Dear Dr. Robin: I am sorry to read abut Cimarron. Dogs hold a special place in our hearts, and their love is a special gift. She sounds like she was truly a miracle in your life and all those she touched. No doubt she will be deeply missed. My condolences.
– P.D.
Dear Dr. Robin: My sympathies to you in your loss of your beloved Cimarron. We have lost three animals in 2005 to old age and cancer, so I understand how you must be feeling. Just be comforted in the knowledge that Cimarron had a loving home for all those years, and she is now over the Rainbow Bridge.
– K.H.
Dear Dr. Robin: Your article in The Denver Post about your Aussie Cimarron was truly touching. Your mention of the “Rainbow Bridge” brought back some very fond memories. Could you please reprint a copy of that verse as I haven’t seen it in many years.
– V.F., Littleton
A: I am so very grateful for all the kind thoughts and condolence messages that have come our way in the time since Cimarron’s death and my column Jan. 5. Many thanks to so many readers. It is my pleasure to reprint this version of “Rainbow Bridge” that was given to me recently:
“The New Rainbow Bridge”
(Inspired by a Norse legend)
By the edge of a wood, at the foot of a hill,
Is a lush, green meadow where time stands still.
Where the friends of man and woman do run,
When their time on earth is over and done.
For here, between this world and the next,
Is a place where each beloved creature finds rest.
On this golden land, they wait and they play,
Till the Rainbow Bridge they cross over one day.
No more do they suffer, in pain or in sadness,
For here they are whole, their lives filled with gladness.
Their limbs are restored, their health renewed,
Their bodies have healed, with strength imbued.
They romp through the grass, without even a care,
Until one day they start, and sniff at the air.
All ears prick forward, eyes dart front and back,
Then all of a sudden, one breaks from the pack.
For just that instant, their eyes have met;
Together again, both person and pet.
So they run to each other, these friends from long past,
The time of their parting is over at last.
The sadness they felt while they were apart,
Has turned into joy once more in each heart.
They embrace with a love that will last forever,
And then, side-by-side, they cross over. Together.
Dr. Robin Downing will respond to your questions in her weekly column, but cannot answer individually. Send questions to Robin Downing, DVM, P.O. Box 460, Windsor, CO 80550 or drrobin@windsorvet.com.
