An Evening of Love and Reflection for Beloved Pets – August 28, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day Event
An Evening of Love and Reflection for Beloved Pets – August 28, 2025
Clearwater, FL — On Thursday, August 28, 2025, DARE (Dachshund Adoption Rescue & Education) and The New Barker dog magazine will host a special community gathering in honor of Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day. It will be an evening offering comfort, connection, and healing for those grieving the loss of a beloved pet. The event,
held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Quaker Steak & Lube, 10400 49th Street North, Clearwater, will feature live music by singer/songwriter and Nashville recording artist Brittany Moore, counseling support services, pet blessings,
and a breathtaking Lighted Luminary Ceremony.
Guests will be invited to personalize a luminary with their pet’s name and message of love in a quiet reflection area with tables, supplies, and support on hand. At sunset, a gentle procession will take place, where guests will place their glowing luminaries in a symbolic tribute to pets who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge.
“We hope this evening offers comfort and connection,” said Alicia Duval, president of DARE. “Our pets bring so much special love into our lives, and they deserve to be remembered in a way that’s just as special. I was inspired to create the event by my own heart dog, Forrest Gump.” For many, the grief of losing a pet can feel overwhelming — and sometimes misunderstood. Studies show that people often grieve pets as deeply, or even more deeply, than human loved ones. This evening is designed to remind people they are not alone, and that mourning a beloved animal is not only normal but deeply valid.
Event Details:
What: Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day – An Evening of Love and Reflection
When: Thursday, August 28, 2025 | 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Where: Quaker Steak & Lube, 10400 49th St. N., Clearwater.
Cost: Free | Open to the Public | RSVP & reserve a luminary at
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/daretorescue/1819555
Highlights: Lighted Luminary Ceremony, Live Music by Brittany Moore, Special Pet Blessing, Counseling Support Services, Gift Bags (while supplies last) | Pet-friendly on the patio.
A Healing Vision Born from Personal Loss
The event’s origins began when DARE (Dachshund Adoption Rescue & Education) President Alicia Duval read a heartfelt article on grief in The New Barker. Duval, mourning her “heart dog” Forrest Gump after 16 years together, found deep comfort in the piece — and inspiration to help others coping with similar grief. Discovering that
Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day fell on the anniversary of Forrest Gump’s adoption (August 28), Alicia felt it was a sign to create something meaningful in his memory.
She reached out to The New Barker editor Anna Cooke, who immediately saw the importance of giving pet parents a safe space to talk about grief — an often-overlooked and unspoken topic. Hilliary Smith, General Manager, Quaker Steak & Lube, was so moved by Alicia’s story that she graciously agreed to host the event at the Clearwater
restaurant.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS PRESS RELEASE CONTACT:
Alicia Duval, DARE president: 813.220.3876; Alicia@DareToRescue.org
Anna Cooke, The New Barker editor: 727.214.7453; Anna@TheNewBarker.com
