A Pekin animal shelter is building a sanctuary for pet owners to honor the memory of their furry friends who have passed on.
The Tazewell Animal Protective Society [TAPS] is working on the Rainbow Bridge Project, a multicolored passage on a brick platform in a forested area on the west side of TAPS’ Pekin property.
TAPS Executive Director Tori Menke says a startup donation from the local Tracy Taylor Family and Friends organization made the entire project possible.
“They [The Taylor Family] have been involved with animal rescue in many different ways. They volunteer with animal rescue, they help with fundraisers,” said Menke. “And so this was something that felt special to them, a way for them to continue giving back.”
The monument also functions as a way for the public to honor their beloved animals. Bricks of different sizes and personalization options are available on the project website. Donors will receive one brick and another one will be a part of the tableau beneath the completed bridge.
“We are in talks right now about the construction of the bridge, so we’re going to make it to where we can still construct the bridge while still adding bricks to it after construction is complete,” said Menke. “So we’re hoping in 2025 we will have the rainbow bridge completely completed.”
A portion of donations and brick purchases not put towards the construction project will go directly to TAPS. Menke says the shelter, currently home to about 200 dogs and cats, has pressing needs the funding will assist with.
“We pay around $15,000, could be up to anywhere to $20,000 a month on just vet bills. So our medical cost is a pretty high priority for us,” said Menke. “The animals we take in are typically in need of excessive medical care, whether that’s spay and neuter or dental. But a lot of times they have some sort of illness or injury from neglect or trauma that we have to treat as well.”
Menke says it’s important to her organization to offer a space for pet owners to cherish their memories and grieve.
“Animals, you know, they become such a big part of our family, and when you lose them, sometimes we’re just expected, for example, to go back to work the next day,” she said. “It’s so different when a family member dies. But, if you have an animal, they truly do become such a big part of your life, we feel a need to offer more of a celebration for when they pass on.”
For her, Menke says the rainbow bridge will be a constant reminder of animals suffering from neglect and abuse. It’s also a reminder of the good work organizations like TAPS can do for those animals. She plans to purchase a brick for her dog, Teddy.
“I feel like he was not given justice when his owners were let off pretty easy from their animal abuse,” Menke said. “And then this is just kind of, I’m going to get a brick for him as my reminder of why I’m in rescue.”
Menke says anyone interested can buy a brick, whether they have a pet or not, whether that pet is living or passed on. Brick options range from $75 to $200, with a discounted price through Apr. 6.
