Blessing the Bridge: What Animals Teach Us About Death, Dying, and Beyond

by Rita M. Reynolds

Book Overview

Like a hospice worker, author Rita M. Reynolds cares for sick and dying animals, helping them comfortably cross the threshold into death. She shares stories about dogs, cats, a donkey, a cow, ducks,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0939165384
• Release Date: December 2000
• Publisher: NewSage Press
• Length: 174 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.8" x 0.5" x 5.8"

Customer Reviews

Connecting with animals, connecting with ourselves...

Those who are dying are often the best equipped to teach us about the mysteries of death and the wonder of living. This is no exception with animals. Rita Reynolds has worked with sick and dying animals for over 20 years at her animal sanctuary in Virginia. Not only has she comforted a wide variety of animals in their final hours, helping them to die with peace, grace and dignity, but she has listened to them and learned.The day before Rita's beloved dog Oliver died, he communicated to her the importance of sharing such moments rather than drowning in grief. "Everything is as it is meant to be," reassured Oliver. "And if you let me, I will guide you for all the moments to come." As Rita was to learn in all matters of life and death, there is only the moment - and, "love given and received, moment by moment, is all that really matters."Reynolds' book is both a spiritual and practical guide. Including her personal story of creating a hospice as well as the stories of many animals who have shared their wisdom and insights, Rita also suggests a variety of tools for helping sick, old or dying animals - from prayers and flower essences to massage, chants and healing music. As we help our animals to be comfortable, to lose fear and transition effortlessly, gracefully (or, as each body needs to do - sometimes with noise and fanfare) across the bridge called death, we lessen the fear within ourselves. Rita covers some difficult topics as well: how to know when euthanasia is appropriate; how to let go of a beloved animal companion; what to do once an animal has passed; and how to open to the larger understanding that death can be beautiful and that each being, human and animal alike, brings us a unique gift. In all cases, Rita offers many ways to deepen our connection, not only with the dying but with the living, and with the deeper aspects of ourselves.

Blessing The Bridge

This is an amazing book! I personally appreciated the author's reverence for all life forms. To be able to look deeply and appreciate the lives of everything from the largest life forms, those creatures that we all are used to having share our lives, to those less common ones or those we often ignore or distance ourselves from, is something I truly honor and respect. I could relate to the author's childhood experience of feeling that she was "different" because she felt so connected to nature and animals, even more so than to many humans sometimes. I, too, felt the same connection as a child - a feeling that continues still. Each individual story is touching in its own way. Each story brought tears to my eyes as I felt the depth of love flowing between the author and each life form as well as the love flowing from one animal to another. Death is difficult whether it is an animal or a human. However, to be able to be there and honor the soul as it makes its transition, is an experience I've had many times and one that I cherish as does Rita. Read the book and experience the love between two ducks, or the wonderful interactions between the author and a spider, or the story of a lady bug, or the strength of a little mouse! Stories that are real and touching and yet most people don't even let the experience happen. It is very sad that they therefore miss out on experiencing a special joy and connection. Rita is a gift to this world in her ability to share her feelings of compassion, to give love and comfort and to be able to love enough to release, to let go, and to set free when the time has come. This book isn't just for animal lovers, it's for anyone who honors life. The stories and lessons contained in the book apply to life in general. The book is a strong reminder to everyone that "kindness uplifts the world."

More than touching...

Everyone who has lost a beloved pet will relate to this books.Before starting reading it, get a new supply of tissues. It is very emotional and sad at times. The stories of the animal posted here will break the heart of the most brave human.At the same time, this book is very refreshing, showing us that even in death one can see beauty. Nothing can prepare you for the death of a trusted friend. But having read this book, you will find yourself with a new point of view, and when the time comes, you will have a good chance to deal with a pet loss in a better way than most.Helping your pet cross over is the hardest and most important task of an animal gueardian. This books guides you through it. May you rarely need it.

EVEN AFTER DEATH...THEIR LOYALTY CONTINUES

When my review was posted on May 2, 2001, I did not know the reading of this book would provide comfort so soon. Today on June 19, just a little over a month after this review was written, the decision was made to allow my ten year old Shih-tzu to make her final journey, a journey that would ease her pain, give her the wings, and take her to a Heavenly world far beyond this one. This morning, faithfully licking the tears from my eyes, as if in understanding - to say "it's okay, I know my time has come," it was evident the greatest gift I could give this loyal, loving companion was the right to die with dignity and peace. This wonderful, gentle dog, diagnosed with cancer over a year ago, has seen me through divorce, a career change, re-location, re-marriage, and the death of my father. She asked for nothing, but gave - oh, so much. The words of "Blessing the Bridge" resounded in my head as I held her one last time...now I lay you down to sleep. There simply are not enough stars for this soul-searching book. For anyone who has been blessed with the endless love of a soulmate from the animal kingdom, the words of this book will give you peace of mind and strength when it is most needed.

A spiritually and practically helpful book

Rita Reynolds' book is kind and thorough. The book should appeal to anyone who lives with animals. It will definitely help to create a deeper understanding of death and ease the transition for both the dying and those left behind. Reynolds is both practical and spiritual, with lots of well-earned advice from the many animal deaths she has witnessed at her no-kill shelter. I can't recommend this book highly enough; it's generous and comforting.