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The Comfort of the Rainbow Bridge

Dealing with the death of a dog is one of the hardest experiences we face in life. At least that’s how it has been for me. If you don’t love dogs, you might not understand. The grief is deep, but a poem titled The Rainbow Bridge has offered comfort for over 65 years to grieving dog owners worldwide.

For years, its author remained a mystery, often mistakenly credited to others. But in 2019, researchers confirmed that Edna Clyne-Rekhy, a Scottish woman, wrote the original version in 1959 after the death of her beloved dog, Major. She never intended for it to become famous—she simply wrote from the heart, sharing it only with friends. Over time, however, her words spread, bringing comfort to millions. Little did she know when she penned this now famous poem that it would help comfort countless people worldwide.

I’ve provided the original poem below. When you read it, you’ll understand why it’s so well known even though it was written over 65 years ago. I must tell you that I’ve owned and lost too many dogs in my life. Every single time I read this poem, I get emotional. It strikes me to the core.

The Original Rainbow Bridge (1959) by Edna Clyne-Rekhy

“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. Their bright eyes are intent; their eager bodies quiver. Suddenly they begin to run from the group, flying over the green grass, their legs carrying them 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…"

Why This Poem Means so Much to So Many

Edna’s words paint a picture of peace, healing, and ultimate reunion with you and your dog—a hope that eases the pain of loss. Though her authorship was lost for decades and there are many versions of this poem, her original version carries a raw, deeply personal tenderness that later adaptations sometimes lack.

Whether you’ve recently lost a dog or carry the memory of dogs lost many years ago in your heart, The Rainbow Bridge reminds us that love may not end with goodbye.

This poem certainly reminds us of the sadness and grief associated with losing a dog, but it also provides us hope. It does for me.

For the audio version of these blog posts, tune into the USA Dog Behavior Podcast.