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Just a question, people, not a slam on anyone who likes it. It always bugs me. The cursed "rainbow bridge' thing makes me feel like an aetheist being told that Jesus loves me. It may be well-intentioned, but I feel corralled into agreeing with something against my nature.
Don't get me wrong, I believe in an afterlife, and that there are animals there. But I loathe this cutesy Rainbow Bridge stuff.
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I don't really get it I guess. How did it all start? From a poem?
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I don't personally think it is anything.
It is just an area to put memorials.
What else would you call it - dead pet corner?
That would seem a bit coarse.
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LOL! It is a bit cheesy.
Yes, it came from the following poem:
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. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. 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 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....
Author unknown...
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there is nothing wrong with wanting to believe that you and your pet will be reunited when you die. it's a very comforting feeling that gets alot of people through the death(s) of their pets.
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i dont get this post....you might say you dont want to slam on anyone who likes it but at the same time you do by calling it "cursed" and "I loathe this cutesy Rainbow Bridge stuff"
whats wrong with it?
it doesnt refer to a certain religion....
all it says is that there might be an afterlife for our pets.
its a nicer thought to be reunited with your pets someday than thinking that it ends with their death and all that is left over is memories and a dead, burried body getting eaten by worms......
so what's to complain about rainbow bridge???
if you like it better to think of your pet as gone forever without the slightest chance to ever see them again, that their spirit is extinct then so it be but other people might like the thought that their pet is in a happy place and will be waiting for them...
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there is nothing wrong with wanting to believe that you and your pet will be reunited when you die. it's a very comforting feeling that gets alot of people through the death(s) of their pets.
I think Cas just means not all of us beleive in a heaven exactly. And the rainbow bridge is pretty much a animal heaven.
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"Rainbow Bridge" is just a reference term that has become widely accepted. Kind of like using the word "heaven" as a reference to an afterlife in western civilization.
Heheh . . . and if you think the rainbow bridge idea sounds trite and cliched, just think about the traditional view of heaven . . . everyone in long white nitegowns with wings stuck out the back, flying about aimlessly listening to harp strumming and endlessly repeating "hallelujah."
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I'm totally fine with people who want to believe, but if my pet died and someone told me 'he's on the rainbow bridge now', well, I know they mean well but it would **** me off. And yes, the same way as when people say it's all God's plan when they're talking about my life, as I'm atheist.
Frankly, I'm pretty tolerant of people's beliefs, but when they try to push their beliefs on other people, or seem to assume that everyone else share them, it bothers me - whether it's the Rainbow Bridge, God, Hallah or whatever.
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I don't get what's wrong with it. There isn't a single religious reference in it, so what's the problem?
I'm not a Christian but I do like to think that there's some sort of an afterlife and I'll see my loved ones again, including my pets that have shared so much of my life.
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I found info. on it after my beloved poodle died, it was the first lost pet I had to deal with... I was given a pin with the rainbows bridge insignia and a copy of the poem.
I think it is a nice thought and I am totally unreligious person.
I dont think it is cheesy, but I am not insulted at all if you think it is.
:) Elissa
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I don't even see what the issue is? It's just a term used for pets that have passed away.... just like how we use "Fire Hydrant" for off-topic stuff.?????
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I don't get what's wrong with it. There isn't a single religious reference in it, so what's the problem?
I agree...I dont see what the problem is....So what if some people believe that there will be a time when they will see there beloved pets again is that really so bad...
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I don't see what's wrong with it...I'm a religious person but I guess when I think of the Rainbow Bridge, I don't think of it really being connected to religion.
A lot of people are comforted with the idea of being reunited with their pets. It's a lot more comforting than just thinking about them rotting...
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Fran...rainbow bridge does not have to be connected to any religion. it's simply a way to make you feel better after your pets died. a way to cope with your loss...knowing that there is a chance you'll get to see him/her again.
Fran...you can be atheist all you want. but you've got to realize that no one is "shoving" any beliefs...or rainbow bridge...down your throat. if you don't want to post there, or read the threads, or believe...you don't have to.
if you don't like it, that's fine...but there are plenty that do and it's a comfort for those who post there when their pet has passed on. why would you want to bash what makes someone else feel good just because you don't believe in it?
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Don't know what this thread is even about. It's all very personal and certainly not "shoved" in anyone's face. I'm not religious, but I sure do feel better thinking that my beloved pets that passed before are in a better place and if I'm REALLY, REALLY GOOD...maybe I'll be lucky enough to join them.... in the land where poop picks itself up...and dog cookies grow on low bushes:) :)
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^^^ and a land where Purina and Pedigree don't exist....lol
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I don't see the point of this thread, nor the point of some of the posts in it.
People. It's a poem. A poem. A POEM.
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^^^ and a land where Purina and Pedigree don't exist....lol
yup! That's the place!!:D
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I think it's a nice poem.
Comforting to think that you will meet your pet again.
~Tucker
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It's just a frame of reference - a verbal visual, if you will - for a somewhen that so many of us feel is filled with our Creatures who are watching over us and waiting for us, or even waiting for a time to re-join us here . . . Yes, the term, "rainbow bridge" can seem a bit, well, just a bit "too-too" if you dwell on the visual for very long, but hey, it's become a frame of reference that's understood by most English speaking companions of animals, and I'd wager a great many non-English speaking ones as well.
