The relationship someone can have with their furry family members is indescribable. I know because I felt this way with my own cat, Toad. There’s nothing more special than that bond you create with our companions. In my case, this was a bond with a crunchy 12-year-old cat who just so happened to have the facial characteristics of a kitler. We made a lot of memories together. Exploring Lone Fir Cemetery, taking grocery runs to Trader Joe’s so he could swoon the staff, hiking the Pacific Northwest. He was so loved!

In honor of cherished pets like my Toad, I'm proposing the creation of a community pet memorial bridge in Laurelhurst Park, Portland, OR. This bridge would serve as a safe and inclusive space where the community can come together to remember and celebrate the lives of their beloved animals who have passed on. The bridge would be painted in the colors of a rainbow, symbolizing love, unity, and the hope of that everlasting bond our pets continue to hold with us even after they cross over into an afterlife.

This bridge would offer a place where pet owners can leave memorabilia such as collars, painted rocks, or photographs. It not only provides a communal gathering place to honor those we've lost, but it also serves as a reminder of the love and companionship that pets bring into our lives, helping to heal and support those going through similar losses.

Building this memorial bridge in Laurelhurst Park will foster a greater sense of community among pet lovers and offer a powerful place for reflection and healing. This project will help keep the memory of our furry friends alive and cherish the bonds that enriched our lives. 

Join me in making this vision a reality. Call upon the Portland Parks & Recreation Department to support the creation of this tribute. Please sign the petition and help us build a place where memories, love, and community spirit thrive.   Love you Toad! 🌈🐸🐈‍⬛