Man’s best friend in life and death.
Rex the Wonder Dog gravestone. ATLAS OBSCURA USER JANE WEINHARDT
Every dog deserves a proper burial, but few pups reach a level of fame earning them a tombstone that will be visited for generations. These seven graves comprise a macabre memorial tour of the Western world’s most beloved fallen canines. These good dogs were honored in death in a manner befitting of humankind’s best friend.
Cemetery of the Dogs
ASNIÈRES-SUR-SEINE, FRANCE
Opened in 1899, the Cimetière des Chiens, or Cemetery of the Dogs, is the oldest pet cemetery in Europe. Here among the dog toy-decorated tombs and stone dog-house mausoleums is the final resting place of one of the biggest canine celebrities of all time, Rin Tin Tin. The world-famous German Shepherd appeared in nearly 30 Hollywood films, and is largely responsible for the popularity of the breed as pets. Rin Tin Tin’s descendants starred in even more films and the Adventures of Rin Tin Tin television series. Despite being an American movie star, Rinty is buried in France, where he was found and rescued from the trenches during World War I.
Hartsdale Pet Cemetery
HARTSDALE, NEW YORK
Speaking of oldest pet cemeteries, hop across the Atlantic to New York and you’ll find Hartsdale Pet Cemetery, the first in the United States. Founded in 1896, it has over 80,000 dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, reptiles, monkeys, horses, a lion, and even some humans buried on its five acres.
At the center of the cemetery is the War Dog Memorial in honor of the dogs that served in World War I, and it’s encircled with tributes to the space dog Laika (who is not buried in the cemetery) as well as the dogs who helped with search and rescue following the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995. Sirius, a dog who lost his life in the September 11 terror attacks, is also memorialized.
Toto Canine Movie Star Memorial Marker
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
As we all know from the classic line in The Wizard of Oz, “There is no place like home.” Unfortunately for the film’s beloved pooch, Toto’s own puppyhood home—including his gravesite—was bulldozed by the state of California in 1958 in order to build the Ventura Freeway.
Many years later, concerned that there was nowhere to commemorate the celebrity pup, some fans got together and launched an online campaign to build a memorial for Toto at Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles. Robert Baum, the great-grandson of Wizard of Oz author L. Frank Baum, even attended the dedication to pay his respects to the canine movie star. The crowd at the dedication sang a rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow.
Monument to Boomer the Three-Legged Hero Dog
MAKANDA, ILLINOIS
This unassuming memorial stone is dedicated to a mysterious dog named Boomer who is said to have died trying to save his master while running on three legs. As the story goes, the dog was running alongside a railway line when a fire broke out on the train. Seeing this, Boomer supposedly lifted his leg mid-run and attempted to put the fire out with his urine—a heroic bit of multitasking that unfortunately cost the dog his life. While this tale may seem a bit outlandish, it nonetheless inspired the creation of the Boomer memorial under which the dog is said to be buried.
Greyfriars Bobby
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND
The tombstone of Greyfriars Bobby reads, “Let his loyalty and devotion be a lesson to us all.” The little skye terrier known as Greyfriars Bobby was said to have stood vigil at his owner’s grave for 14 years after his death. His dedication and loyalty became legendary, and when he finally died in January 1872, he was laid to rest in Greyfriars Kirkyard, not far from his owner’s grave.
It’s a heartwarming story that has inspired numerous books, films, and even an episode of Futurama. Unfortunately, it seems the whole thing may have been just a publicity stunt, and the original Bobby was just a stray who found that by lingering around the churchyard he could get snacks from sympathetic visitors who assumed he was mourning the loss of his owner.
Brownie the Town Dog’s Grave
DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA
Owned by no one but beloved by all, Brownie, a large, brown, short-haired stray dog, lived on Beach Street for 15 years, and became known far beyond his seaside home as the Town Dog of Daytona Beach. Locals, Beach Street merchants and tourists all donated funds to keep Brownie well fed and well cared for, and even established a Florida Bank and Trust account in his name to make sure there was always enough money to buy dog food and pay any vet bills. Each year, the townspeople bought Brownie a dog license, his tag always #1—signifying that he was the official goodwill ambassador for the town.
When Brownie died on Halloween in 1954 at the age of 15, the entire city mourned the good dog’s passing and 75 people attended his funeral. The mayor gave the eulogy.
Showbiz Dogs of Clara Glen Pet Cemetery
LINWOOD, NEW JERSEY
This quaint New Jersey graveyard, started in 1918 by a husband and wife who loved their pets almost as much as they loved each other, is an eternal resting place for thousands of beloved pets. Many celebrities who performed in nearby Atlantic City buried their beloved companions here, and showbiz pups including Petey from the short-film series Our Gang and Rex the Wonder Dog are also resting here, after a long, hard life on the road.
Rex was a star attraction at Atlantic City’s Steel Pier during the 1930s and 1940s. Many people flocked to see this dynamic dog bravely water ski. Another star dog was Paradiddle Ben. He has one of the most notable tombstones, etched with the masks of comedy and tragedy. Services at Clara Glen could be very elaborate. It is said that the burial of one Atlantic City bartender’s dog was attended by 20 limos.
Is that exclusive cemetery for famous dogs? I hope I can visit this place to give honor to those pets. In my case I really admire pets for giving us unconditional love and they always make us happy. That's why until now we're still grieving. It's been 2 months but the pain is still here and thank you to our friends and the pet cremation hampton roads for giving Tyra a great service.
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