GLOUCESTER — Pet parents around the area will soon have a place to go to remember their beloved four-legged family members, thanks to a partnership between the Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society and River Country Pet Loss and Cremation Center.
In November, River Country Pet Loss and Cremation Center sponsored the Rainbow Bridge project at the Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society. The shelter, which has multiple bridges across its campus, will begin pressure washing, painting, and detailing a bridge to resemble the place where animals head after passing away.
Caitlin Donnelly, the communications manager for Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society, shared details about the project.
“Pet grief is so much different, and to me, the Rainbow Bridge gives that shape, language, and imagery that can be hard to express in words. It really explains that true bond that we have with pets. To us, they are not just a pet, they are our family. The idea that it’s more of a happy ending and that we will get to see them again just provides the framing that it’s a more positive moment that can provide comfort and peace,” Donnelly said.
The bridge will serve as a memorial where families can leave collars, leashes, harnesses, and tags in remembrance of their animal. Tributes can be left by anyone, regardless of whether the animal was in the care of the Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society. No items will be removed from the bridge once placed, aside from cleaning and upkeep of the bridge.
“Having a place for the community to come with those items and have that time of remembrance is just really, really important to us here at Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society,” Donnelly said.
Donnelly is hopeful that once the first bridge fills up with remembrances that other bridges on the Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society campus can also become Rainbow Bridges.
The Rainbow Bridge project has a targeted opening date of Jan. 1.
In addition to the Rainbow Bridge project, the shelter also hopes to bring back its pet loss support group in 2026.
To learn more information about the Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society, visit gmhumanesociety.org.