On March 20, a small but deeply connected group gathered at Peghorn Park for a heartfelt Rainbow Bridge Day of Remembrance.
Hosted by St. Cloud resident Rob Gorski, the event brought together pet owners to honor and remember the animals who changed their lives. While a handful of people attended in person, the reach of the event extended far beyond Central Florida. A number of other participants from across the country—from California to New York, Illinois to Florida— took part by sending in photos of their beloved pets. Gorski placed a collar on the bridge for each one, ensuring their lives were recognized and remembered.
During the event, attendees placed collars along the bridge railing as they shared memories of their pets. Throughout the afternoon, more collars were placed on behalf of those unable to attend, reading each pet’s name and affirming they are “always loved.” The atmosphere was a mix of quiet reflection, tears, smiles, and moments of peace as visitors walked the bridge, paused in silence, and honored the deep bonds they shared with their animals.
The inspiration behind the event is rooted in the widely known “Rainbow Bridge” poem, a source of comfort for those grieving the loss of a pet. The poem describes a place “just this side of heaven” where animals are restored to health and wait to be reunited with their owners.
The original Rainbow Bridge in Lake Lure, North Carolina— once covered with thousands of collars left in remembrance— was destroyed in September 2024 by Hurricane Helene. When the City of St. Cloud opened its own Rainbow Bridge in April 2025, Gorski said he saw an opportunity to create something meaningful locally.
“When I saw what St. Cloud was building, it felt like a prayer was answered,” Gorski said. “I just wanted people here in Central Florida to know about it—to have a place they can go to honor their pets and their legacy.”
The event also holds deep personal significance. It coincides with the “Gotcha Day” of Gorski’s Shih Tzu, Gigi, who came into his life on March 21, 2009, and passed away on Sept. 26, 2022.
“Gigi wasn’t just a dog— she was my daughter, my diva, and a daily reminder of God’s goodness,” Gorski shared. “The grief was overwhelming when she passed, but so was the love that never left.”
In the years since, that love has grown into a broader mission. Through his pet loss ministry, Gorski has created a support community, written a book titled Gigi: The Life and Legacy of a ‘One in a Gazillion Girl’, and helped sponsor adoption fees for multiple animals in local shelters across Osceola and Orange counties. Additional adoptions are planned as part of this year’s remembrance.
For Gorski and his fellow pet owners, the event provided healing, connection, and continuing the legacy of love that pets leave behind.
“Some people cried, some smiled, and some just stood in the moment,” Gorski said. “But you could feel it—the love was everywhere.”
Gorski said he hopes to make the Rainbow Bridge Remembrance an annual event while also encouraging residents to visit the bridge year-round.
“This doesn’t have to be one day,” he said. “People can come anytime—whenever they need to remember, reflect, and feel close again.”
The Rainbow Bridge at Peghorn Park is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