If you don't like the concept, think of the place where your animals go in whatever way you'd like. Maybe even share your imagining . . .
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When I first saw it many years ago , it helped me and comforted me. Just like many Psalms do for me. I really don't see any point to this thread. Let's not get into a religious issue over this. It's just a case of personal dislikes.... so be it.
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What else would you call it - dead pet corner?
ROFLMAO!! I darn near choked on my coffee when I read your reply, Dizzy! :D
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Well, I'm a strong christian but that has nothing to do with rainbow bridge. When my sheltie was killed by a neighbor, it was so comforting to imagine that one day I will see him again. It helps to think of them in a better place when you are so consumed with grief. I see nothing wrong with it :confused:
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The first time I read the rainbow bridge was the day after my English Mastiff died. It was right there in "dear abby" when I looked at the morning paper.I knew it was there just for me that day, and it did help to comfort me.
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I dont see anything wrong with it.. its better then saying so and so's pet went to hell.
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Looks like your the only one Casablanca
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I don't see anything wrong with it either, but I could see how it could be kinda insulting. That poem is not telling you that heaven exists or anything. It's just a comforting thought that after your beloved pet passes away, they move on to a better place, and that you will be reunited with them someday.
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I don't believe in God, heaven, etc. I am far from religious. But this Rainbow Bridge idea doesn't bother me. It is comforting,.. I know when I was just little and my cat died I'd lie in bed at night "talking" to him thinking he'd hear me... it was comforting... and there is nothing wrong with trying to take comfort in the fact that your loved pet may be in a better place where you will meet up once again. :)
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Maybe this will put it into a better perspective
http://www.indigo.org/rainbowbridge_ver2.html
I cry everytime I see this video..Especially now that I had my dog laid down today. Very sad sad day!
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ok, i thought i'd cried enough today at another website with dog poems...but no...you had to put that up! :)
it's sad, but happy...sad because you know your pet will one day have to leave you :( but happy because (as long as you believe) you can meet them again when you have to go as well.
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It is actually extremely comforting to me. I am religious. And I do connect it to my religion. Other people don't have to. I am kind of confused as to why it would bother anyone. It is so nice for me to think that my Gracie Lou is up there right now with one of the loves of my life, Bruno, a dog that passed after I had him for 10yrs. In fact, the poem is sitting right beside Gracie's urn right now.
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Just a question, people, not a slam on anyone who likes it. It always bugs me. The cursed "rainbow bridge' thing makes me feel like an aetheist being told that Jesus loves me. It may be well-intentioned, but I feel corralled into agreeing with something against my nature.
Don't get me wrong, I believe in an afterlife, and that there are animals there. But I loathe this cutesy Rainbow Bridge stuff.
Didnt the Vikings have a reference to the Rainbow Bridge to Vahala? Or was that just Marvel Comics?
Dont get me wrong but just ignore it, I havent believed in Santa since I was 4 but come on even I still celebrate Christmass.
You realy didnt think you where going to offend anybody or nobody would think you werent being rude with this thread?
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I think it's a comfort to those who have lost their dogs and for that I like it.
I'm not totally sure I believe in it, because the only dog waiting for me is Meisha, and I know she's not romping, but just sitting there wondering why she has to hang out with all those other dogs. Unless the RB undoes all abuse, then she might be romping.
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As I mentioned in the original post, I believe there's something after this life, and that it includes my dogs. I don't quite understand how my dislike of this 'rainbow bridge' junk means I'm denying the belief in an afterlife, for humans or for dogs. And apparently, other people share my dislike of the 'rainbow bridge' treacle. Wonderful, question answered.
Re: the 'what's the point of this thread' queries; on a forum which regularly sports thread headers like "Buddy at the pool!" and "Sugar's first pee!" it seems almost insane to question the point of any thread.
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I like it. it's a nice place to just give a tribute to a lost pet. some people may feel religious about it, some not. but it's more about just sharing your sadness with people you think can relate and care. and if someone doesn't like it, then as usual don't read that forum.
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Sorry for your loss MOmof7. That is a touching video.
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nobody agreed that they didn't like it casablanca...they said the name sounded cheesy or silly, but all-in-all, the concept was nice.
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Anybody want my two cents?
I like the poem. When our Border Collie passed three years ago somebody sent it to me and I found it to be a comfort. That being said I just really don't care for the last part from, "They all run and play together, " to the end. To me it sounds like an add-on by someone other than the original author. I mean, how DOES a dog cling to a person? Oh.... uh.... nevermind.
Seriously though, it is a lovely poem and if it brings comfort to those who have lost a beloved pet, so be it. I get all teary over those cheesey Church of the Latter Day Saints "family" commercials so if Rainbow Bridge is cheesey, I'll bring the crackers.
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nobody agreed that they didn't like it casablanca...they said the name sounded cheesy or silly, but all-in-all, the concept was nice.
