NC Rainbow Bridge Memorial Swept Away By Hurricane Helene Flood Waters
Hurricane Helene has swept across much of the southeastern United States, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Homes were damaged, trees uprooted, and lives disrupted. For those in its path, this storm has unapologetically changed life as they know it.
Log into any social media platform, and you’ll see heartbreaking photos and videos of the devastation.
However, one announcement has broken the hearts of pet parents across the country and around the world – the loss of a cherished rainbow bridge memorial in Lake Lure, North Carolina.
The Lake Lure Flowering Bridge was a beautiful flowering garden area with over 2000 species of plants on display on a historic, three-arch historic bridge in the Lake Lure area. The bridge itself was first built in 1925, decommissioned in 2011, then repurposed and rededicated as a pedestrian bridge in October 2013. All gardens on the bridge were funded by donations and cared for by dedicated volunteers.
While the dog garden and rainbow bridge were added to the space later, they quickly captured the attention of animal lovers everywhere.
The memorial commemorating beloved pets who have since passed featured a brightly colored wooden rainbow bridge. The bridge’s railings were filled with hundreds of collars placed there by pet parents in memory of their best friends. A sign by the bridge identified it as a place to “peacefully honor and remember our four-legged family members.”
Pet parents from across the country and around the world would make the trip to North Carolina to honor their furry companions, adding their collars and other precious mementos to the collection.
Most collars on the bridge were once worn by a dog, but many other animals were also represented at the memorial, including cats, rabbits, and ferrets. A trip to the spot would allow those grieving the loss of a pet to read the tags and recognize that they aren’t alone. It was a place that brought comfort, peace, and closure to so many.
Unfortunately, videos and photos now emerging of the area revealed that the flood waters have entirely washed away the bridge, taking the memorial with it.
Aerial footage reveals that half the town of Lake Lure has been destroyed. First responders and emergency personnel report that the flood waters are receding in many areas as they comb the area in search of anyone trapped among the debris. At this time, the death toll is unknown.
What Next?
This news may be difficult to process if you had previously visited the memorial to honor your pet. If you are struggling with difficult emotions, know you are not alone. It’s also important to recognize that your grief for the loss of the memorial and what it has come to mean to you does not take away from the other tragedies and struggles resulting from the hurricane. Your feelings are real and valid.
Consider doing something small at home to honor your beloved companion. Some ideas include lighting a candle in their honor, planting your own memorial garden, or visiting a favorite place where you can sit and be “with them” for a moment.
While the memorial itself may be gone, the love and memories of the hundreds of pets honored at the site will continue to live on.
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Britt Kascjak is a proud pet mom, sharing her heart (and her home) with her “pack” which includes her husband John, their 2 dogs – Lucifer and Willow – and their 2 cats – Pippen and Jinx. She has been active in the animal rescue community for over 15 years, volunteering, fostering and advocating for organizations across Canada and the US. In her free time, she enjoys traveling around the country camping, hiking, and canoeing with her pets.
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