Loss of a Pet and The Rainbow Bridge
by Casey Hampf
By: Judy Lore, AVHS Volunteer columnist
Perhaps you have not yet lost a pet you love or maybe you have lost several through the years of pet ownership. I have lost ten over several decades since the 1970s. I have often had two or more at a time and have dealt with the loss the remaining one/ones experience and the grief I myself have felt for a very long time.
I lost my Cooper in 2022 at age seven and I mourn him to this day. Cancer is an ugly way to lose a pet. There are many things you can do to deal with the pain of losing your best buddy and I will get to that after explaining about the Rainbow Bridge.
The Rainbow Bridge has comforted people worldwide. There are various origin stories for the Rainbow Bridge idea. Perhaps it was first a poem written by a Scottish woman in 1959 or a grief counselor in Oregon or its beginning is still unknown. Regardless of who first came up with the idea, it was meant to offer solace to those grieving the loss of a pet by describing it as the bridge to a beautiful and peaceful meadow where pets ran and played free from pain and waiting for their people to join them.
Rainbow Bridge is a powerful metaphor that gives peace and comfort in the form of cards, memorial markers and on social media. There are support groups dedicated to the concept where folks can share stories of their pets without fear of judgment.
It can be like you lost your best friend. It’s okay if you are not OK. Your pet can be like your family and may have loved you unconditionally. It may feel as if you have lost a piece of yourself. It is essential to healing to confirm how you feel without judgment from yourself or others. Your friends may not understand that your life has changed, and they might think you should just “get over it,” which can come across as being insensitive. It is necessary for you to grieve in your own way.
The stages of grief can include denial/shock, bargaining to get relief for your pet and/or yourself, guilt if you were the one to make “the decision” to let your pet go, anger may show up that this has happened, and maybe some depression. You can let yourself feel your emotions. It will likely end, and life will hopefully return to normal. Allow someone you trust and who understands be your support – perhaps a friend who has also lost a pet.
Two sites to check out: furever-forest.mn.co and on Facebook – The Rainbow Bridge Pet Loss and Grief Support site- and others on FB.
I have managed not to cry while typing this. I have many pictures of my twelve dogs posted above my desk and it gives me constant reminders of all the good times I have had with each of those furbabies. I make a scrapbook for each of them and that helps years later to look through them and remember those times I am grateful for sharing with each of them.
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