- Do you subscribe to Dharma Dog Training’s Newsletter? You should.
- A Unique Campaign from The Humane Society of the United States
- Rabid bats in Omaha- Stay safe, prepared with these tips
- Springtime Activities in Omaha
- Mill Dog Monthly from Bailing Out Benji
- World Spay Day, Legislative Alert in Nebraska
- Attend the Nebraska Rescue Council’s monthly meeting this Saturday
- Five Hard-to-Ignore Reasons to Adopt!
- Paws in Pink to Benefit Breast Cancer Foundation
- VCA, Inc. Acquires MidWest Vet Specialists from Kansas State University
The Rainbow Bridge- exploring a common belief about pet death
Sturgill Simpson once sang that we’re all “living to die/ dying to live/ no matter what you believe.” We suppose it’s true- every culture, religion, and people has a thought system on living, dying, and what happens when earthly life ends.
Sometimes it’s a belief being offered that there’s nothing on the other side; other times there’s someplace wonderful or eternal or closer to God. And in the pet community, there’s a place our companions are often believed to experience after their time with us- the Rainbow Bridge.
A recent Washington Post article states that if you’ve had a pet, you’ve probably heard of the Rainbow Bridge. The Post’s discussion of it minces no words, calling it a “mythical place.” It even details a veterinarian chuckling about the idea of the Bridge when asked.
It offers “an easy way to have something to say,” the vet said. “I don’t think it’s any better or worse than saying, ‘Oh, she’s in doggy heaven.”
Doggie heaven, the Rainbow Bridge, etc. are things humans who love their animals and have some sort of faith have cited as the post-earth lives of animals come to an end. Maybe it’s all a coping mechanism to help us deal with loss. Maybe it’s a faith thing. Maybe it’s out there somewhere. Whatever the case, the Post’s article is interesting in its discussion of psychology.
One reason this “Chicken Soup for the Soul” has survived, even expanded exponentially in the last few decades, the article says, is that it makes the cash register sing. Maybe that’s true; it’s definitely a bit cynical. Regardless, the discussion is always fun to hear.
How do you deal with pet loss? Have you got faith that you’ll one day be reunited with lost companions?
We’d love to hear your thought here (log in to comment) OR visit our Facebook page to leave thoughts.
Related Posts
You must be logged in to post a comment Login