North Carolina’s Rainbow Bridge Helps Comfort Grieving Pet Owners One Step At A Time

Oh, wow this one will be hard to get through.  In fact, as I started reading about North Carolina's Rainbow Bridge, the tears began flowing.  The comforting spot of remembrance is tucked away in Lake Lure, North Carolina near the familiar Flowering Bridge site.  And, those among us who loved and lost a furry friend are no doubt aware of the legend of The Rainbow Bridge meant to help us grieve the passing of our pets.

But, in case you don't know the Rainbow Bridge story I'll try to do it justice in sharing it with you.  Edna Clyne of Inverness, Scotland wrote the original story in 1959 after losing her dog.  In summary, the legend says when a pet passes they cross the "Rainbow Bridge."  And, the frail and sick animals are once again young and healthy.  They play and run freely, enjoying their new home.  However, they miss their owners.  And, they await the day they see them again across the bridge to reunite.  Regardless of your own spiritual beliefs,  I just take this as a beautiful and sweet story to provide a tiny morsel of comfort getting through the pain of losing a best friend.  After all, wouldn't we like to remember our loyal companions strong, happy and jumping once more?

And, at the Rainbow Bridge site in Lake Lure, visitors are encouraged to hang tags and collars or stuffed animals in memory of their pets.  Artist Amy Wald designed the colorful bridge after losing her dog.  According to WJCL, she says, "If you look down, you can see paw prints at the start of the bridge.  The more you walk, they begin to fade." The design symbolizes the pets' passing to the other side.  Also, near the Rainbow Bridge is the River's Edge Dog Garden.

We lost our beloved cockapoo, Frisky, in February of 2022.  He was the best dog ever.  We got him as a puppy when our boy was 4.  Our boy is now 21.  He was away at college when we had to make the heart wrenching decision to let Frisky cross the Rainbow Bridge.  I'll remember that cold rainy day forever.  Our son insisted on Facetiming with Frisky in the final moments.  He talked softly to him and told him he remembered all the good times they had growing up together.  And, he assured Frisky he'd be ok and if he was tired, he could let go.  Frisky watched and listened until he peacefully slipped away.

So, maybe one day I'll visit North Carolina's Rainbow Bridge.  But, until then I remember our sweet Frisky and how he was the best dog I ever knew.

Today is a happy day. Why? Because it's NATIONAL DOG DAY! #WoofWoof 

Founded in 2004 by Collen Paige, an Animal Welfare Advocate and Pet Lifestyle Expert, National Dog Day celebrates all dog breeds and we wanted to share our Country 1037 furry listeners. Thanks to their hoomans submissions on Facebook, our hearts can smile at the adorable faces of fur-ever friends. Click HERE to submit your photo today. Thanks for being paw-fect. (Okay, I'm done with the puns)