There is a cemetery for animals near me. It is operated by a non-profit organization that rescues abandoned pets. The organization was founded in 1903; their pet memorial park has been around for a century. Richard Nixon's dog, Checkers, who was the subject of a famous speech that saved Nixon's career before he became President, is buried there.
When I visit the memorial park, I am stunned by the depth of love available to the human heart. People's affection for their animals is palpable. I go to the park to contemplate and am always moved to tears. I cry for the sadness of people's losses.
Some pet-owners erect monuments to their animals. They do this to declare their love. They want us to know about it. In honor of that, I offer you these pictures which I took today.
I'm sorry your dog died - when did this happen? I find the idea of a pet cemetery intriguing, a bit strange and a bit scary. Though it's amusing to read "Satan" on a tombstone!
ReplyDeleteOh gosh, that's heartbreakingly lovely. Thank you for sharing, and I'm sorry for your loss! It's so hard when you lose a loved one.
ReplyDeleteI've missed your blog since I've been on my little hiatus! Gonna catch up on some posts. x
I had Juno for a long time. I rescued him from Death Row at the Pound when he was a young puppy. He had obvious psychological problems when I found him; he had chewed half his fur off from unbridled anxiety. I lived with Juno during his very happy, 16-year lifespan. He passed away two years ago. He'll always be in my heart.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry about your dog... that's so sad.
ReplyDeleteI have such a special connection with my dog so I understand.
I never knew they had pet cemeteries... it's wonderful to see what people have done!
When our very special girl, Anya died. We had her cremated and we put a sign up in the park we called her "happy place". The sign talked about her last day and how she waited till my husband parkedthe car at her happy place to die. He got in the back seat with her and held her as she wagged her tail and exhaled. And she was gone.
ReplyDeleteShe had a brain tumor and was completely blind at the end. But she jumped around and ran freely at her happy place.
I hope she welcomed Juno when he arrived and they are playing together right now.
Xo
Tracy
So sorry about your pets! They really do become a part of your family! Seems funny to me that someone felt so sentimental about their dog named SATAN! ~Serene
ReplyDeleteThis is so sad. The idea of a pet cemetery is good for the people who have lost pets and cannot bury them in the yard. Pets are a big part of families.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss!
ReplyDelete♡ from © tanvii.com
Hm, I would venture to say that some pets are better loved than human children. I had read about having a pets ashes compounded into an industrial diamond...Have you heard of this process?
ReplyDeleteOh these make me so sad.
ReplyDeleteI have lost hamsters, birds, bunnies, turtles, fish and dogs and it is never easy.
Having a place of rest for them seems right. I know there is a Pet Cementery from 1920's close by - I have not been there is ages but do recall seeing all the old mossy tombstones,
Thank you for sharing these Ralph.
Hey.... a "Pet Cemetary"! And I thought S. King just had a very vivid imagination! Your dog must have been a great one and you're a great person for saving him! Unfortunately in Greece we have a lot of strays, as there is no proper government care... We've saved 4 cats and a dog so far... It's just sad...
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear that.
ReplyDeletePets are like familymembers. My Dog is now 15. He is still healthy but we notice everyday that he gets older and older from day to day. I hope he still be around a few years.
Argh... the loss of a pet makes me cry every time. I'm so sorry for you. xxx
ReplyDeleteAw, I would have cried, too. I was just talking to my CeCe this morning. We lost her in November 2008. Her cremains are sprinkled at all of her favorite spots on and around the WV Place. She really loved it there. She's such a huge part of that place, I can't imagine not having her there still.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you posted this. I've realized recently I'm still at the early stages of grieving for my dog and one of my cats, who each passed away a few years ago. I think what upsets me the most is they both died relatively young and I'm stuck wondering what I could have done differently. It's helpful to see so many others who cherish the memories of their furry family members the way I do with mine.
ReplyDeleteI'm thoroughly convinced that there is no love like the love experienced between pet and owner. It's just so unconditional. You know how very attached I am to my two doggies... I remember growing up, I had friends who didn't have pets, and I always sort of pitied them.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry for your loss of Juno, but this is definitely a nice way to commemorate a special animal and a beloved friend.
P.S. I think "The Pretzel Kid" Snoopy tombstone is my favorite. The Pretzel Kid... how cute.
i don't know why while I was going through the photos, it made me feel sad...i can't imagine the love of people for pets, I had a pet before and I understand but we do not have a cemetery like this in my old country...this is such a great offering one can do in the world..
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry.
ReplyDelete:hug: So you won't think it's weird that I got my dog a granite headstone with her picture etched on it? I ordered it on ebay. Quite reasonably priced. Most people think it's a stupid thing to do, but screw them.
ReplyDelete