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 the 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 and water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals that have been ill and old are restored to health and vigour; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except one 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 stops and suddenly looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his eager body begins to quiver. 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 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 together, you and your special pet cross THE RAINBOW BRIDGE.

Paul C. Dahm


It is not true that the time heals all the wounds. Although many years have passed and life went on, as if nothing had happened, some memories still hurt me. And the tears are in my eyes.

For Bamakou

16.09.2008 - 08.04.2011

Am letzten Freitag, in der Nacht gingst du von mir,
und nahmst ein großes Stück meines Herzens mit dir.
Der Tod griff nach dir und nahm dich mir fort,
er brachte dich an einen himmlischen Ort.
Engelschöre werden erklingen,
und sie werden nur für dich singen.
Ich habe geweint, bei Tag und bei Nacht,
weil dein schneller Tod mich sehr traurig macht.
Und ich kann es noch immer nicht verstehen,
warum nur, warum, musstest du gehen?
Ich möchte sanft dich ruhen lassen,
die Erinnerung an dich wird niemals verblassen.
Ich danke dir vom Herzen für dein kurzes Leben,
du hast mir so viel Glück und Liebe gegeben.

©InKa/2011

For REX

21.02.1976 - 15.09.1990

I got Rex from my neighbor. She got him from a family who had not the time and the will to care about him.

Rex was an absolute caring crossbred dog. But he liked to go his own ways. But he always came back to his family and his filled food bowl.

Rex accompanied me for 14 years and if I had to write down his story, I am sure this would be a great book. He did things, nearly no other dog could do. e.g.:
- He ate my grandmothers birthday cake – all alone no one saw him. - He entered the apartment of our neighbors in the 10th level via the balcony – just to jolly their dog a little - He kept away all the dogs roaming on the streets from his territory – which in fact was nearly the whole settlement

This an lot more of funny things this dog did during our 14 years companionship.

When his time came, he left me and went over the Rainbow Bridge. There he is waiting for me now …

For Blecky

02.05.1994 - 20.11.2005

Blecky – you will never be forgotten

I found Blecky in the animal shelter in Vienna, when he was four years old. I must confess that I didn’t want to have another dog these days. Fortunately he chose me. In all these years we spent together he gave me so much pleasure and happiness, that I will be thankful to him for the rest of my life.

His look hypnotized me and my heart talked to me

"This is the only one who will love you truly"

I found out, that Blecky was left by his former owners already three times. Once he was left at a bus-station, once at the airport Vienna and the last time at a supermarket.

Lucky him, he always ended up at the shelter. He loved me right from the start – and so did I.

Four years later, he got borreliosis. I didn’t abandon him and learned everything about the long therapy and rehabilitation. Thanks to Dr. Renate Bezovsky he was able to live another three years in dignity.

My beloved Blecky, you always have been and will be a part of me. I thank you for your endless love and trust.

Jacek Lechner