Best of Menomonie

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RASSBACH MUSEUM REMEMBERS (FURRY) LOVED ONES DUNN COUNTY'S HISTORY HUB ANSWERS COMMUNITY CALL TO HONOR PETS THAT HAVE PASSED ON words by KATE ROBERTS EDENBORG | photos by ANDREA PAULSETH

A new installation at the Rassbach Museum in Menomonie's Wakanda Park captures the histories of important members of our families: our pets. The Dunn County Historical Society recognizes that companion animals make an indelible impact on community members’ lives. Now, people can share the love and memories of their pets and important animals with others. On June 10, the museum unveiled

them are still grieving and/or just want to share their pet’s story with someone,” Brittany said. The project is also a personal en deavor for all involved. Brittany said she lost both of her childhood dogs, Tootsie and Roxie, within one year of each other. She was looking for ways to remember them in a way that al lowed her to connect with others. “I found myself frustrated by how few public ways there are to memo rialize a pet, usually all the options are kept within the home like their collar, an urn, and maybe a paw print

the Pet Remembrance Wall on World Pet Remembrance Day. The exhibit showcases names of pets and ani mals who’ve had an impact on their owners and in some cases the larger community. The idea was presented to Me lissa by a Dunn County Historical Society board member’s wife, Brit tany Andrews. She is the operations manager of a regional foster-based dog rescue. “Working with the Tails of Hope WI, I often talk with adopters who have lost a cherished pet. Many of

from the vet,” she said.

The wall is a collaborative initia tive. Brittany reached out to Michael Risen, a carpenter at Risen Renova tions out of Eau Claire. He donated all the materials and labor to build the wall. Brittany said their support made this project possible. Michael and his wife also were inspired in their involvement. “My wife and I both had very near and dear dogs we lost a few years back,” he said. Michael’s dog was Stylez and his wife’s was Marty. “Stylez and Marty ushered us into adulthood and

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