NEW YORK HAS THE BIGGEST PET CEMETERY IN THE WORLD
Our pets are an important part of our lives. Even if we have them for a short time, we always remember them fondly because despite not being able to fully communicate with them, they accompany us in the worst and best moments, being faithful companions.
The love we have towards our little companions is reflected in the fact that pet funerals in New York are very common. It is no surprise then that the largest and oldest pet cemetery in the world is located in the state.
Located in Westchester, Hartsdale Cemetery was the first pet cemetery to open in the United States, being established in 1896 by veterinarian Samuel Johnson. He gave part of his apple orchard to serve as a burial place for a client's dog.
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After giving up part of his land, Dr. Johnson was featured in a newspaper article. He then began receiving hundreds of requests from people who also wanted to bury their pets; in a short time, he already granted three acres of his orchard.
By 1913, 17 years later, the news had spread so widely that a dog was brought from Kalamazoo, Michigan, to be buried in Hartsdale. The popularity of the cemetery caused the name to be changed from Hartsdale Dog Cemetery to Hartsdale Pet Cemetery, as animals of all sorts were buried.
In 1921, the owners of the land launched a campaign to raise funds to give a resting place to the dogs that were killed during the First World War.
And so, in 1923, the most valuable piece of history in Hartsdale, the War Dog Monument, was erected. When it was inaugurated, representatives of the countries that fought in the war attended this historic event. Over the years, they have added plaques, like the one for the dogs that died in the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing and the only dog that died during 9/11.
Animals are certainly an important part of our lives, and it is reflected in Hartsdale itself. They are so loved and important to us that we want them to have a place to rest and where we can visit them even if they are gone.
In 2012, it became the first of its kind to be added to the National Register of Historic Places. Also, in 2014 the state of New York established that people could be buried with their faithful companions in pet cemeteries.
This decision was made after a deceased police officer was denied having his ashes buried with his dog in Hartsdale. Previously, 700 people had already been buried with their pets; however, it had not yet been legalized.
Because of Hartsdale, pet funerals are becoming more common as a way to honor our beloved furry friends. The cemetery also offers cremation services.
According to data, about 425 pets are buried in the Hartsdale cemetery each year, and about 15,000 are cremated, either brought by their owners or collected from shelters or veterinarians.
After 126 years, Hartsdale is the resting place of more than 80 thousand animals, and with 5 acres of land, even Diana Ross, George Raft, and Mariah Carey have buried their dear friends here.
Letting go of your little friend can be harder than it seems; they are with you no matter what, and thanks to the pet cemetery, owners can have some closure and grieve.
You can find some lovely pet cremation jewelry and information here www.rainbowbridge-memorials.com
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