As mentioned earlier, time does heal. You have to find the right methods to help ease the pressure and grief. Try things like enjoying a new hobby, exercising, taking a class, taking a trip, or trying a new route to work. Anything to get you thinking about good things to come in the future. The past has good memories. The future will as well. All you have to do is to give them a try.

Bring Other Animals Into Your Life

At some point, you’ll consider getting another pet. Adding new animals to your family can be a way to cope with the loss of your previous pet. However, give yourself time to make sure you are ready. There is no reason to rush.

Let’s face it, your pet would most likely want you to have other pets anyway! Bringing new animals into your life can be incredibly rewarding. It will provide you with a way to push grief aside.

You’re not forgetting your deceased pet. You are creating new memories while dealing with grief the right way. Your time with your pet made you a better pet owner. When the time is right consider sharing that with someone new.

Try To Write Down Your Feelings

Aside from a pet obituary which is excellent for the loss of a pet, you can also use a scrapbook or a journal. Here you can write your thoughts and any feelings you have. Undoubtedly, there is a great deal of sadness. There is also a lot of happiness and joy. Write it all down. Get those thoughts and feelings out. One technique that may be helpful is to time-box your efforts and set a target. For example, set a timer for 30 minutes and set a goal of 750 words. Write down everything in your mind related to your pet. The thoughts don’t have to be cohesive or form a story. If illness or health issues were an issue towards the end of their life, write about that. Write about your experiences with the vet. Write about things you would’ve done differently. Use this time to get it all out. When done go back and pick out things that you want to share. This can be the basis for your pet obituary.

It might not seem like a whole lot, but simple things like this tend to work. It’s important to try and express yourself, talk about the situation, and try to move on. It will not be an easy thing to achieve, but it’s definitely going to be worth it in the long run.

Hold A Ceremony For Your Pet

This can be a great way to bring closure. We have funeral services for our human loved ones for the same reason. This is great if you have friends and family members that loved your pet. However, there is no reason why you can’t be the only one to attend. Prepare a ceremony just as you would for a human. Determine what to wear, what to say, how it will look. Planning the event offers a feeling of control. You may have been very much out of control in their final days as you waited. Take control back by choosing how to say ‘until next time.’

Conclusion

If you find yourself thinking “I’m struggling to get over my pet’s death”, think about taking these steps:

Write a Pet Obituary
Create a Pet Memorial
Talk with Friends and Family
Understand that Everyone Copes Differently
Be Kind to Yourself
Create New Routines
Bring Other Animals Into Your Life
Write About Your Feelings
Hold a Ceremony

Grief is expected in a time like this. It means that you cared and valued your time together. As your pet crosses A Rainbow Bridge, take the time to honor them. Celebrate and share their life. You’ll meet again one day.

The post I Can’t Get Over My Pet’s Death first appeared on A Rainbow Bridge.

What is the Rainbow Bridge?

ihammond — Fri, 09 Sep 2022 18:35:26 +0000

“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 who 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….”

-Paul C Dahm

There have been several versions of the Rainbow Bridge poem shared online. The one above, by Paul C Dahm, may be the original.

However, they all have the same meaning. Pets bring love and joy to our lives. When they pass, where do they go? All good dogs (and cats) go to heaven. But the Rainbow Bridge gives one more important place.

It’s a beautiful spot where they play with others. Anything that hurt them is fixed. They are made whole again. They know no pain, only happiness. They wait for you there. So that you can cross into heaven, together.

The post What is the Rainbow Bridge? first appeared on A Rainbow Bridge.