Dartmouth animal shelter opens rainbow bridge to honour beloved pets
Bide Awhile Animal Shelter in Dartmouth, N.S., recently unveiled a new addition to its memorial garden for pets — a permanent rainbow bridge. This beautiful feature is designed to provide comfort to grieving pet owners and celebrate the special bonds between humans and their animal companions. The rainbow bridge was revealed to the public during the shelter’s annual spring open house.
Inspired by the concept of a crossing where pets wait for their owners in the afterlife, the rainbow bridge holds deep significance for many pet owners. The idea is thought to have originated from a touching poem written by Edna Clyne in Scotland in 1959, following the passing of her beloved Labrador retriever.
Named Trio’s Garden after a three-legged cat who resided at the shelter for an impressive 23 years, the rainbow bridge leads into this serene memorial space. Sam Cole, the communications and marketing co-ordinator at Bide Awhile, described the bridge as a symbolic way to honor the memories of departed pets and reflect on the cherished moments shared with them.
Visitors to the garden have the opportunity to memorialize their pets by hanging collars, name tags, or other mementos along the bridge railings. This act of remembrance allows pet owners to pay tribute to their furry friends and keep their spirits alive in a peaceful setting.
The garden already features several plaques, statues, and plantings dedicated to departed pets, creating a tranquil environment that aids in the grieving process. Cole emphasized that the rainbow bridge signifies not an end, but a transition to another hello, offering a sense of hope and continuity for those who have lost a beloved pet.
Pet owners interested in arranging memorials for their furry companions can contact the shelter to explore options such as engraved plaques or planting their pet’s favorite flowers in the garden. The unveiling of the rainbow bridge coincided with the shelter’s annual spring open house, a major fundraising event that showcases the positive impact of community support on the shelter’s mission.
At the open house, visitors had the chance to meet the shelter’s adoptable cats and kittens, who captured the hearts of all in attendance. With approximately 600 animals adopted each year, predominantly cats, the event serves as an opportunity for the community to witness firsthand the difference their donations and assistance make in sustaining the shelter’s operations.
Among the furry residents at Bide Awhile is Kiki, the shelter’s lone canine resident, who is currently undergoing adjustment before becoming available for adoption. The open house not only highlights the vital work of the shelter but also provides a platform for animal lovers to connect with and support the cause of animal welfare.
