Unearthing History: The Forgotten Pet Memorial Park
On a serene hillside in west Arvada, a once cherished site for beloved pets lies in silence. The Pet Memorial Park, which served as a final resting place for many dogs and possibly a few cats over four decades, appears all but forgotten. As a pending sale to a developer looms, the site risks disappearing entirely from memory.
A Glimpse into the Past
Once marked by gravestones inscribed with names like “Mr. Sparkplug” and “International Champion Stormcroft Senta Van Rommel,” the park now lacks any visible traces of its past. Google Maps images indicate the headstones were removed after 2023, leaving no indicators of the pets that rest beneath the ground.
The rediscovery of the cemetery can be attributed to Jason Marmor, a historian who found it during a transportation project in 2016. Initially mistaken for a human burial site, Marmor learned of its true identity from curious locals and decided to investigate further.
Unraveling the Mystery
Intrigued by the cemetery’s history, Marmor scoured various county offices for information, eventually securing permission to photograph the remaining headstones. His passion for history compels him to explore peculiar stories, and this pet cemetery presents a unique conundrum.
The Pet Memorial Park was established in 1957 by the Colorado Mausoleum Company and changed ownership several times over the next 30 years. It became associated with the Jefferson County Kennel Association (JCKA) in the 1960s, flourishing from approximately 1968 to 1986. One notable interment was a German shepherd named Senta, who became a celebrated dog in her own right.
The Fate of the Property
The Pet Memorial Park today occupies a section of a 9.2-acre property on Indiana Street. Although the site is unremarkable now, it holds the memory of numerous pets. As the property sits under a “pending” sale on Zillow, the future of the land remains unclear. Keller Williams agent Bob Isabell mentioned that while the current owner is private, an unnamed developer is considering its potential.
Compounding the uncertainty is the fate of the original headstones and the potential erasure of a piece of local history. The board of the West Arvada Dog Park, situated nearby, expressed ignorance about the cemetery’s history, reflecting a broader lack of awareness in the community.
A Legacy of Love
Marmor poignantly reflects on the ethical dilemma of managing an abandoned pet cemetery, especially as those who mourn the pets are no longer living. “What do you do with an abandoned pet cemetery, especially if all the humans are dead?” he questions, weighing the respect owed to the site against the fading memories of its caretakers.
In an obituary for the beloved Senta, a letter writer noted the profound connection between humans and their pets, capturing the essence of a love that resonates deeply within the community. As the future of the Pet Memorial Park hangs in the balance, its legacy calls for recognition and remembrance—a bond that transcends time and continues to enrich our lives.
