The Black Lab Shrine (Snowmass)
Notice: During the 2016-17 ski season 5 Shrines on Snowmass were destroyed. However, during this same time period no Shrines on any of the other 3 mountains were destroyed (with the minor exception of the Shrine to Donald Trump which was put up on Aspen Mountain in February 2017 and lasted only a week or so before someone tore it out). The 5 Shrines destroyed on Snowmass were: 1. The Barkley Shrine; 2. The Black Lab Shrine; 3. The Golf Shrine; 4. The Max Shrine; and 5. The Mazik Shrine. With the exception of the Golf Shrine, all of these Shrines were located on the (skier's) right side of the Naked Lady run.
This is the page for Snowmass' Black Lab Shrine. It was created in August 2012 by Matt Polovin A sign in the shrine states: "This Shrine is dedicated to our dog Beau. April 20, 1996-November 26, 2010. He was loyal, loving and gentle and will forever remain in our hearts. We miss him every day. We love you Beau Beau!"
The shrine contains some photos of Beau.
A copy of "The Rainbow Bridge" is posted in the shrine, which is a work of poetic prose written by an unknown author some time between 1980 and 1992. The theme of the work is of a mythological place to which a pet goes upon its death, eventually to be reunited with its owner. It has gained wide popularity amongst animal lovers who have lost a pet. Although no major religion specifically refers to such a place for pets, the belief shows similarities with the Bifröst bridge of Norse mythology.
Thank you to Matt Polovin and Trung Vu George, and also Hannah and Joshua, for their help with this page.
Photos of the Shrine are below. And for even more photos of this shrine, see this Facebook photo album (you do not need a Facebook account to view the album): https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.427444023994234.98214.100001859201674&type=1&l=2c3be74e6b
If you have any information about this item that you would like to share for use on this page, please send to AspenShrines@aol.com.
This Shrine was removed in late March or early April of 2017. See these two articles: Madeleine Osberger http://www.aspendailynews.com/section/home/175052, and Meredith Carroll http://www.aspentimes.com/opinion/meredith-c-carroll-more-than-just-a-shrine/
Click on images to enlarge.
