sayinggoodbye

THE RAINBOW BRIDGE

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, 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...

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The loss of a pet can be extremely traumatic. Often the decision of what to do with their earthly remains can cause additional emotional upheaval at an already distressing time. You may not wish to bury your friend in your garden, in case you move house and leave them behind. There are a few other ways you can lay your friend to rest, and it helps to know ahead of time what you plan to do.

GRAVE IN A TUB
Some people bury their rats in a large tub of soil, and plant a tree over them as a memorial. This is one way to be able to bury your pet, yet always keep them close by.

CREMATION
There are a couple of companies that offer pet cremation services. I have always used Stardust Crematorium in Whangarei. If you do not live nearby you can courier the body to them. If you are in Auckland the Pets Garden of Remembrance can organise transport of your pet for you. Your friend is returned to you in a wooden casket with a golden plaque on top. You can choose to have just their name, or other text inscribed on it. I put my urns on a special shelf, together with some candles and a picture of the departed pet.

PET CEMATARY
In Auckland there is a excellent pet cemetary. The Pets Garden Of Remembrance ("Eirever") is set in 10 acres of beautiful gardens. The owners will assist you to chose a burial site, and the grave is marked with a paving stone with a plaque mounted on it. You may chose to have a more elaborate monument made privately. They don't mind if you want to place flowers, pictures, statues, etc on your pet's grave. Dave and Jackie Stephens, the owners of the garden, are compassionate and understanding, and always encourage you to share stories about your pet (if you feel like it). They offer a very good grief counselling service for bereaved pet owners. You are then welcome to visit your pet's grave any time you like. The property is legally protected for the next 200 years, so you can be assured your pet will rest undisturbed.