Pet Cemetaries with Paul Koudounaris

When a dog named Cherry died in 1881, his owners arranged for a grave in a nearby garden. At this time, the idea that an animal might be given a dignified burial was considered comical. But others followed suit and the world’s first urban pet cemetery was born, resulting in a revolution in the way we treat animals.

Dr. Paul Koudounaris has spent the last ten years researching the history of pet cemeteries and the people who dared to believe in the face of an incredulous public that the reward at death for an animal companion should reflect the love it offered during life. His book on pet cemeteries and animal burials, Faithful Unto Death, will be published in the fall, but he presents for us tonight his first public talk on this material. He will share with us stories that are sometimes weird, sometimes tragic, yet always heartwarming.

This is an IN-PERSON event and will take place in the Reading Room at the Office of Collecting & Design.

Host or Publisher Office of Collecting and Design