The greatest tragedy many pet parents dread is outliving their beloved pets. It’s both devastating and inevitable, given that our furry companions are unfairly granted such a short amount of time on earth.
Ensuring our pets’ lives are filled with love is crucial, but honoring them once they cross the Rainbow Bridge is equally important. And the perfect opportunity to do so is August 28th when we celebrate Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day!
If you’ve lost a pet and wish to honor their memory, I have 6 heartfelt ideas for you. Just keep scrolling to find out!
Where Did The Idea Of ‘The Rainbow Bridge’ Come From?
First things first, let’s discuss why it’s called the Rainbow Bridge anyway.
The term ‘Rainbow Bridge’ was coined by Edna Clyne-Rekhy, an 82-year-old Scottish writer and devoted animal lover.
It first appeared in her poem of the same name in 1959, when Edna was a nineteen-year-old girl mourning the loss of her beloved Labrador Retriever, Major.
In a conversation with National Geographic, Edna recalled that tragic moment of her life, saying:
“He died in my arms, actually. I dearly loved him.”
Thanks to art historian – and a proud cat dad – Paul Koudounaris from Tuscon, Arizona, Edna’s poem was preserved and its origins made known to the world.
While working on a book about pet cemeteries, Koudounaris frequently encountered the term ‘Rainbow Bridge.’
Curious about its origins, he delved deeper and discovered Edna’s poem. The poem was first published in 1994 when a reader from Grand Rapids, Michigan, sent a copy to the local newspaper column, Dear Abby.
At that time, the author’s name was unknown, but Koudounaris was able to correct this historical oversight.
Edna’s poem paints a picturesque scenery of a place our beloved pets go after they draw their last breath on Earth. It states:
“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.”
According to Edna’s words, all animals are happy and have everything they need – but they all miss their beloved humans.
They are careless in their game with their friends, waiting for the day they’ll be reunited with their owners again.
“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.”
Edna imagined that once reunited, the pet and owner would cross the Rainbow Bridge together, rejoicing in their reunion.
Edna probably never imagined how many animal lovers her poem would reach or how comforting her words would be to those struggling with the loss of their beloved pets.
I’m grateful for her creativity and hope that her reunion with Major gets to be everything she dreamed it would be.
6 Heartfelt Ways To Celebrate Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day
Now that we’ve covered the theoretical part, let’s see what you can actually do on Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day.
Since this is a very individual and profound experience, how you choose to honor the memory of your pet is entirely up to you. These 6 suggestions are here just to inspire you:
1. Share A Loving Memory Of Your Furbaby Online
If you’re like me, you might post pictures of your late pets occasionally under hashtags like #tbt.
However, if you wish to make it extra special and meaningful, then August 28th is the perfect day to do so.
Sharing a photo or a video with a heartwarming caption is a great way to get your thoughts and feelings out while also receiving support from an online community of pet lovers.
Even though grief is challenging, it often brings people together. Trust me, a simple message from a stranger who has also lost a pet can be just what you need to feel better.
2. Create A Memorial
When it comes to pet memorials, there’s truly no right or wrong way to do it.
My neighbor, who lost his cat Georgie a couple of years ago, honors his memory every morning by drinking coffee in front of the window where Georgie used to nap.
He even redesigned his living room for this purpose, placing a comfy sofa by the window, adding a pillow in the exact color of Georgie’s eyes, and setting a beautiful plant in Georgie’s favorite spot, in a vase that resembles his tortoiseshell fur.
You can take inspiration from my neighbor and create your own special memorial spot, or consider other ways to honor your pet’s memory, such as:
• Planting a tree or flower in your garden
• Lighting a candle in their memory
• Creating a work of art – writing a poem, painting a picture, framing a photo, or painting a mural
• Gathering friends and family for an intimate memorial ceremony
3. Have A Day Just For Yourself
Grieving the loss of a beloved pet can be incredibly difficult for many people. No matter how much time has passed, the pain can still feel fresh and overwhelming.
That’s why it’s perfectly understandable to make August 28th your personal mental health day.
If possible, take the day off work and focus on doing something for yourself. Remember, your pet would want you to be happy and take care of yourself.
4. Carry A Keepsake Of Your Pet
Celebrating Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day can also mean carrying a keepsake of your pet.
Whether it’s a fun T-shirt with their picture on it, a piece of jewelry with their name engraved, or a lovely locket with their photo inside, these items can help you feel close to them.
And if you’re an ink-lover, you can also consider getting a tattoo in honor of your late furriend. That’s my personal favorite!
5. Make A Donation – In The Name Of Your Fluff
There’s no better way to honor the memory of your pet than by helping another animal in need.
On August 28th, consider making a donation in your late pet’s name to a local shelter, an animal rescue organization, or even a pet in need through a GoFundMe campaign.
By doing this, you’ll play a small part in ensuring other pets are cherished and cared for.
6. Adoption Is Always A Good Idea
Lastly, if you want to take a meaningful step in honoring your fluff’s memory, consider opening your heart to another animal in need.
For some grieving pet parents, adopting another animal might seem like too hasty a decision. But if you feel ready to welcome a new fluff into your life, go for it!
Remember, pets can be wonderful companions in dealing with loss and offer great emotional support, too.
Final Thoughts
Even though Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day reminds us of the day we lost our best furry friend, let’s make sure it’s not a sad day.
Instead, take this opportunity to celebrate the life of your late pet and cherish all the quirky antics they did. Allow yourself to go down memory lane and relive those joyful moments.
Remember, our fluffs are watching over us from above, and they wouldn’t want to see us sad. So let’s laugh in their loving memory!
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