Rainbow Bridge 

 Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When a horse 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 with the wind and enjoy the companionship of their own kind. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable; fear and worry free. All the horses who had been ill and old are restored to health and the vigor of youth. Those who were abused, hurt, or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we would want to remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The horses are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind, so long ago. In each mind there is a "someone" who was kind, gentle and loving. One someone who took the extra step, stayed the extra minute, reached out and touched with love, even once. 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, galloping 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 nickering rings in your ears and a velvet muzzle nuzzles your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the big, trusting eyes of your special love and partner, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.... Author unknown...