Rainbow Bridge Memorial dedicated in Wellsburg
Trending
WELLSBURG - Area residents will now have a permanent location to remember their pets who have crossed the rainbow bridge.
A dedication service was held Wednesday at Wellsburg’s Fourth Ward Park, for the new Rainbow Bridge Memorial, developed through a proposal by Wellsburg Councilman Tom Gaudio with support from Chambers and James Funeral, Pet and Cremation Services and the Brooke Hills Animal Hospital.
Gaudio explained he got the idea from social media, seeing people who had lost their pets describing it as "crossing the rainbow bridge."
"I kept seeing it," he said. "I thought what a great idea to have a little memorial."
Chambers and James and Brooke Hills Animal Hospital provided the funds to purchase the fabricated pieces for the bridge, which was then assembled by students at Brooke High School.
The memorial features a wooden bridge, surrounded by flowers, with a plaque reading "This Rainbow Bridge Memorial is dedicated to the cherished pets of our community. It stands as a place of remembrance, healing, and love for all who have experienced the loss of a faithful companion."
It is located along the walking path of the park, overlooking the Ohio River, with a bench nearby for those wishing to visit the memorial.
Fithyan noted, when a person dies, there typically is a service where family, friends or others from the community can come together to pay their respects, and often a gravesite to visit. That’s not necessarily the situation when someone loses their pet.
"It’s a little area of remembrance, an area to come to, and an enhancement to the park," Fithyan said of the memorial.
Fithyan and Betsy Caruso, owner of Brooke Hills Animal Hospital, fastened collars which had once belonged to their own departed pets to the bridge, noting area residents are welcome to do the same.
Wednesday’s service included Wellsburg city officials and representatives of the Brooke County Area Chamber of Commerce.
(Howell can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com)