Rainbow Bridge

young boys with older dog

You understand that pets get older, they suffer from health problems, and several other issues can affect their lifespans. Children don't quite understand that pets reach the end of their lives. Your child may have a great deal of emotion when a pet passes or is going to be euthanized. They might also have questions as to where your pet will go once he or she passes.

Years ago, a poet wrote about a rainbow bridge that pets pass to get to heaven. It's a concept you may use to make your children feel more content about the passing of a beloved pet.

The Rainbow Bridge

The rainbow bridge is a mythical bridge that connects Earth and Heaven. When a pet passes away, he or she walks this bridge to crossover. When it's a human's time to pass, the pet waits on the bridge for them. The concept is a way to help children and adults alike accept the passing of their four-legged friend and feel as though they'll be reunited one day.

How to Explain It to Your Child

First and foremost, you should tackle the fact that your pet is ill, or it was his or her time. It helps to explain that the pet is no longer suffering once he or she passes. Your child may wonder if they’ll ever see their pet again. The Rainbow Bridge is an excellent way to explain what happens when a pet passes away.

You can inform your little one that Fluffy walked over a rainbow bridge that led him or her to heaven. Then, inform your child that one day far in the future, your whole family will reunite with Fluffy, each at his or her own time.

What to Keep in Mind

Your child's age is an important factor to keep in mind. A five-year-old will have much less of a grasp on this concept than a 10-year-old, per se. After you explain, you should ask your child if he or she has any questions and address them in an age-appropriate manner, based on your family's beliefs.

A pet's passing is rough on everyone in a family but especially for children. This might be their first experience with death. Using the concept of the Rainbow Bridge can make your pet's passing easier on your little one.

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Monday:

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Tuesday:

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Wednesday:

10:00 am-10:00 pm

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Sunday:

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THE WORD OF MOUTH

What our patient say

  • "My dog Buster was in pain and wasn’t acting like himself. I scheduled an appointment with Dr. Gill ASAP. He did a remarkable job during the initial exam to diagnose the problem and recommend additional treatments/services to relieve the pain Buster was in. After doing X-rays and blood work it was determined my little guy was suffering from intervertebral disc disease."
    Jotika
  • "This place was awesome. They took such good care of my giant Rottweiler during an emergency. They even called the next day to check up on her. The price was reasonable too. Went back again and the treatment was great yet again. Love that they stay open late and open everyday. So convenient. Thanks guys for treating my girl as is she was family!"
    Mea
  • "I’m planning to travel with my baby cat. In order to do that she has to do a Rabies Neutralization Antibody Testing from certified lab. I was lucky to reach out Dr. Gill. He explained to me throughly and helped me to get it done. I would recommend Dr. Gill to everyone who needs professional and friendly help on their loved pets."
    Hsinti
  • "I’m very happy with the service and prices of the Silicon Valley Pet Clinic. I have gotten quotes from other vets around and SVPC offers the best value! I took my dog in to get some growths removed and get this teeth cleaned."
    Katie
  • "My 16 yr old cat Pete had some green discharge coming from his eye. I recently brought a feral kitten in to care for that my cousin found. I figured that Pete probably got scratched in the eye from the little guy."
    Jeanna
  • "I was very nervous to have her spayed, especially after going through an episode of Giardia. She has been dealing with poop that is not consistent and we are doing some probiotic treatment."
    Connie