RainbowDash192 Asked: Do animals go to heaven? And what do you think of the Rainbow Bridge?

My horse, Ruby recently died this week, I've been crying non-stop as I have owned her for three years, and I know three years isn't a long time, but in that period in which I've owned her, I've felt like me and her had a very special bond. I've never competed on her, I've just had a very big friendship bond with her. I've taken care of her everyday and rode her. Now I can't believe she's gone.

I'm Christian, and ever since Ruby died, I've been praying a lot of what I've usually prayed. I prayed that Ruby was safe in heaven with God, but then my friend e-mailed this poem to me:

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 and lush green grass for them to roll in.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who were once 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

Ever since I've read that poem, I've been convinced that animals do go somewhere special when they die. And I've heard people telling me that animals don't have souls, but whenever they tell me that, I get an urge to slap them in the face (lol). Now, the bible says nowhere that animals have souls, but it doesn't say that animals don't go to heaven. One of my friends told me that the Rainbow Bridge isn't real, that it was made up to make people happier I hope that isn't the case. And all that about animals don't have souls, well, honestly, humans aren't better than animals, and if you think you are, then really…

What do you think?

PS: I will ignore rude comments, I'm already going through a tough time already, don't make it any harder.