here is another they sent that I like.

The Rainbow Bridge
inspired by a Norse legend
By the edge of a woods, at the foot of a hill,
Is a lush, green meadow where time stands still.
Where the friends of man and woman do run,
When their time on earth is over and done.
For here, between this world and the next,
Is a place where each beloved creature finds rest.
On this golden land, they wait and they play,
Till the Rainbow Bridge they cross over one day.
No more do they suffer, in pain or in sadness,
For here they are whole, their lives filled with gladness.
Their limbs are restored, their health renewed,
Their bodies have healed, with strength imbued.
They romp through the grass, without even a care,
Until one day they start, and sniff at the air.
All ears prick forward, eyes dart front and back,
Then all of a sudden, one breaks from the pack.
For just at that instant, their eyes have met;
Together again, both person and pet.
So they run to each other, these friends from long past,
The time of their parting is over at last.
The sadness they felt while they were apart,
Has turned into joy once more in each heart.
They embrace with a love that will last forever,
And then, side-by-side, they cross over. together.

Simply amazing isn't it? I never have expierenced this before in my life. I've had dogs and cats and ferrets all my life, and loved them dearly, but it was nothing more than a drop in the bucket in comparison to the love I have for my flock. (even the one who bites me every chance she gets!)

Jim, the poem "I'm Still Here" has always held a lot of meaning for me. Another is "I Will Lend You a Bird". Both are guaranteed to get the tears flowing, but they can also provide a lot of comfort. I had never read "Rainbow Bridge", and its a great one as well.

I guess I differ from some, in that the death of every animal companion I've ever known, whether furred or feathered, has always affected me the same way, and its always been devastating. I had to have my horse put down when I was eleven, and to this day if I stop to think about it, the pain is as fresh now as it was then. It's the same for all the cats and dogs I've known over the years. I suppose it says something about my defective personality that I don't seem to have the same level of grief when it comes to people. I will miss my parents and friends that have passed for as long as I live, but their deaths have never really made me cry. It seems I can let them go, but the animals I can't. Its like my responsibility for their happiness and well being didn't end with their deaths, and I worry that they no longer have me to look to for comfort, and they'll think I've abandoned them. All stupidly irrational, I know, but there it is. I truly hope that there is a Rainbow Bridge and that our animal friends are waiting for us there, healthy and happy and joyful at our reunion. I pray that on that day our ability to communicate with them will be complete, and they will know how much I love them.

I'm so glad you have a defective personality. So do a lot of us. Isn't it just wonderful. I think this defect allows us to love in such a tremendous way, and the love is returned 10 fold by the animals we love.
I often think as I age, what to do when I can no longer take care of the flock. I've talked to folks in my bird club, and have a couple of people picked (with their knowledge) to receive a few of my birds, but my flock all came to me with behavior problems of one sort or another, from biting to screaming, so they can't just go to anybody.

Silly you, of course there is a Rainbow Bridge, if there wasn't I don't think I could go on as I so look forward to seeing my old friends again, feathered and furred.

Defective Personality Rules!!!

I hear ya Nate......... my life's greatest regret was not being there when my best friend as a child was put to sleep. My German Shepard, Chica.

Rainbow Bridge is a very moving and emotional poem. One I cherish. I DO believe I will see Ziggy again someday.

I have that same personality that you have been speaking of. I totally understand.

I feel for everyone who has had to go through this. The pain does not stop for me. It is a loss that took a part of me with it. I know some don't understand when I say this...but a part of me died with Ziggy.

Thank you for posting and discussing this. This thread and all of your posts and thoughts have made me feel like I am not alone. There are people who understand and I could experss myself to. Thank you. It means so much to me.