タローが亡くなって、海外の方からもいくつかメールを頂きました。アメリカの方からのメールによると、「Rainbow Bridge」（虹の橋）と言うものがあって、一緒に暮らした動物達は亡くなると「Rainbow Bridge」に行くのだそうです。そして最後には我々と再会して、一緒に橋を渡って天国に行くというものです。私は知りませんでしたが、インターネットでは広く知られている詩の様です。きっとタローも「Rainbow Bridge」で幸せに暮らしているものと願っています。
【参考記事】
・虹の橋,The Rainbow Bridge
・虹の橋（詩）（Wikipedia）
以下、頂いたメールの全文です。
Date: Sun, 18 Jan 2009 13:31:26
Subject: Re: TARO's World from Japan
My dear friend. I sit here weeping for you and for Taro. We have a place we call Rainbow Bridge. This is the place where all dogs go when it is their time. I know you miss him terribly...and I will too...I've been on your website since you first put it up...and I still love the music...it was Taro...the music sounded just like him.
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, sunshine so our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill or old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy except for one small thing...they 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."
Until the time you see him again...my best to you.
