LAKE LURE, N.C. — A beloved colorful bridge hidden in Lake Lure, North Carolina was destroyed by the floodwaters and strong winds brought on by Hurricane Helene.
The Rainbow Bridge was a place for animal lovers to mourn their lost pets. Dozens of pet collars used to hang from the bridge's rails as signs of remembrance and honor.
Becky Melton, a volunteer at the nearby Flowering Bridge in Lake Lure, told WFMY News 2 that the west end gardens, where the Rainbow Bridge was, are entirely gone, and the Rocky Broad River is flowing through the area, which is not accessible to the public.
"We all hope to rebuild someday," she said in an email. "But at this time, we do not know what is ahead for us as we are focused on making sure our community and citizens are safe."
The bridge was created in 2022 by artist Amy Wald and was located at the entrance to the River's Edge Dog Garden near the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge.
The Rainbow Bridge borrowed its name from a poem of the same name that is normally given to pet owners when they have to make the decision to put their beloved companion down.
Here is an excerpt from the poem:
"All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and 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...."
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A sign at the bridge that encouraged visitors to leave their collars along its rails read as follows: "A place to peacefully honor and remember our four-legegd family members.
It remains unclear if there are any plans to rebuild the bridge.
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