Longview PAWS

The relationship between humans and animals is special. When the world gets to be too stressful or when you seem to face any type of challenge, your pet is always there. Their love is unconditional, a bond that can truly never be broken. The loss of a pet is a terrible loss. Our pets are family and we feel their loss in everyway when they are gone. There’s a poem, called the Rainbow Bridge poem, that was written to help cope with that tremendous loss.

*The Rainbow Bridge Poem*

“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, 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 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 intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run 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

We wanted to create a place that recognizes and honors that bond between people and their pets- a place that captures the idyllic image of the Rainbow Bridge. Our PAWS "Rainbow Bridge" Memorial Garden is place where you can visit, remember, honor and celebrate your loved one. With a personalized 12 x 12 Memorial Paver, you are able to leave a message for your pet that truly symbolizes and recognizes the impact they made on your life. This keepsake with have a lasting impact for you, your family and your community.

Purchase a Paver for your Pet or give the gift of a Paver to someone special. It's a wonderful way to remember our 4-legged family members now and forever. All proceeds from our Memorial Garden go directly to supporting the animals in the Longview Animal Care and Adoption Center as well as animals in our East Texas community.