Rainbow Bridge for departed pets opens along Rail Trail

The little collar of Rette the Weiner Dog – with its red rabies tag still intact – was among the first to take its place on the Methuen Rail Trail’s Rainbow Bridge, a space where beloved departed pets can be memorialized.

Jump-started by active Methuen resident and pet lover Nancy Reardon a year ago, this extra-special spot was unveiled last month. It sits just north of the very end of Pine Street or south of the MSPCA at Nevins Farm, and the bridge was already part of the trail. As the Spicket River calmly flowed beneath the bridge, Reardon explained that she brought the idea of a Rainbow Bridge on this city-owned space to Mayor DJ Beauregard who whole-heartedly approved. With support from the Rail Trail Alliance and signage donated by Karen Broscoe of ESCO Awards, the project came together.

“The response has been overwhelming,” Reardon said about public reaction to the announcement of this new addition. “I hope over time people want to bring collars and leashes, and add them to the bridge. For some people, their dog or cat is the only family they have.”

Seven dogs “and I can’t tell you how many cats!” have been part of Reardon’s life.

“Nancy had this great idea of a memorial spot for pet owners,” said Rail Trail President Tim Vermette. “I just cleared it with the city; she did all the legwork. We are here to fully support her.”

Mike Correia has owned multiple beagles and admits he’s got “a thing” for the breed. He brought almost-7-year-old Hagan to the ceremony, while remembering Clay who passed in 2019.

“We come to the Rail Trail all the time,” he said. “I couldn’t resist coming by today. (The Rainbow Bridge) is a nice thing for people to have as a remembrance all year long. And this space, where the bridge is along the trail, it was made for this!”
Sandra Sammataro – who donned a T-shirt, shorts and sandals all complete with pawprint designs – said she fully supports this Rail Trail addition. She tossed a white carnation in the Spicket River in honor of the departed 11 dogs and 14 cats who’ve been part of her life. She’s a devoted foster mom who has become the “forever family” of every pet she’s been asked to take in. She brought pups Frankie and Tyler to the bridge’s unveiling, while waiting at home were her two cats – ages 18 and 19!

A brown memorial pawprint stone that reads, “No longer by my side … but forever in my heart,” greets those walking north. It was gifted to Reardon upon the loss of her beloved Boxer. She asked Vermette to encase it in cement and – voila! – it now welcomes those nearing the Rainbow Bridge.

Reardon thanked Mayor Beauregard and Vermette for supporting this project as well as ESCO’s Broscoe for the permanent signage and rock-painting pro Yvonne Paplaskas who created 8 unique stones for the area. She also thanked her husband Chris for supporting “all of my crazy ideas.”

Vermette reminded guests that the Rail Trail Alliance hosts Saturday morning walks and Moon Walks on certain Sunday nights (follow Methuen Rail Trail on Facebook for details).

“We’re always looking for help with maintenance,” Vermette said. “The city does some, and (volunteer) Jim Christie does a lot. Visit our Facebook page for info on how to get involved.”

Nancy Reardon – active across with city with her volunteer work and photography skills – thanks those who supported this project, including Rail Trail President Tim Vermette (at left).

Jeff and Kathy Rocheleau memorialized their beloved “Rette” (short for Oscarette, the “Weiner Dog” they thought was a boy but – whoops! – was a girl). They had her 14 years and left her collar on the Rainbow Bridge.

Sandra Sammataro tosses a white carnation in the Spicket River in honor of the departed 11 dogs and 14 cats who’ve been part of her life.

Karen Broscoe, owner of ESCO Awards which is now in its 20th year, generously donated the Rainbow Bridge’s signage. She’s shown with 4-year-old Opie, her third Golden Retriever.