If you're looking for a unique cemetery in New York that's the only one of its kind in the country, consider a visit to Hartsdale Pet Cemetery in Hartsdale. This graveyard was established in 1896 and was the first pet cemetery in the country. It's also the only one to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It's such a beautiful and peaceful place. A walk through here is utterly serene.
The cemetery was established by Samuel Johnson. The New York City veterinarian was instrumental in founding the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
Johnson lived in Hartsdale and was approached by a client who was extremely distraught after her dog passed away. She lived in New York City and had nowhere to legally bury the dog. Johnson offered up his apple orchard for her to use as a final resting place. He later mentioned the incident to a friend who was a reporter, and several days later, the story appeared in print. Johnson was then contacted by a number of pet owners who were in the same situation. He ended up setting aside an area of his apple orchard to be used as a pet cemetery.
With more than 70,000 animals interred here, this is the largest pet cemetery in the country.
A walk through here is like traveling through 100 years of history. Animal lovers will feel so touched at how beloved all the pets here were.
Some of the memorials here are tear-inducing, others are joyful.
The cemetery is home to the War Dog Memorial. Erected in 1923, the monument honors the more than 7,000 dogs who served in World War I.
A walk through here will certainly have you hugging your furry friend a little more tightly when you get home.
For more information about the Hartsdale Pet Cemetery, visit their website.
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