Rainbow Bridge Mural

So there I was, leisurely planning my day, when the phone rang. It was a veterinary hospital across town looking for a muralist to paint a Rainbow Bridge Mural for their grand opening tomorrow! It seems the scheduled muralist contracted a case of pneumonia, and had called to cancel. Amy hopped on the internet, did a search and came up with my company. I asked her if she had called anyone else. Nope- I was her only hope.
The funds for the work were donated by a bereaved dog-mom, and the mural was for the euthanasia room at the hospital. The idea was kinda sketchy- bits of the story “Rainbow Bridge”, a rainbow, and the deceased dog’s portrait. Of course I had to know what kind of dog, and at first she said “I think it’s a Sheltie, but I’m not sure, I’ll find out”. It turns out he was a West Highland Terrier, but she had me at ‘Sheltie’, of course.
So I packed up my paints, printed off some photos of Westies, loaded up the car, attended to the few things that had to be taken care of this morning, and let the rest of the list wait.

The finished mural, over the low bed to ease the animal on it’s way.

Dudley

I always enjoy painting, but this was a little different. This story always makes me cry when I read it, even just the few lines included on the mural, and I couldn’t help but remember all of the pets I’ve had to send on their way to Rainbow Bridge. I really hope this painting brings even a tiny bit of comfort to the bereaved pet owners who have to venture into that room.

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 and 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 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. The bright eyes are intent; the eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to break away 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