To the Journal editor:

The loss of a pet can be heartbreaking. Sometimes as heart-breaking as losing a loved one or even more. Many wish they had a way to honor and remember that relationship. We are planning a 1.5 mile walk on Sunday, June 24 to honor people’s beloved pets and loved ones and the bond they shared.

The purpose of this walk is to not only pay tribute to beloved pets and loved ones, but to raise critically needed funds for our new shelter with a naming opportunity in UPAWS New Shelter Memorial Garden. A Memorial Garden our community can use to pay tribute to their loved ones and pets, a tranquil place you can go to find comfort and peace.

We are not only building a state of the art facility to help the homeless pets in our community, but also to create new programs to engage with our community in ways we’ve only dreamed of.

One of these new features is a Memorial Garden and an opportunity to provide comfort during the grief of losing a loved one or pet. We will be kicking off this program with this Inaugural Rainbow Bridge Memorial Walk.

The walk will begin with a short service to honor each walker or pledge participant’s loved ones and beloved pets. A 1.5 mile walk will follow celebrating the life and bond we share with our pets, and offer ways to remember them throughout the afternoon.

Our hope is that our community finds comfort in being surrounded by so many people who have also felt the same sadness. Comfort in knowing your donation will provide a home and help for so many homeless animals, all in the names of the ones you love.

We’re entering the final countdown to our move-the final six months of construction. Our friends and neighbors have been truly amazing in this endeavor, helping us raise over $2.9 million of our $3.7 milliongoal. But we still need your help!

We are asking you to reach out to your family and friends to help you raise pledges to reach your very own memorial naming opportunity goal. Create a legacy for those loved and lost, and join us Saturday, June 24 at UPAWS Inaugural Rainbow Bridge Memorial Walk!

We’re asking for everyone’s help in helping promote this event to make it as successful for our community of homeless animals as possible!