By Kellie Houx
KHoux@cherryroad.com

GLADSTONE — Gladstone continues going to the cats and dogs with the groundbreaking of the new dog park near Happy Rock Park and then the ribbon cutting and dedication of new spaces at Northland Animal Welfare Society, 6972 N. Broadway.

The nonprofit NAWS opened the low-cost spay and neuter clinic in late February 2012.

Goldie Arnold is the founder and president of NAWS. Her leadership has brought in dozens of volunteers and veterinary staff to help low-income pet owners with the reduced payments to reduce the number of litters born along with the number of animals brought into shelters and rescue groups throughout the area.

On April 11, the Gladstone Chamber held a ribbon cutting for the facility’s latest addition, a rainbow bridge built by Oak Park High School senior Dustin Conner. The new addition at the Gladstone clinic is the first of its kind in the metro where pet owners can attach their beloved pet’s collar to a special memorial structure after their pets have passed away providing comfort and healing for grieving pet owners.

Arnold thanked the chamber and others from the community for attending.

“We wouldn’t be here without our donors, volunteers and staff,” she said. “This is a team effort and it’s been a long journey. This is our way we can give back to the community. The rainbow bridge i the first in the community.”

The bridge is Conner’s Eagle Scout project. Conner is a member of Troop 270 and approached NAWS founder Goldie Arnold about collaborating on a project.

Arnold was inspired by the widely recognized poem that speaks to the love and loss many pet owners experience and thought it was a fitting tribute to her late husband, Terry Arnold, and would also serve the community.

Conner and his grandparents spent several months last year, soliciting construction materials, building and painting the brightly colored bridge. It provides a space for people to reflect, grieve, and honor their pet. Each collar is securely hung as a lasting tribute to pets who have crossed over the rainbow bridge. The area is open to the public and available year-round for those who wish to visit and reflect.

“The bridge represents 261 hours of work,” Conner said. “I think it turned out wonderful.”

Conner’s biggest assistant came from his grandfather Douglas Edwards.

“We understand how deep the bond is between a pet and their owner, and how heartbreaking it can be to say goodbye. The Rainbow Bridge offers an opportunity for people to celebrate their pets’ lives and find closure,” Arnold said. “By providing a physical and emotional space to memorialize their pets, we hope to ease the healing process and bring a sense of peace to our community.”

Arnold placed the first two collars on the bridge: the first for the longtime NAWS facility cat John Doe and her late husband’s hunting dog Josephine.

In addition to the bridge, NAWS celebrated the opening of the Cat’s Meow Catio, a space where area cat rescue groups can sponsor pet adoption events. Potential pet owners can sip on a cup of coffee and find a new furry friend. The catio’s first cat adoption event was Sunday, April 13.

Arnold said she expects the catio to be used most during the weekend when rescue groups can coordinate their time to bring in rescue cats.

NAWS offers a variety of pet services including low-cost spay and neuter, vaccinations, trap and release program, microchipping, grooming, free pet food pantry and pet boutique with new and gently used items.

NAWS serves Clay and Platte counties and specifically residents that receive government assistance.

Throughout the years, the services have grown to include most vet services.