Many of us consider our chosen dog or cat a member of the family, one with four legs and fur.
“Reagan was a 15-year-old chocolate Lab. She died in 2022. She was my best friend. We were born at the same time, so I was with her my whole entire life. Didn't really know anything besides her, but yeah, we grew up together. She was with me through everything. My best friend,” shares Benji Barry, who lives in Tennessee. Benji is a sophomore in high school, a Boy Scout, and very determined to attain the noble rank of Eagle Scout. His scouting project incorporates his love and memory of Reagan in a way that also allows others who have lost a cherished dog or cat to honor their memory and hopefully gain some heart peace. (rather listen? https://cdn.corpemf.com/news/92700.mp3)
Benji built a Rainbow Bridge
“It's called Reagan's Rainbow Memorial Bridge. And the idea is where pet owners will come and place the collar of their pets who have passed - on the bridge, and it acts as a place where the owners can grieve, but also just remember their pets and the memories they shared together. And It’s dedicated to Reagan, and it just serves as a memorial to all of our beloved pets who have passed.”
The concept of a Rainbow Bridge touches the hearts of many pet owners. It was first shared in a book in 1959, the bridge described as a passageway between Earth and eternity, a place where a furry friend awaits their owner, and they are reunited in perfect health and playfulness. Edna Clyne, from Inverness, Scotland, wrote prose called "Rainbow Bridge" in her notebook after her Labrador Retriever, Major, passed away.
For some this may be a future hope of sorts, or at least something to bring a heart smile.
K-LOVE’s Richard: All right. So, we don't know exactly how it works, but do you have a hope that you may someday see Reagan again?
Benji: “Absolutely. She is my best friend. I’d love to hug and play with her one last time…and God is good and wants us to be happy and our pet’s biggest happiness, and I'm sure God wants us to be happy. So, I would love to think that I get to see her again someday.”
K-LOVE’s Richard: I've got a couple of Siberian Huskies I'm hoping to see again too, so I know what you're saying.
Theologically, the Bible is not specific about our animals being in heaven with us, but there are many references to animals, such as a white horse in Revelation 19:11, every creature Revelation 5:13, while Ecclesiastes 3:21 actually asks the question.
At the Reagan’s Rainbow Memorial Bridge dedication, held at the Williamson County Animal Center in Franklin, area leaders and community members showed their appreciation for the thoughtful project. “There are people who started crying and hugging me. It was very eye opening on how much the project had touched people's hearts and how much of an effect it had had on them,” shares Benji.
Benji and his family follow Christ, and this project was intertwined with their desire to bless others.
We invite you to hear Benji’s full interview. It’s just below. And we believe you’ll be encouraged by this young man’s character!
