The "True Story" of The Rainbow Bridge

2009 oil painting of the “Rainbow Bridge,” by artist Stella Violano

The information regarding this is very different and very obscure on the internet.

Some claim Edna Clyne-Rekhy wrote about this in 1959, while native folk-lore, have had this tale in existence, for more than 3000 years, so way before any modern religion. A similar version can also be found in Native American Indian tribes, where the natives would thank, apologize and ask for the animals for forgiveness, for killing them in order to survive in form of food and warm pelts on their hairless bodies.

It can also be found in the old-norse paganism story tellings, also known as the Viking age.

Here is what i have found:

The old folk-lore version, 1000+ years BC:

When you take your final breath here on earth, you will be greeted by all the animals

you have had physical contact with doing your time on earth.

They will judge you, if you are worthy of crossing the rainbow bridge. If they all agree that you are a good person, they will all be restored to their full health, to their prime years, the young will have matured and the old will be young once more. They will accompany you over the rainbow bridge, assist and help you pass the remaining tests, in order to enter heaven.

If however, if the vote fails, they will all weather away in front of you and you will be sent down stairs.

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Edna Clyne-Rekhy poem, from 1959:

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here,

your 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 friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who have been ill and old are restored to health and strength,

those who were hurt are made better and strong again,

like we remember them before they go to heaven.

They 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 shining, his body shakes.

Suddenly he begins to run from the herd, rushing over the grass,

his legs carrying him faster and faster, and when you and your special friend finally meet,

you cuddle in a happy hug never to be apart again.

You and your pet are in tears.

Your hands again cuddle his head and you look again into his trusting eyes,

so long gone from life, but never absent from your heart,

and then you cross the Rainbow Bridge, together.

Edna Clyne-Rekhy, 19 Years old with her first dog, Major. Major crossed the Rainbow Bridge in, 1959

Edna Clyne-Rekhy is now 84 years old and Major is still waiting for her at the rainbow bridge.

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As you can see, they are very similar and the story can be found, pretty much in every corner of the world, before we even knew how to cross oceans. And as the wise men say: In every story, in every myth and in every legend, a grain of truth can always be found.