What Does Rainbow Bridge Mean To You & Your Pets?

A pet sitting client of ours recently asked me what I thought the afterlife was like for pets because she been concerned about her aging collie's health and just wanted to be prepared for the inevitable. Because of you,  dear bloggers, I've learned more about Rainbow Bridge than I could have learned from books, lectures, or movies and I thank you for helping me find the words to comfort my client when she needed them most.

During our conversation I was not so sure she appreciated that most my Rainbow Bridge expertise came from a place called Blogville but as I continued talking she became less skeptical and more attentive because my description of Rainbow Bridge was so poignant and comforting for her. 

I explained that  Rainbow Bridge is a beautiful bridge that her dog Rocky will cross over when he dies and while on the bridge he will be restored to full health and vitality for all eternity. My client loved learning that when her time comes she will reunite with Rocky at the Bridge and they will remain together forever.

While the idea of Rainbow Bridge seems a bit over the top (no pun intended) I choose to believe in it because even though this place seems fictional it is one that makes me feel comforted because, as a pet sitter, pet lover, and pet owner, I need a fairy tale to get me through each horrible loss. 

What about you, dear readers? What does Rainbow Bridge mean to you and pets? Do you really believe pets go to Rainbow Bridge when they die? If not, what happens to pets when they die?