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Tuesday, March 22, 2016

The Forever Rainbow Bridge


     In almost 22 years as a firefighter, the one thing I have learned is that some of the best/worst conversations happen at the kitchen table, and last week was no different.  Usually a shift change starts with everyone gathering at the table to recount the activities of the day before, as well as to pass along any pertinent information.  The morning news plays out on the TV behind us, mainly as noise-but sometimes a story can catch our attention.

     One such story touched on the concept of corporations who allow their employees the opportunity to take either a bereavement day or flex time in order to mourn the loss of a beloved pet (as well as to spend time with a child following such an event). One of my crewmates began to voice his opinion loudly that this was the stupidest thing he had ever heard- basically saying people need to just suck it up and move on.  I only internally disagreed with his statement, as it was neither the time nor place to make a counterassault.
       Instead, I researched this topic further and found a CBS News article titled Some companies letting employees take off work after pet dies which broached this very subject.  One argument against this type of practice begged the question “Where does one draw the line on the type of pets that warrant such time off (dog, cat, reptile, bird)?”   Being a major pet lover myself, as well as someone who does not have children, I can tell you most assuredly that the loss of a pet is very devastating to the psyche, and as the referenced article indicated-it can be very difficult to function for several days or weeks following.  Especially if the pet in question serves as a de facto child.  So why expound upon this topic?




     On the very next shift day the Universe provided me both the inspiration (to pen this post), as well as the answer to my question.  Our crew responded to a working structure fire in a two-story single family residence.  When we arrived on scene the house was well-involved on the first and second floors.  The owner was able to escape from harm, but notified the firefighters that he owned a dog and cat that were still inside.  At this point, I was assigned as a sector officer on one side of the building.  I informed the working crews to look for these animals as they continued with suppression efforts.  Several minutes later, the crews exited the building with the lifeless body of a cat and a dog.  My heart was heavy as the firefighters solemnly laid these pets on the side of the driveway.  I closed my eyes and invoked St. Francis to provide them safe passage across the Rainbow Bridge.   Approximately 40 minutes later as we were returning to quarters, a second homeowner arrived on scene.  The lasting image that was imprinted on my brain was a woman collapsing (full of grief and mental anguish) into the arms of a neighbor.  She lost not only a home, but her faithful companions as well.
St. Francis
 
     Just imagine this scene, and tell me whether or not it is too far-fetched for companies to offer pet bereavement days.  What if these people had small school-aged children they needed to inform of the pet deaths?   While my crewmate is entitled to his opinion that adults should “suck it up”, I believe the time off would be critically important to spend with their young ones to guide them through the emotional turmoil they are now experiencing.  It has been almost 8 years since Judy and I had to euthanize our beloved dog Chief.  At that time, a friend of ours gave us a copy of The Rainbow Bridge (author unknown) to offer us comfort.  I now share this same poem in dedication to the pet lives lost last week.

The Rainbow Bridge

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...

In Health and Wellness,

Tim

References

Some companies letting employees take off work after pet dies (2016, March 14).  Retrieved from CBS News: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/some-companies-letting-employees-take-off-work-after-pet-dies/ on 3/20/2016.

Rainbow Bridge Poem.  Retrieved from https://rainbowsbridge.com/Poem.htm on 3/20/2016.