STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSSICK

The Sawtooth Botanical Garden is offering a “Pandemic Special” for memorial plaques at its Pet Memory Garden.

During the month of October, the garden is offering 2-by-4-inch plaques—a $125 value—for $60. It’s offering 4-by-4-inch plaques—a $200 value—for $100.

The Pandemic Special was made possible by a benefactor who also offered a Pet Scholarship for those who would like to memorialize their lost pets but may not have the means to do so because of hardships imposed by the coronavirus pandemic.

The Pet Memorial Garden was created in 2017 as a way for grieving pet owners to recognize their pets that have crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Pet owners can inscribe words of their choice on metal plaques affixed to posts to commemorate a beloved pet.

The garden—a place to contemplate and celebrate man’s best friend and other significant four-legged creatures in our lives--is flanked by beautiful Korean maples, Viburnum trees that have white umbrella-like blossoms in spring and a soapstone sculpture of a mother and baby otter donated to the garden by David and Jill Hitchin.

The garden sits next to a gurgling creek.

“The Pet Memory Garden is a special place at Sawtooth Botanical Garden where people visit to remember their pet and the unconditional love shared between living beings,” said Jen Smith, the garden’s executive director. “We could all use a little more love and support right now, and our generous donor is making it easier to do this simple thing.”

For more information, visit www.sbgarden.org, call 208-726-9358 or email info@sbgarden.org.