Rainbow Bridge for Poppi

My mother called me at 7:30p to let me know that our cat of 20 years had just passed away quietly. Poppi was the runt of a huge litter at the SF SPCA when I had turned 16. My parents decided to take care of her when I moved to Los Angeles. They pampered and spoiled her so I know Poppi lived a very happy and content life with them. I am grateful for that. I wish she lived long enough for our trip up to the city tomorrow. We knew that she was not going to be around for much longer. I guess I was hoping for one last chance to hold her in my arms.



Rainbow Bridge Poem
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