Rainbow BridgeRemembrance Day

August 28

Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day – a day set aside to remember the pets who are no longer with us; to celebrate and honor their lives. A time to reflect on the good memories of our beloved pet or pets. to look through photos and other memorabilia we’ve collected. Perhaps a time to hold a memorial service for family and friends to grieve together the loss of a beloved pet and to share special memories. For many it is an opportunity to create a something to express those feelings, reflections and memories. It can be a painting, drawing, poem or a written story.

One poem written as an expression of grief, The Rainbow Bridge published author unknown, in the advice column, Dear Abby, in February 1994 has brought comfort and hope to so many people. Just recently the author of the poem was discovered. Edna Clyne-Rekhy, an 82-year-old Scottish artist and animal lover, wrote the poem to honor her dog, Major. She was nineteen years old and grieving Major’s loss. Her mother encouraged to write about her feelings. She wrote out the first line, “Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge” and the rest just flowed.

The original text:

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, your 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 friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who have been ill and old are restored to health and strength, those who were hurt are made better and strong again, like we remember them before they go to heaven. They 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 shining, his body shakes. Suddenly he begins to run from the herd, rushing over the grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cuddle in a happy hug never to be apart again. You and your pet are in tears. Your hands again cuddle his head and you look again into his trusting eyes, so long gone from life, but never absent from your heart, and then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together.

Source: www.barkandwhiskers.com/rainbow-bridge/

JOIN US IN REMEMBERING TWO AMAZING DOGS WHO CAPTURED OUR HEARTS: Benny

The Incredible Ice-Skating Dog

André Bark Furry

Beloved VGK Pup & Therapy Dog

The love and affection for Benny and Bark were apparent by the hashtags shared on social media of the Stanley Cup Playoff and Vegas Golden Knights. #winitforbark #winitforbenny

Benny - the Incredible Ice-Skating Dog, won the love and adoration of Vegas Golden Knights and their fans. Entering the rink to the cheers of “Benny, Benny, Benny”, he was totally focused on skating and performing for his fans.

As a dog who was rescued a day before he was scheduled to be euthanized, his most important role was promoting pet rescue. He was the “poster pup” for dog adoptions and second chances. He supported local rescue organizations such as the Nevada SPCA. Another favorite charity of his was Spectrum on Ice where he enjoyed skating with the children. Benny, age 12, passed away on May 6, 2023.

August

In 2018, Bark-André Furry, a small dog named for the former Vegas Golden Knights goalie, Marc-André Fleury became the unofficial Vegas Golden Knights canine ambassador. He was a permanent attendee at the practices and games. Bark was a source of joy and enthusiasm for players and fans. He quickly won the love and affection of VGK fans and the people of Las Vegas. He had his own personalized jersey to wear while watching his team play in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. In addition to his VGK canine ambassador duties he also worked for the Tyler Robinson Foundation which helps families cope financially and emotionally with the diagnosis of pediatric cancer. https://trf.org/furends/