Community
Bristol County woman, with help from community, creates rainbow bridge to honor lost pets
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.
James Blackburn
April 28, 2024 at 2:39 pm
No one who has ever had a pet can read that poem and not shed a tear. The Rainbow Bridge
Julie Mello
April 28, 2024 at 6:06 pm
This is so beautiful!!! I’m crying right now…I miss my baby so much it hurts. 😢💔🐾🐾🌈
Pamela Denny
April 29, 2024 at 12:35 am
I’m also crying 😭. They are like children to me.
Julie Mello
April 28, 2024 at 6:10 pm
Thank you to all that contributed to this beautiful idea and helped in making it a reality. ❤️🐾🐾🌈
Chris Laird
April 28, 2024 at 8:53 pm
Thank you all for designing a wonderful place for our passed away loved pets. This was a very thoughtful endeavor for you to share with others. It gave me an idea for honoring my cat, she is buried at our home with 2 of my daughters cats. I am going to make a small wooden rainbow to set in their resting place with their memory light. Thank you.
Pamela Denny
April 29, 2024 at 12:34 am
What a wonderful idea! I have lost a few pets over the years. I can’t wait to visit and bring a few collars. What about small animals like Sugar Gliders? I wonder what memoriam I could put there for my tiny friends with huge hearts ❣️
Michael Burgess
May 12, 2024 at 5:16 pm
Thank you for creating a beautiful way for people/me to remember my best friend.