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The Rainbow Bridge

A Memorial For Your Furry Friends

I recently lost my beloved dog of 13 years. I have her ashes in a nice wooden box (it's shiny).

I would like to decoupage a nice poem of the Rainbow Bridge on top of the box but I'm not sure how to do it, or where to take it.

Any suggestions?

Thank you,

Shannon

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Here is a link articles on our site that will walk you through the basics of Decoupage and Decoupage on Wood.

You can print the Rainbow Bridge poem yourself (Read Kay Davies’ tips on printing your own decoupage images) or purchase a print.

One of the advantages of printing it yourself is that you can size it to fit your project and format it to your liking.

My condolences on your loss. When we lost our two beloved Shi-Tzus (ages 13 and 9) within a month of each other, we were pretty devastated. I honored and mourned them by making a photo album of our lives together that closed with the photo below.

It’s comforting to think that it’s not really “The End”; and that we’ll be together again when we cross the Rainbow Bridge.

For our other readers who may not know about the Rainbow Bridge, here is the original free verse.

The Rainbow Bridge

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

If you would like a rhyming version, feel free to use mine below.

The Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge,
Far beyond the hillside and across the final ridge.
A place of joyful waiting for the pets we loved so much,
Though we no longer see them nor feel their nuzzling touch.

They’re romping in the hillocks and rolling in the dales -
Health and joy apparent in the wagging of the tails.
How nice to know they’re happy; they’ve just gone to play.
True to us as always, they’ve not really gone away.

In pastures lush and sunny, in meadows tinged with gold,
They’re as they were so long ago and never will grow old.
We know one day we’ll follow – it may be soon or late.
Alert for our arrival, they’ll greet us at the gate.

Wet happy kisses rain down, as we caress the face.
A wonderful reunion; we’ll pause in fond embrace.
Then turn our footsteps heavenward away from Rainbow Bridge
And amble home together beyond that final ridge.

Eileen Bergen © 2006

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