In Lake Lure, North Carolina, the famous Rainbow Bridge where people would leave the collars and tags of their most precious pets after they passed, had been destroyed by the devastating floods from Hurricane Helene last year.
Lake Lure’s Rainbow Bridge connected Lake Lure and Chimney Rock, but on September 24, the area was deluged with more than 22 inches of rain causing the Broad River to surge more than 15 feet; overflowing the entire area and destroying everything in its path.
North Carolina’s Lake Lure Flowering Bridge offered incredible views of Chimney Rock, and a view of more than 700 species of plants and flowers that made up the garden spanning the bridge. The bridge had been a heartwarming place of remembrance for lost pets.
All of the art which included the most heartwarming tributes to pets had been washed away. According to records, the original Rainbow Bridge had been created by artist Amy Waid. She created the tribute to honor her beloved dog and as a space where families could leave behind a piece of their pet’s life, believing they would meet their pet once again.
A new Rainbow Bridge has been temporarily placed at the Parks, Recreation, and Lake Department at 658 Memorial Highway, Lake Lure, NC 28746.
The YouTube personality, Papa Scrap created the new bridge and brought it to its current location. Papa Scrap is a scrap metal collector based in South Carolina. He shares his adventures and experiences collecting and recycling scrap metal on his channel.
You may place your pet collars here anytime.
It is not known who originally wrote this poem, but its words and message have comforted so many of us at our saddest times.
By the edge of a woods, at the foot of a hill,
Is a lush, green meadow where time stands still.
Where the friends of man and woman do run,
…When their time on earth is over and done.For here, between this world and the next,
Is a place where each beloved creature finds rest.
On this golden land, they wait and they play,
Till the Rainbow Bridge they cross over one day.No more do they suffer, in pain or in sadness,
For here they are whole, their lives filled with gladness.
Their limbs are restored, their health renewed,
Their bodies have healed, with strength imbued.They romp through the grass, without even a care,
Until one day they start, and sniff at the air.
All ears prick forward, eyes dart front and back,
Then all of a sudden, one breaks from the pack.For just at that instant, their eyes have met;
Together again, both person and pet.
So they run to each other, these friends from long past,
The time of their parting is over at last.The sadness they felt while they were apart,
Has turned into joy once more in each heart.
They embrace with a love that will last forever,
And then, side-by-side, they cross over… together.
Since 2022, the Rainbow Bridge at the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge has encouraged visitors to leave their pets’ collars and tags on the railings. It is hoped to bring comfort and joy.
Follow the progress on Facebook as the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge is being brought back for everyone to enjoy.
Follow the National Pet Rescue on Facebook for the latest animal related news.
