A Bristol County woman has taken her grief over losing a pet into action to help others experiencing the same loss.
Sherri Dumont of Attleboro lost her best furry friend Bentley last July.
“He was my first pet I ever owned but somehow, I knew his purpose was always bigger on this earth than just being my pet.”
When he passed, Dumont was really at a loss.
“I felt that you get no closure at all when you bring home their ashes. I felt like there was something missing and I felt a strong passion to find something and some way to bring others comfort when they lose their furry friend.”
Dumont then had an idea and, with some help, has made it a reality.
“I saw in one other state that there was a Rainbow Bridge and I immediately knew this is what we needed in Attleboro! I worked with Derek from the Park & Recs Department on bringing my vision to life. He loved the idea and worked with the City to make this a reality.”
The Rainbow Bridge at Highland Park, 104 Mechanic Street in Attleboro, is now complete after a ribbon cutting on Saturday.
This is a bridge where you can come and attach your pet’s collar and find peace that their memory will live on.
The historical premise of a Rainbow Bridge is a place where deceased pets can be happy, healthy, and free from pain. When pets pass away, they cross the Rainbow Bridge and wait until they reunite with their owners on the other side.
Dumont is looking for the bridge to help others who have lost a beloved pet.
“My hope is that this bridge will be a place of comfort for all ages. If you have a child that loses a pet it’s a place to go. If you have an elderly relative that loses a pet it’s a place for them to go. It’s our own little slice of earth where we can feel close and connected to our furry loved ones.”
According to Dumont, Mike Turinese constructed the bridge, Matt at Triboro Paint helped her get the colors just right, and Dorrance Recycling donated the granite for the bench at the bridge.
Your best bet to visit the bridge is to park in the lot off of Rathburn Willard Drive in Attleboro.
