The 'Rainbow Bridge' is a familiar poem given to many misty-eyed pet owners on the day they say goodbye to their beloved, furry family member.
The poem promises grieving pet owners that their lost pet has gone to the Rainbow Bridge, where the pet will run and play in grassy meadows and hills, restored to health and youth. It's here at the Rainbow Bridge where beloved pets will wait for us until we find them again.
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"When you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. You look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together."
Many people don't realize, however, there is a real Rainbow Bridge right here in North Carolina. Tucked away in an enchanted mountain wonderland, full of grassy fields and hills just as the poem promises, the real Rainbow Bridge awaits.
Remembered forever: Beloved pet collars dangle from the bridge's rails
A sign at the entrance to the bridge invites visitors to attach their pet's collars or tags to the Rainbow Bridge's rails.
"A place to peacefully honor and remember our four-legged family members," says the sign.
Across the bridge, the Rainbow Bridge poem offers a reminder of the site's symbolism.
Countless pet-owners from across the state have left touching memorials to their lost loved ones. Names decorate the bridge: Indee, Thunder, Patches, Sasha.
Some have engraved messages to their pets. Others have left nameless collars – a quiet reminder of long walks, adventures and a lifetime of memories.
The Rainbow Bridge was created by artist Amy Wald, who had lost her own beloved dog, according to the website for Lake Lure Flowering Bridge. The site says she built it as a space where families could not only leave behind a piece of their own pet's life, but also truly envision the moment they will meet their treasured friend once again.
For those who look closely, you can even see paw prints crossing the bridge -- real, at first, but slowly fading from existence as the pet crosses over.
The bridge has become a beacon of hope in the community. One woman, Teresa Dennis, has visited the Rainbow Bridge many times – and the piece of art has helped her heal from the death of her dog Skittles.
"The last time we were there I took a picture of the Rainbow Bridge, knowing that one day soon our sweet Skittles of 16 years would cross over," said Dennis. "That day came just recently."
Dennis cut and paste a photo of Skittles sitting on the Rainbow Bridge, waiting for the day her family joins her. Dennis added a photo of Sassy and Charles, two of Skittles' friends, who had already crossed before her.
"We rescued Skittles from a fateful death as a puppy," said Dennis. "Her life brought us much happiness and love. It is hard not having her with us, but we look forward to our happy reunion when one day we will meet her in the great beyond."
Surrounded by an enchanted, dog-friendly oasis in a mountain valley
The Rainbow Bridge is part of a larger experience on the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge in the North Carolina mountains. Pets are welcome to come with families to explore an expansive garden wonderland, with hidden trails, secret doors and picturesque landscapes.
The 'secret garden' is hidden atop a century-old bridge, which was left abandoned after being decommission in 2011. Volunteers worked together to preserve the beautiful, three-arch historic bridge – and planted a dozen themed gardens across the entire 155-foot stretch. Today, that has blossomed into 30 gardens, each connected by shaded footpaths, eclectic artwork and even wooden doorways leading to mysterious staircases.
Bursting with dozens of flower and plant species, the garden draws butterflies and insects – and possibly even the occasional fairy.
Dogs are welcome on the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge. Water bowls are placed throughout the bridge, as well as plenty of picturesque spaces to explore and capture memories. Near the Rainbow Bridge is a garden where families can bring their dogs to play. The River's Edge Dog Garden has artwork meant to be appreciate by dogs – like a fire hydrant and pathway of stone dog footprints. There's even a 'Dog Stick Library,' where dogs can borrow a stick to play with.
With all the pet-friendly memories to be made on the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge, it seems possible some of the pet tags dangling on the Rainbow Bridge are markers of bittersweet memories made in this very valley – a poignant reminder of those happier days ... and a beautiful place to wait until you see each other again and cross the Rainbow Bridge together.
Do you have a memorial on the Rainbow Bridge?
If you've left a memorial on North Carolina's Rainbow Bridge, we would love to hear about your pet's story. Please email hleah@wral.com.