| NATIONAL PET MEMORIAL DAY |
| Second Sunday in September |
 This is a day that has been designated to respect the deep
bond between humans and their animal companions. The bond does not cease upon the passing away of a devoted pet. Most
of the pain and grief eases with the passage of time, but fond memories of the good times enjoyed by both parties
will remain.
The International Association of Pet Cemeteries, on June
29,1972, recognized the need for a one national remembrance day and decreed the Second Sunday of September be set
aside to remember our devoted companions.
On this day...
we pause in memory of
those companion animals
...who filled the hours of the lonely and aged
...the pet who taught all persons unconditional love
...the pet who assisted the mentally and physically disabled
...the Seeing Eye Dogs who guided their owners
...the Hearing Ear Dogs who alerted their owners to sound
...the K-9 Dogs
...the Border Patrol Dogs
...working dogs and sporting dogs for their unrelentless devotion and service to humans.
Many pet cemeteries throughout the nation observe this day with open houses, ceremonies or just quiet observance. Those who visit their pet cemeteries at this time can be seen sharing pictures and thoughts of their departed pets with others and visiting the gravesite or memorial areas.
It truly is a day set aside for fond memories. |
This sentiment was well expressed
by poet Lord Byron:
IN MEMORIAM
Near this spot
Are deposited the Remains
Of one
Who possessed Beauty
Without Vanity,
Strength without Insolence,
Courage without Ferocity,
And all the Virtues of Man
Without his Vices.
This Praise, which would be unmeaning flattery
If inscribed over Human Ashes,
Is but a just tribute to the Memory of
"Boatswain" a Dog...
(Excerpted in part from
Lord Byron's "Epitaph to a Dog")
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