The 3rd Annual Rainbow Bridge Walk

(Photo by Niedojrzala Poziomka)

Every one of us has lost a pet, and whether that loss was a beloved childhood friend or a more recent bereavement, it never ceases to hurt. Despite, or perhaps, because of that, many of us choose to use the memory of our pets as inspiration to help others, and to help the many thousands of animals in need of food and medical care every year.

In Ormond Beach, that's what the annual Rainbow Bridge Walk, hosted by Sophie's Circle Pet Food Pantry and Animal Rescue, is all about. We show up in honor of the pets we've lost, and we raise money to fund Sophie's Circle throughout the year to provide pet food and medical care for dogs and cats that need it.

Most of us know the story, of the rainbow bridge. When you go to heaven, you walk across the rainbow bridge, and there they are, the pets you've lost, waiting for you just how you remember them. At the Rainbow Bridge Walk, we reenact this symbolically in their memory, lighting up the bridge with rainbow leashes and the footsteps of people who loved them, while raising money for the animals that are still here.

In 2016, over 300 people attended the Rainbow Bridge Walk, and it is our hope that this year will be bigger than ever.

What Does Sophie's Circle Do?

Sophie's Circle is a pet food bank and animal rescue, providing food to over 500 families per month. As the only pet food bank in Volusia County, Sophie's Circle works hard to provide pet food to animals and owners in need. Because pets are almost always better off with their family, and pets are a valuable part of the lives of many senior caretakers who can no longer afford them, Sophie's gives to owners in need of either temporary or permanent care.

Sophie's Circle also rescues and rehomes pets including emergency care cases, taking in animals who need immediate medical attention. The team of volunteers fosters out pets until they are adopted, and works hard to match animals to families who will love and who can take care of them for the long-term.  

How to Attend the Rainbow Bridge Walk

The 3rd Annual Rainbow Bridge Walk will be held on the Granada Bridge, between Fortunato Park and Riverfront/Cassen Park on March 25th. Participants are asked to pay a $10 fee. The $10 fee to walk includes a Goodie Bag. In addition, Rainbow Bridge Walk T-shirts will be available for $15. The walk begins at 6 P.M. and walkers are encouraged to show up early to collect sponsor sheets so that they can track how many times they cross the bridge for sponsors. Dogs who show up will receive a free treat and will be given a light up dog leash to help with lighting up the bridge for the rainbow walk. Vendors will be available to provide food, dog treats and toys, and other items.

Fee: $10

Date: March 25th, 6 PM

Address: Fortuno Park, 2 John Anderson Dr. Ormond Beach, Florida 32176

We hope to see you there.