Losing a beloved pet is an incredibly painful experience. For many pet owners, their furry, scaled, or feathered companions are family members, and saying goodbye can be as difficult as losing any other loved one. When Oliver, my pet hedgehog, passed away unexpectedly, I found myself grappling with grief and the practical question of what to do next. Like many, I was unaware of the options available for honoring a pet’s life after they are gone. My search for respectful and compassionate aftercare led me to discover the world of pet cemeteries, a comforting resource for pet owners navigating loss.
What exactly is a Pet Cemetery? Just as traditional cemeteries provide a final resting place for humans, pet cemeteries offer dedicated burial grounds for animals. These serene spaces provide a tranquil environment for remembrance and mourning, offering solace to those grieving the loss of their companions. Beyond simply a burial ground, pet cemeteries represent a growing recognition of the deep bond between humans and animals, acknowledging the importance of honoring these relationships with dignity and respect.
The concept of pet cemeteries is not new. In fact, the first pet cemetery, “Le Cimetière des Chiens,” was established in France in the late 19th century. Since then, pet cemeteries have emerged worldwide, reflecting changing societal views on pets and grief. Denver Pet Cemetery and Crematory, the place I turned to in my time of need, stands as a testament to this history, serving the Denver community for over 80 years. Founded in 1939, this cemetery is the final resting place for countless beloved animals, including notable pets like Geronimo, a war dog. The existence and even historical preservation efforts surrounding places like Denver Pet Cemetery highlight the enduring significance of these spaces for pet owners seeking meaningful ways to memorialize their companions.
Pet cemeteries offer a range of services to help pet owners through the difficult process of saying goodbye. Burial plots are a central offering, allowing for a traditional interment with personalized headstones or markers. These headstones serve as lasting tributes, providing a physical place for owners to visit, reflect, and connect with the memory of their pets. In addition to burial, many pet cemeteries, like Denver Pet Cemetery and Crematory, also provide cremation services. Cremation offers an alternative for owners who prefer it, or for those who may not have access to burial options due to space or regulations. Cremation services can range from individual cremation, where ashes are returned to the owner, to communal cremation. Following cremation, many cemeteries offer beautiful urns and memorial products to keep the pet’s ashes in a place of honor. Some facilities even provide grief counseling or support resources, recognizing the emotional toll of pet loss and offering compassionate guidance during a challenging time.
Denver Pet Cemetery and Crematory’s story is particularly compelling, showcasing the dedication and care that goes into these specialized services. After facing potential closure and neglect under previous ownership, Everett Gidlund and his father stepped in to revive the cemetery in 2015, driven by a commitment to preserve this important community resource. Despite the financial challenges of maintaining a pet cemetery, they invested time and resources to restore the grounds and crematory, reopening in 2016. This act of preservation ensured that pet owners in Denver would continue to have access to a comforting and respectful place for their beloved animals. Today, while Everett has passed on day-to-day operations, the cemetery continues to operate, serving around two cremations daily and maintaining the historical burial grounds. Stories like Denver Pet Cemetery’s revival underscore the vital role these facilities play in communities, offering solace and support to grieving pet owners.
Navigating pet loss is never easy, but understanding the options available, such as pet cemeteries and crematories, can provide comfort and support during a difficult time. When choosing a pet cemetery or cremation service, consider factors such as location, services offered, the facility’s history and reputation, and the overall atmosphere of the grounds. Visiting the cemetery beforehand can help you assess if it feels like a peaceful and respectful place to memorialize your pet. Reading reviews and testimonials from other pet owners can also offer valuable insights. Ultimately, selecting a pet cemetery is a personal decision, but knowing that these dedicated spaces exist to honor the lives of our animal companions can be a source of peace and help in the grieving process.
For me, discovering Denver Pet Cemetery and entrusting Oliver to their care made a significant difference in processing my grief. The compassion and respect shown by Everett and his team provided immense comfort during a painful experience. Knowing Oliver was treated with dignity and care in his final journey allowed me to focus on cherishing his memory. Pet cemeteries are more than just burial grounds; they are sanctuaries of remembrance, offering a space to honor the unconditional love and joy our pets bring into our lives. They serve as a testament to the enduring bond between humans and animals, providing a lasting tribute to the companions who leave paw prints on our hearts.
Headstones at Denver Pet Cemetery
Read more: 8 Things You Might Not Know About Pet Ownership in Colorado
