Rainbow bridge memorial unveiled at Bide Awhile Animal Shelter in Dartmouth, N.S.

Over the Rainbow Bridge is a new park in Dartmouth where pet owners can honour and remember their late four-legged family members.

Bide Awhile Animal Shelter unveiled a colourful memorial in honour of beloved pets who’ve passed away on June 14.

The rainbow bridge was added to Trio’s Place memorial garden at the shelter’s annual spring open house. A representative from Bide Awhile said the bridge offers closure and peace.

“Many grieving pet owners find comfort in the idea of the Rainbow Bridge and that their pet will be waiting for them on the other side,” said Sam Cole in an email to CTV Atlantic.

The Trio’s Place memorial garden was added to the Bide Awhile property in 2012. It was named after Trio – a three-legged cat who “ruled the roost” and won many hearts at Bide Awhile for close to 23 years, said the shelter’s website.

The shelter invites pet owners to hang a tags or collars on the bridge, or add a plant or plaque, in remembrance of their pets.

“We understand that losing a pet is losing part of your family and there are a lot of emotions tied to that,” Cole said. “We wanted to offer the community a welcoming space to come and share the fond memories they have with their pets.”

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