For those who have lost a pet.

When I was six years old, I came home one afternoon from school to find a small fluffy golden retriever sitting on my kitchen floor, staring up at me with those big, brown, puppy-dog eyes. I was ecstatic. My dream of getting a dog had finally come true, and she was perfect. I named her Amber, because of her amber colored fur. From sailing through San Fransisco bay, to playing on the sandy beaches of Lake Tahoe, Amber was always there when I was growing up. She went through every move my family ever made, and she was there for me on many first days of school.

As anyone knows who has had a dog, or any pet, you become used to having them around. When you come home they are always there to greet you, tail wagging and all. You get wet, slobbery kisses and you don't even care because they're the best things ever. You get used to them always having "their spot" on the family couch. You get used to the comfort they provide and the constant love and loyalty they show you. You're never alone in the house because they're always there.

Everything's great, until one day you notice them struggling to get up, or eat, or play. Your fear of losing them becomes all too real, and reality begins to set in. It wouldn't be just losing a pet, it would be losing part of the family. Of course, you don't want to think about that, so you enjoy the time you have left with them. You give them, even more, love and attention, and thank them for all of the years they spent loving you unconditionally.

When we decided as a family that it was time to put my dog, Amber, down, it was one of the hardest things I have had to go through. My dad and I accompanied her, and on the car ride to the vet, I fought back tears. Saying goodbye, I realized that she was given the best life possible. She had received all the love and care she could've received in her 15 years of living. I knew that it was her time to go, but I also knew that she was happy. When she was officially gone, the vet apologized for our loss, and handed us a card. On this card was a poem. I began to read it, and the tears flowed from my eyes.

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....

Author unknown.

After reading this poem, I felt that she would be okay, wherever she ends up. Losing a pet is the most difficult thing a person can go through, but they always remain in our hearts forever. I know Amber will always remain in mine.