Remembering our beloved companion animals

A.K.A. pets

Dec 29, 2024

ANIMALS MATTER – is the name of my Substack because animals do matter – very, very much.

My first three articles were not happy ones, but they were reality—about issues—the companion animal overpopulation/homeless crisis, TNR rescuers, and backyard breeding. If we care for animals as much as we say we do, then we need to know these things and advocate for them—to strive for a better life for these precious souls.

But it’s time to celebrate all the wonderful animals who have lived with us and are no longer here — to remember the joy they gave us and all the happy moments. We can also celebrate the ones with us now.

Many people adore their animals and will do anything for them – showering them with love, sacrificing – whatever it takes to provide them with a comfortable, healthy, loving environment. Some people will give up an apartment if pets are not allowed; they will make financial sacrifices so their fur baby has what he or she needs to be healthy. They will go without.

Thinking about people like this makes up for all the horror stories we hear. It’s like the Yin and Yang – opposing forces.

THE PET MEMORIAL CHRISTMAS TREE IN NYC’S CENTRAL PARK

The Pet Memorial Christmas Tree is a secret holiday tradition that honors pets who have passed away. Its hundreds of photos and messages of animals we’ve held dear represent a beautiful bond between us and our departed beloved fur babies. This special tree is in the Ramble, a wooded area within the park between W. 73^rd and W. 78^th St. The tradition is thought to have started in 1986 and was word of mouth only – mostly by dog people. Dog people’s culture is different than cat people's because walking your dog and using dog runs brings people into contact with like-minded friends. Cat people – like myself – do not have this same opportunity. We talk about our cats and share stories and photos – but we never have play dates. Nevertheless, over the years, this wonderful tribute to cherished pets has held remembrances of dogs, cats, bunnies, horses, rabbits, birds, hamsters, mice – any beloved pet that took your heart when they died.

It begins on Thanksgiving Day, when the tree becomes the Pet Memorial Christmas Tree, and continues until January 6th, also called Three Kings Day or Little Christmas. That’s when the photos and ornaments are packed away until next year by those who manage this tree.

This article by Larry Closs - The Furever Tree tells the story as no one else can. It is also so New York.

While the people who started it have tried to keep it private, it is no longer – here are some recent articles:

https://nypost.com/2024/12/16/lifestyle/secret-central-park-tree-honors-nyc-pets/

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/17/nyregion/central-park-pets-memorial-tree.html

The three images below are by Eva Podietz - with the one in the middle, of her beloved dog, Benji, who died in early 2024.

HARTSDALE PET CEMETERY

I never participated in the Pet Memorial Christmas Tree because - for some reason – I didn’t know about it – yet I lived one mile away. To honor my nine precious kitties, who will always be in my heart, they were buried at Hartsdale Pet Cemetery in Hartsdale, NY. Established in 1896, it is America’s oldest and largest pet burial ground.

Human cemeteries have always seemed a little creepy to me - I’ve never been a fan. Not so Hartsdale. When I visited, I was struck by how much love I saw depicted by beautiful, loving inscriptions engraved on granite and marble headstones – something rarely seen in people's cemeteries. These are some:

Clarence, my eternal friend and guardian angel – you’ll always be a part of me forever

Tigo – our beloved pet

My sweet little angel, Patches

Stormy – Mommy’s boy

Kimmy – we will cherish you forever

Here are some wonderful photos of Hartsdale.

This stone is for my precious cats at Hartsdale — I love them all forever.

I don’t know if this is really by Keanu Reeves - It might be. But it is beautiful, so I am sharing it here:

Keanu Reeves once said: “Kind people often share a deep love for animals. Animals have a unique way of connecting with us, offering a kind of companionship that feels pure and unfiltered. Anyone who has ever formed a bond with an animal knows the magic they bring to our lives.

There is a quiet nobility in animals, a way of being that can teach us humility, patience, and empathy. They remind us to be kind, to offer love freely, and to appreciate the simple joys in life. Animals give without expecting anything in return, teaching us about loyalty, trust, and the beauty of unconditional love.

Through them, we become kinder, softer, and more compassionate, learning to care deeply for the world around us. In their presence, we find comfort, healing, and a reminder of our own capacity to love. It is a privilege to know and care for them, and they bring out the best in us simply by being who they are.”

DORSEY & SOPHIE — my current wonderful cats