For many pet owners, saying goodbye is one of the hardest parts of loving an animal. Thanks to the efforts of Northampton Area High School senior Brianna Clough, those grieving the loss of a beloved companion now have a place to remember them at the Walnutport Canal.

Clough, a member of Girl Scout Troop 8553 in Lehigh Township, recently completed the Walnutport Canal Pet Memorial Bridge, also known as the Rainbow Bridge, as her Girl Scout Gold Award project.

The Gold Award is the highest achievement in Girl Scouting and requires extensive planning, research, leadership and community impact. Clough, who has been involved in scouting since kindergarten, previously earned both the Bronze and Silver awards before undertaking the project.

The memorial bridge features rainbow-colored composite decking and pressure-treated railings designed to withstand the elements. Paw prints stenciled across the bridge symbolize pets’ journeys across the Rainbow Bridge. The structure is permanently located near the Lock Tender’s House and Walnutport Canal Pavilion.

“It will serve a great purpose for pet owners who have lost their animals,” Clough said. Visitors can leave mementos such as collars, toys or other cherished items in memory of their pets.

The bridge also includes a sign that reads: “Welcome to the Walnutport Canal Pet Memorial Bridge. Where memories remain and love lives on.” A QR code allows visitors to share stories and memories of their pets.

The concept of the Rainbow Bridge has long served as a source of comfort for grieving pet owners. The idea is rooted in a poem describing a peaceful place where pets wait to reunite with their owners. Rainbow Bridge Day was officially established in 2015 by author Deborah Barnes.

Clough credited fellow scouts, local Boy Scouts and her parents for helping bring the project to life. She also thanked Brenda Morris of the Walnutport Canal Association for helping identify the location for the memorial.

A senior at Northampton Area High School, Clough plans to attend the University of Pittsburgh and pursue a career as a speech-language pathologist. She also works at King Kone.