The poem “Rainbow Bridge” is iconic. Every pet lover who has loved and lost a beloved pet family member has probably seen this poem – at the vet’s office, from a friend, in a card or email perhaps? What you may not have noticed is that the author of the poem has always been considered “anonymous,” that is, until now thanks to a man named Paul Koudounaris.
Paul, an art historian and author from Tucson, Arizona, spent a decade researching and verifying the poem’s authorship before discovering its true author, Edna Clyne-Rekhy.
The History of the “Rainbow Bridge”
Edna Clyne-Rekhy, now 82 years old, is a Scottish artist and animal lover. He was finally credited with authoring the beloved poem ‘Rainbow Bridge’ thanks to the detective work of Paul Koudounaris. Poetry has been a source of comfort for millions of pet parents around the world.
He wrote the poem in 1959, as a way to mourn his dog, a Labrador Retriever named Major. When she was 19, Major died in her arms and Edna was devastated by the loss. She expresses her deep sadness to her mother who then prompts Edna to write down her feelings, hoping it might help with the sense of loss.
He kept the poem largely to himself and shared it with a few friends. Those friends were so moved by the poem that Edna typed up several copies for them but did not name herself as the author – never thought there was a need. Little did Edna know until now that since 1959, her poetry has traveled the world offering comfort and hope to pet owners everywhere. Her poem even caught the attention of Abigail Van Buren of the uber-popular “Dear Abby” column in the US where “Rainbow Bridge” was posted in a “Dear Abby” column in 1994.
Paul Koudounaris’ Instagram Account Breaking The News
When Paul finally discovers that Edna is the author and contacts her, he is in disbelief:
“I was really stunned,” he said. “I’m still in a state of shock.”
You see, amazingly, Edna had no idea that her poem, written over 60 years ago had traveled the world and comforted millions of pet owners. How is this possible, you may wonder…? Edna moves from Scotland to an olive farm in India and has no idea.
If not for the tireless efforts of Paul Koudounaris, we might never know who the author is.
“‘Rainbow Bridge’ provides the missing piece for people who have had to live with this anxiety that their animal is not worthy enough in the afterlife,” said Koudounaris. “It gives us reason to hope.”
The Rainbow Bridge Poem by Edna Clyne-Rekhy
Just on the edge of the sky is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal that has been close to a person here dies, your pet will go to the Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all our special friends to run and play together. There is plenty of food, water, and sunshine, and friends are warm and comfortable. All the sick and old animals were restored to health and strength, the injured were made better and strengthened again, just as we remembered them before they went to heaven. They are happy and content except for one small thing—they miss someone so special to them that they have to leave. They were all running and playing together, but the day came when one suddenly stopped and looked away. His eyes were shining, his body was shaking. Suddenly he starts running from the herd, hurrying through the grass, his legs carry him faster and faster, and when you meet your special friend, you embrace in a happy hug that will never be separated again. You and your pet are in tears. Your hands hugged his head again and you looked into his trusting eyes again, long gone in life, but never in your heart, and then you crossed the Rainbow Bridge together.
So why has this poem become so iconic to pet parents everywhere? Paul Koudounaris speculates that this has to do with religion and that some religions do not or do not believe that animals have souls and therefore, cannot go to heaven:
“‘Rainbow Bridge’ provides the missing piece for people who have had to live with this anxiety that their animal is not worthy enough in the afterlife,” said Koudounaris. “It gives us reason to hope.”
“Rainbow Bridge” provided the reassurance that pet owners need to feel that their deep connection with their pets will live on, somehow, somewhere somehow. And it still is today.
An article was featured in National Geographic on February 22, 2023 if you want to read more about it. Also check out the original story and work by art historian Paul Koudounaris on his Instagram account (@hexenkult). Thanks to Paul Koudounaris for finding the author… and a big thanks to Edna Clyne-Rekhy for giving the world such a wonderful gift.
