Sheltering an Animal’s Perspective

by Gregory M. Simpson

If love could have kept him alive, my cat Lucky would still be with me.  It was not meant to be, as eventually he succumbed to liver cancer.  Now the place on the couch where he slept is empty and there is a hole in my heart.
Although a common gray color, Lucky was a special cat.  Originally stray or abandoned, he was a rescue one frigid January night ten years ago from our backyard deck.  He made it clear what he wanted, as he wrapped his two front legs around my leg and would not let go.  He never had a desire to go outside after that, as when a member of my family would open a door, he would run in the opposite direction.  He had been outdoors.  My wife aptly named him "Lucky".
My prayers were that Lucky would die peacefully at home, but in the end, I needed to bring him for euthanasia.  The word "euthanasia" is of Greek origin and literally means a painless, happy death.  Although one of the most difficult decisions of my life, I was comforted by the words of friends and family, such as "You made all the right decisions along the way, even the final one.  I’m so sorry for the pain you feel now."  One friend wrote, "Our pets are so devoted to us and faithful to the end and we owe it to them to be worthy of such devotion.  All you can do is what you are doing and Lucky knows that."  Another friend shared, "My sympathies to you also about dear Lucky.  But how lucky he has been and you too, with him."  Another offered, "You were and are his guardian angel and he knows it". 
Now Lucky is my guardian angel looking down over me until we see each other again.  As once noted by a monk called the Venerable Bede, I believe that death is but a horizon and a horizon is but the limit of our sight.  Moreover, as a gravestone inscription found in a pet cemetery proclaims, "O heaven will not ever heaven be unless my cats are there to welcome me".  So, until I see Lucky again, the last two things I said to him before he passed on were that I loved him and we would meet again at Rainbow Bridge.  For those of you familiar, or not, with the description of Rainbow Bridge, I share it now – in memory of Lucky.  The author is unknown.
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….
For the animals,
Gregory M. Simpson
Gregory Simpson’s animal welfare involvement spans over 25 years, having provided leadership for several Connecticut organizations, as well as having served as state advisor to the national Friends of Animals.  Currently a Board member of Protectors of Animals, Inc., he was chosen by CAT FANCY magazine as one of the ultimate cat lovers in the U.S.  He is also a member of the Cat Writers’ Association.