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.
When talking about life continues for a pet after death.. the rainbow bridge is most commonly mentioned. However, it is not a religion and originates from a poem (the above) which must have stuck a cord with many pet owners who lost their pets.
While many finds the notion of a rainbow bridge a rather over the top one, many still chose to believe in it. "Funny thing. I personally don't believe in the afterlife, but I find the Rainbow Bridge a comforting thought." - Mango "I would like to think that someday I will see my pets again. " - Erika and Blair,xoxo "We believe in the Rainbow Bridge because all the animals we know definitely have souls." -scotsmad "I too like to think of Rainbow Bridge as somewhere my loved pets will be waiting for me, fictional or not it helps me cope with losing what becomes one of the family for us all. xxx" -Schnauzer Days All comments/ quotes from: http://theteacherspets.blogspot.com/2011/06/what-does-rainbow-bridge-mean-to-you.html
Will My Pet go to Heaven suggests that animals do go to heaven - "not only does the Bible in both the Hebrew and New Testaments provide plenty of suggestions that animals are valuable before God, but the evidence of our hearts does so as well." http://www.heavenquestions.com/Will_My_Pet_Go_To_Heaven.html
