When Melissa's cat, China White, died, the most excellent hospice vet who managed her end of life care (came to the house and ended her pain; also made paw print mementos, kept fur clippings, and arranged for the return of the ashes), Dr. Jennings of Waggin Wheels, sent a follow up card with a poem called The Rainbow Bridge.
I find it impossible to read without being moved. The copy is below. Hunting around the Internet it appears that the authorship is undecided Wikipedia.org. In any case, it makes my attempts at poetry over the passing of pets seem woefully inadequate.
The Rainbow Bridge
There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth. It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of its many colors. Just this side of the Raindbow Bridge there is a land of meadows, hills and valleys with lush green-grass.
When a beloved pet dies, she goes to this place. There is always food and water and warm Spring weather. All the animals who have been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those 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 stop and looks into the distance. Her bright eyes are intent; her eager body begins to quiver. Suddenly she begins to run from the group.
Flying over the green grass, her legs carrying her faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet you cling together in joyous union. 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 you heart.
Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated.