A PLACE IN OUR HEARTS. After being approached by passionate community members, the Rassbach Museum (1820 John Russell Rd., Menomonie) created a Pet Remembrance Wall for all to use. 

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 the Pet Remembrance Wall on World Pet Remembrance Day. The exhibit showcases names of pets and animals who’ve had an impact on their owners and in some cases the larger community.

“Wakanda Park is always a popular spot for walking dogs, and our location seemed ideal for all of these elements to come together, remembrance, history and reflection,” said Melissa Kneeland, the Rassbach Museum Director.

"I found myself frustrated by how few public ways there are to memorialize a pet, usually all the options are kept within the home like their collar, an urn, and maybe a paw print from the vet."

BRITTANY ANDREWS

ON THE REASON BEHIND PROPOSING THE PET REMEMBRANCE WALL

The Pet Remembrance Wall will be displayed outdoors during fair weather and brought indoors during the wintry months.

The idea was presented to Melissa by a Dunn County Historical Society board member’s wife, Brittany 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 them are still grieving and/or just want to share their pet’s story with someone,” Brittany said.

The project is also a personal endeavor 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 allowed her to connect with others.

“I found myself frustrated by how few public ways there are to memorialize a pet, usually all the options are kept within the home like their collar, an urn, and maybe a paw print from the vet,” she said.

The wall is a collaborative initiative. Brittany reached out to Michael Risen, a carpenter at Risen Renovations out of Eau Claire. He donated all the materials and labor to build the wall. Brittany said their support made this project possible.

"I love that even though I have dogs now later in life, I still get a place to share Fritzy and his memory with others."

STERLING LEHRKE

MENOMONIE RESIDENT

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 we will remember them forever,” said Michael. “This was a great way to share their memory.”

According to Kneeland, some of the first pets to be honored on the wall will be notable Dunn County animals from the past, such as the Tainter family’s dog Old Matt. She said this project connects the region’s history with the timeless bond between people and animals.

“The wall is open to memorials for any animal, whether they had paws, wings, or hooves,” Brittany said.

How to Honor Your Pet

The wall currently consists of three connected panels, but if these fill up more panels can be added.  Fulton’s Workshop in the museum has a tag stamping kit, so visitors can create tags as they are visiting. Creating a tag is free, with an optional donation. Visitors can also bring their own tags.

Menomonie community member Sterling Lehrke brought her own tag for her childhood dog Fritzy. "He was the best odd, cranky old dog. I love that even though I have dogs now later in life, I still get a place to share Fritzy and his memory with others," said Sterling.

Brittany said she’s talked to many people who want to contribute to the wall. “Several have gone on to tell me the heartfelt story of their own pet’s life, which to me means the wall is already doing what we hoped — creating a space for connection and remembrance,” she said.

The Pet Remembrance Wall will be a permanent part of the museum’s collection as part of the Dunn County Historical Society. During the warmer months, the wall will be displayed outdoors. In the winter, the wall will be brought inside the museum for protection and continued display.

Rassbach Museum (1820 John Russell Rd., Menomonie) is located at Wakanda Park and is also home to the Dunn County Historical Society. Supplies to create a pet tag for the Pet Remembrance Wall can be found inside the museum. Questions about the Pet Remembrance Wall? Call the museum at (715) 232-8685.