I seem to remember Chessie and Fran indicating they dislike it. And I never said the idea of animals in heaven wasn't nice, I said the idea of the sort of heaven implied by the sugary tear-jerkiness of the 'rainbow bridge' story - a heaven that no doubt includes Hummel figurines and "Protected by a Guardian Angel!" bumper stickers - wasn't nice.
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it's just a way people can say good bye too there pets and share there gref i dont belive in god but i respect the people who do.
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I seem to remember Chessie and Fran indicating they dislike it. And I never said the idea of animals in heaven wasn't nice, I said the idea of the sort of heaven implied by the sugary tear-jerkiness of the 'rainbow bridge' story - a heaven that no doubt includes Hummel figurines and "Protected by a Guardian Angel!" bumper stickers - wasn't nice.
I hope for you, just once in your life, you get to experience the life wrecking gut wrenching death of that special heart dog.
I did.
It nearly broke me.
Being able to think that I will see that DEAREST one again sometime was one of the only things that kept me going.
Your thinly veiled contempt of the Rainbow Bridge poem, and those of us who feel comfort from it, is not attractive.
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I hope for you, just once in your life, you get to experience the life wrecking gut wrenching death of that special heart dog.
Thanks, that's very thoughtful of you. May I express my hope that you one day experience ********************** (pre-deleted to save em the time and effort of composing something the slew of moderators will just edit anyway) On a related note, oh moderators, can this possibly be construed as nasty enough to earn someone a slap on the wrist, or does she have to use a naughty word too? Just checking.
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Yes, that was a very cold, thoughtless comment to make. One that calls for an apology.
And to you, Casa, naughty words aren't the sole criteria for being called down, and you well know that we do our utmost to deal with "slaps on the wrist" privately rather than indulging in public floggings. If there is any 'slapping' to be done it will happen without any public announcements or fanfare unless, of course, the person in question decides to make it public.
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I'd PM you, Ren, but I've always thought that PMs were unfair - it's a forum, why make it a private chat?
That system of private 'slaps' might be the reason for what appears to be reccurring complaints about the forum's moderators. Not knowing who got punished for what appears to lead people to believe that they're the only ones who are ever chastised, particularly since the moderators are all actively involved in the forum as participants and may have posted on any given thread that leads to an argument. If all punishments are private, and one or more moderators had taken a position on a thread, it's natural to conclude that there's something fishy. Maybe a more public system would work to defuse this tension.
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Sigh ......... can we let this be please ?
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Maybe a more public system would work to defuse this tension.
And then every single thread would get derailed and turn into "I am not being _____".
I've always felt it was a courtesy to both the OP and the person in question to use PM's first and hope that a simple message could solve the problem. More often than not, it does. Not everyone is as comfortable as you with public chastisings.
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I'd PM you, Ren, but I've always thought that PMs were unfair - it's a forum, why make it a private chat?
That system of private 'slaps' might be the reason for what appears to be reccurring complaints about the forum's moderators. Not knowing who got punished for what appears to lead people to believe that they're the only ones who are ever chastised, particularly since the moderators are all actively involved in the forum as participants and may have posted on any given thread that leads to an argument. If all punishments are private, and one or more moderators had taken a position on a thread, it's natural to conclude that there's something fishy. Maybe a more public system would work to defuse this tension.
there is only 'tension' with a very few who like to fuss and complain. most people appreciate the private talks instead of a public show. actually there are just a few that ever need the private talks. for a large forum almost everyone is very thoughtful.
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The remark was a little harsh, but I think what she was trying to say was...if you had a dog that you dearly loved and it died, you might understand the context of the rainbow bridge.
If you have a family member that you love and he dies its pretty hard to say...well he is going to burn in hell forever. Or he is going to float the earth as a wicked poltergeist and haunt the living because he was a rotten person.
It is much more comforting to have a place to cling to where our loved ones can go, if only in our mind.
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Good lord, people, where did I say that the opposite of kitschy Rainbow Bridge is burning in hell?
Debi, it's a bit dismissive to say that only whiners dislike the closed-doors system of justice. There's a place for everything else on the board, including things I think are pointless (games? why?), so why not a little public courtroom?
Not everyone is as comfortable as you with public chastisings.
You make it sound so dirty.
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Good Lord. This thread is getting more ridiculous by the second. Rainbow Bridge is obviously a widely accepted comfort to most dog/pet owners. Everyone needs to calm down. We evil mods are watching.
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Good lord, people, where did I say that the opposite of kitschy Rainbow Bridge is burning in hell?
Debi, it's a bit dismissive to say that only whiners dislike the closed-doors system of justice. There's a place for everything else on the board, including things I think are pointless (games? why?), so why not a little public courtroom?
Not everyone is as comfortable as you with public chastisings.
You make it sound so dirty.
why not a little public courtroom? because it is private, between the person being given a time-out and the moderators. and frankly...none of your business.
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Ok I think everyone has had their say and people seem to be getting upset. This isn't important enough to continue.
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why not a little public courtroom? because it is private, between the person being given a time-out and the moderators. and frankly...none of your business.
Exactly.
Sorry to steal the last word, Saje, but Debi's summation is perfect and really deserves attention.