Pet Memorial Program Director

One of the things that has surprised me most since starting the rescue is how many people are carrying grief for an animal they loved.

Not just recent grief.

Sometimes it's a dog they lost last month. Sometimes it's a dog they lost ten years ago and still miss every single day.

The truth is that many people never get the space to grieve those losses openly. They're told, "It was just a dog," when anyone who has loved an animal knows that's not true.

That's why I'm building Rainbow Bridge Island.

Rainbow Bridge Island will be a dedicated memorial space on the Legacy Paws property where families can honor the animals they have loved and lost. A place for stories. A place for memories. A place for grief. A place for healing.

Right now, it's a vision.

I'm looking for someone who wants to help bring it to life.

Legacy Paws Rescue is a veteran-owned 501(c)(3) dog rescue and sanctuary in Catawba, NC, and we are seeking a volunteer to help develop Rainbow Bridge Island from an idea into a meaningful, lasting program.

This role may include:

• Helping design and organize the memorial experience
• Developing tribute and memorial submission processes
• Creating program materials and guidelines
• Helping shape the physical memorial space
• Organizing volunteer support and ongoing maintenance plans
• Helping build a program that families can continue using for years to come

This role sits at the intersection of compassion, creativity, and organization.

You do not need experience with animal rescue.

You do need to understand the bond people share with their animals and why honoring that bond matters.

The ideal volunteer may have experience in program development, memorial projects, community programs, event planning, grief support, nonprofit work, or simply a passion for creating meaningful experiences for others.

Most work can be done remotely, although local volunteers are welcome to visit the sanctuary and participate in the physical development of the space.

The vision for Legacy Paws has always been bigger than rescuing dogs.

It's about creating a community where both people and animals matter.

Rainbow Bridge Island is one small piece of that vision.

If helping create a place where people can honor the animals that changed their lives speaks to you, I'd love to hear from you.

To apply, please email volunteers@legacypawsrescue.org with a brief introduction and tell us why this opportunity resonates with you.