August 28th marks Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day, a heartfelt occasion dedicated to honoring the memory of the pets who have touched our lives and are no longer with us. For veterinary professionals and pet owners alike, this day is a gentle reminder of the deep bond we share with our animal companions—and the grief we feel when we say goodbye.
In the veterinary industry, we often find ourselves standing beside pet parents during both the happiest and hardest moments of their journeys. As someone who has had animals in my life for as long as I can remember, working in this field has been nothing short of magical. I get to witness, every day, the comfort, compassion, and care that veterinary teams provide—not just to the animals, but to the people who love them. That is a powerful gift.
The concept of the Rainbow Bridge comes from a poem written in the 1980s, painting a picture of a peaceful place where our departed pets wait to reunite with us. In 2013, Deborah Barnes founded Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day after the loss of her beloved cat, Mr. Jazz. Her hope was to create a dedicated moment in the year to acknowledge the pain of pet loss and give grieving pet parents space to heal and reflect.
This day is not just for mourning—it’s for remembering with love and honoring the legacy of our pets. Here are some meaningful ways to mark the day:
Today, I remember and celebrate the many pets who shaped my life. Suzie and Prince, the poodles of my childhood. Misty, a Dalmation who saw me through my middle school years. Sugar and Candy, two tiny teacup poodles who loved to burrow under the covers in high school. Sybbil, Reyna, and Ginger, a lively trio of Australian Cattle Dogs who introduced me to the breed I still adore today. Leopold, a fluffy Chow mix with a heart as big as his frame. And Penny, the fiercely independent Dachshund who eventually melted into the warmth of our home. There is a spot in my living room, called Good Girl Street—named after the excitement my dogs always get when they hear the words 'Good Girl Treat'—where I remember and honor these important parts of my life and my family every day.
Each of these animals gave me something immeasurable—joy, loyalty, patience, comfort, and love.
As veterinary practice managers and owners, you don’t just treat animals. You help build and preserve the relationships people hold most dear. On this Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day, take a moment to remember the pets who have touched your own life, and know that your work brings peace and healing to so many others walking the same bittersweet path.
Because in this profession, we don’t just care for pets—we honor their memories.