Poignant Buoy with “Paw Prints”

East Lyme Public Trust Foundation

Poignant Buoy with “Paw Prints”

Nicole Nadeau of Niantic has created a stunning, colorful buoy memorializing her dog. To create the feeling of a beach and water, she has decorated the bottom of the buoy a vivid blue with real shells, pebbles and sand to echo a beach setting. The central vision on the buoy is a picture of her and her dog kayaking together across the Bay. However, her main message is conveyed in the poignant saying she has included: “A true friend leaves paw prints on your heart”.

The vivid, orange setting sun suggests that this faithful companion has passed. However, the soaring sea-gull suggests, once the grieving has passed, the possibility of another “true friend”.

Many of our faithful participants have expressed to us their stress at finding time to finish their buoy on time. We have heard their concerns and have extended the time to hand in a buoy to November 15. Whenever you finish, (try hard to make it as soon as possible), hand in your buoy where you purchased it. Although it may not get hung on a tree by Opening Night, we will do our best to hang it as soon as we can. Don’t let stress defeat you.

In addition, do you have a buoy from last year of which you are especially proud? If so, for a fee of $40, we will hang your buoy once again. Just bring it to one of the stores that is participating- pay your fee to support this fund raiser- and bring your relatives and friends to Opening Night to view your entry. Buoys are available at Mermaid Liquors, Coastal Gifts on Main, $50 cash or check only.

Dates to Remember

• Return a buoy by November 15th to ensure it is up for
• Opening Night on Nov. 22, 2024.
• The tree display will run from Nov. 22 to mid-January.

Then, the buoys will be returned to their owners to cherish.