St. Sylvester Central Catholic School students dedicate a rainbow bridge to animals who have died at the Crossed Paws Animal Shelter in Woodsfield. Shown from left are Kennadi Jorris, Cooper Amos, Kenley Hupp, Teagan Peters, Karly Dick, Sydney Lang, Peyton Chambers, Makynna Parden and Carlie Griffith.

WOODSFIELD — St. Sylvester Central School students dedicated a rainbow bridge Monday afternoon at Crossed Paws Animal Shelter to beloved dogs and cats who have died.

The inspiration for the dedication of the rainbow bridge at the Monroe County facility comes from the rainbow bridge in Lake Lure, North Carolina. Hurricanes destroyed the original rainbow bridge there last year, and it gave Crossed Paws Director Shelley Young the idea to have one constructed at the local animal shelter. The bridge in North Carolina has since been reconstructed.

Lake Lure’s website states the ‘Rainbow Bridge’ is a familiar poem given to many pet owners on the day they say goodbye to their beloved furry companion. The site adds that the poem promises grieving pet owners that their lost pet has gone to the Rainbow Bridge, where the pet will run and play in grassy meadows and hills, restored to health and youth.

The site states that artist Amy Wald, who had lost her dog, created the Rainbow Bridge, according to the website for Lake Lure Flowering Bridge.

The purpose of the bridge in Woodsfield is for people to come to the animal shelter and put their dog’s or cat’s collars on the railings of the bridge to remember their pets who have died.

It also brings people to Crossed Paws to potentially see the animals and adopt, Young said.

St. Sylvester Central eighth grade students painted the bridge earlier Monday. After the dedication, the students got to celebrate with a pizza party and some time playing in the creek by the animal shelter.

Catholic teaching tells followers that they should be stewards of creation, and Jesus Christ teaches them to love one another as he’s loved us, St. Sylvester eighth grade teacher Brandee Schnegg said.

“So animals are part of that, and the students learn service to others and service to community through this project,” she said. “And we’re thankful to Shelley for the opportunity to be a part of it, and thankful to Crossed Paws as well.”

Andy Schumacher’s construction trades class at Swiss Hills Career Center built the bridge for this dedication.

Young wanted the eighth grade class at St. Sylvester Central to paint the bridge because her granddaughter Kenley Hupp is a student. The class has also gone to the animal shelter several times throughout the years to read to the dogs and cats.

“I just kind of wanted to make it special for them, get them out of school for the day, have a little pizza party and paint the bridge before they graduate,” she said.

A butterfly passed the rainbow bridge as the students rounded it, appropriately relating to the meaning of the bridge, Young said.

The students have also done different kinds of drives for the shelter, including collecting food and other necessities.

The eighth grade students who helped paint the bridge include Kennadi Jorris, Cooper Amos, Kenley Hupp, Teagan Peters, Karly Dick, Sydney Lang, Peyton Chambers, Makynna Parden and Carlie Griffith.

“I like the meaning behind it,” Parden said.