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Aug. 28 is Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day.
This special day helps us honor the wonderful pets we have loved and lost over the years. For decades, a beautiful poem called "Rainbow Bridge" was passed around the world anonymously.
We now know it was originally written in 1959 by a 19-year-old Scottish woman named Edna Clyne-Rekhy. She wrote the comforting words in a notebook after losing her beloved Labrador retriever, Major.
While Edna wrote the words, another woman named Deborah Barnes gave us the calendar date to celebrate them.
Deborah officially founded Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day in 2015. She chose Aug. 28 because it was the anniversary of the day she had to say goodbye to her cherished cat, Mr. Jazz. Deborah created this day so animal lovers everywhere could come together, share memories and honor the pets that left paw prints on their hearts.
The poem that inspired this global day of remembrance reads as follows:
"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."
This poem reminds us that our pets are true members of our families and our most faithful companions.
They give us unconditional love, daily joy and constant comfort through all of life's ups and downs.
Because of this deep bond, losing a pet is a very hard experience that leaves a large, empty space in our homes and hearts.
The comforting idea of the Rainbow Bridge brings deep peace to many people who are actively grieving. Finding gentle, positive ways to remember your pet can help your heart heal over time.
Today is a perfect time to look through old photo albums, share stories with friends or plant a colorful flower near their favorite sunny spot in the yard. It is completely normal and okay to feel sad, even if a long time has passed since your loss occurred. True love does not end just because a pet is no longer sitting physically by your side. Today, take a quiet moment to look back on those shared years with a smile. Your pets may be gone from your lap, but they will always hold a permanent, treasured place in your heart.