The bridge rails were once covered with pet collars.
LAKE LURE, N.C. — A popular colorful bridge hidden in Lake Lure, North Carolina, was destroyed by flooding and high winds brought on by Hurricane Helen.
Rainbow Bridge was a place for animal lovers to mourn their lost pets. Dozens of pet collars were once hung from the bridge’s rails as a sign of remembrance and honor.
The bridge was created in 2022 by artist Amy Wald and installed at the entrance to the River’s Edge Dog Garden near the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge.
The name Rainbow Bridge was borrowed from the poem of the same name, which is usually given when a pet owner has to make the decision to let go of a beloved companion.
Below is an excerpt from the poem.
“All animals that were sick and old will be restored to health and vitality. Animals that were injured or disabled will become whole again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days gone by. The animals are happy, except for one small thing: they each miss the person special to them who had to be left behind.
We all run and play together, but one day we suddenly stop and stare into the distance. His bright eyes have a purpose. His eager body trembles. Suddenly he begins to run away from the group, flying over the green grass, carrying his legs faster and faster.
You are discovered and when you and your special friend finally meet, you are united in a joyous reunion and will never be apart again. Happy kisses will fall on your face. Your hand strokes your beloved’s head again and you once again look into the trusting eyes of the pet who has gone out of your life but has never left your heart.
And let’s cross the rainbow bridge together…”
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There is a sign on the bridge inviting visitors to leave collars along the bridge’s rails and stating, “A place to peacefully honor and remember our four-legged family members.
It remains unclear whether there are plans to rebuild the bridge.
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