T H E
R A I N B O W
B R I D G E

"Just this side of Heaven is a place called The 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 and 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 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.
The bright eyes are intent, the eager body quivers.

Suddenly they begin to break away from the group,
flying over the green grass, their legs carrying them 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 the RAINBOW BRIDGE together......."
==Author Unknown




This page is dedicated to our furry, scaly, feathered or finned friends who have left us through illness or old age.
They are forever in our hearts.



Tia - 1996 - March 7, 2007
Tia came to live with us in November of 2001, an SPCA cat surrendered because
she "wouldn't get along with the new kitten". She was six years old, and spent six
years with our family before losing her battle with cancer. She never did "get along"
with the other animals, and her growling and hissing at everyone but humans was a
common sound. To the humans in her family she was the most loving of cats.
We miss you Tia girl.

Dumb - May 2006 - February 2007
Dumb and Dumber came to us as day old babies. They lived in the house and grew
to be very friendly, often perching on our shoulders or just sitting on our
laps. We built them a big outdoor pen when their size became a house issue,
noticing at this time that they were having trouble holding their own weight.
Though we wanted pet turkeys, we apparently got "meat birds" who are bred for
fast weight gain. We tried diet and exercise to no avail.
We lost Dumb to a heart attack and we miss the big friendly soul.

Dumber - May 2006 - March 31, 2007
Dumber finally grew too big for his own legs and was unable to hold himself up or
walk more than a step before collapsing on the ground with his legs splayed. His
last day with us we put him outside hoping the fresh air would stimulate him but it
was to no avail. Our wonderful vet, Dr.Rankin, came out the following morning and
put the big old bird to sleep for us. He always displayed for us as if he was a big
mean turkey, but he just stood there for a hug everytime. Goodbye Dumber.


Ziggy - February 1986 - January 2007
Ziggy came to Jan of Rainbow Aviaries and Rescue in April of 1998. He was found
in a shoebox in an empty apartment. He had mutilated himself, pulling all his
feathers and he was pecking at himself in his extreme hunger. Despite all this
with lots of handling and TLC he grew back most of his feathers with scars remaining
only on his shoulders. He became an extremely affectionate part of the family.
He's missed as Jan's afternoon nap buddy, forever in her heart.


Ernie Purple - Feb 2004 - Feb 23, 2008
We lost Ernie Purple the Emu to a tragic accident when he escaped his pen on
a Saturday afternoon. He was our first emu, and despite warnings from many
people about how dangerous he could be, he was always friendly with us. He
may not have rolled over for a belly rub, but he never hurt anyone either.
His booming greeting will be missed, as will he.


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