A Heartfelt Tribute To North Carolina's Rainbow Bridge Lost To Hurricane Helene

October 2, 2024

In a touching tribute, pet owners across North Carolina are mourning the loss of the beloved Rainbow Bridge, a memorial that was washed away by Hurricane Helene on September 26, 2024.

The Rainbow Bridge was a special place where grieving pet owners could honor their companions by placing their collars on the bridge, symbolizing the pets’ journey to the other side.

@officialemilylauren_ on TikTok

One of those pet owners, Emily Lauren, visited the bridge earlier this year to leave the collar of her beloved dog, Moa.

When news broke that the bridge had been swept away, Lauren shared her heartbreak in a viral TikTok video, which has since garnered thousands of views and brought many to tears.

@officialemilylauren_ on TikTok

“My heart goes out to everyone who left their pets' memory, it is heartbreaking to know it is all gone. Swim home love,” Lauren wrote.

Her tribute struck a deep chord with viewers, especially her caption, “Saw someone say they all got to take one last swim together...and I lost it.”

@officialemilylauren_ on TikTok

Commenters also poured out their emotions, sharing their own thoughts and stories.

One wrote, "Imagine coming back in a few years to the mountains that were damaged by Helene and finding your dog's collar on a random hike miles away from where you left it."

Another said, "They went out to gather the ones that didn't survive the storms and take them over the Rainbow Bridge."

One more added, "Just think, someone, someday, whether it’s next week or 100 years from now, will find your dog's collar and say their name one more time."

Watch Lauren's video below.

@officialemilylauren_ July 13, 2024 I took Moa’s collar to the Rainbow Bridge. 🌈💔 September 26, 2024 it all washed away. My heart goes out to everyone who left their pets memory, it is heartbreaking to know it is all gone. Swim home love. 😭🤍 #rainbowbridge #lakelure #thefloweringbridge #northcarolina #petloss #hurricanehelene #flood ♬ Pink Skies - Zach Bryan

Though the Rainbow Bridge is gone, the love and memories it held for so many live on in the hearts of those who visited. And with hope, the bridge may be rebuilt one day, allowing pet owners to once again have a place to honor their companions who have crossed over.