January 2026

Christmas at The (Pet) Cemetery?

By Judith Ray
Posted: 12/18/2025

It wasn’t meant to be a Christmas outing, but when some of the members of the “Everything Doggie” group left their cars, they thought they had stepped into Santa’s Christmas Village.  Decorated trees, poinsettias, elaborate drapings dazzled their eyes making them wonder if they had made a wrong turn.

But, no, it was actually the Los Angeles Pet Memorial Park. Established in 1929, it is 10 acres in Calabasas CA that provides a peaceful resting place for people’s treasured pets. There are some pretty famous residents there. The MGM lion, Tawny, rests beneath a rugged stone next to his adored tomcat, Pal. They were companions for years.

Other well-known “manimals” are Jiggs – “Cheetah” from Tarzan, and Topper – the trusty steed of Hopalong Cassidy. Not only famous pets are there, but pets of famous people, like Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, Valentino, Mae West, and Jimmy Durante, to name a few. Guess you wouldn’t take your grandkids, though, because they would have no idea who these people and pets were!

It was an idyllic day to wander among the graves and marvel at the creativity people put into decorating their adored pets resting places. Obviously, it was meant for the well-heeled (Pun intended.) Probably most impressive was the mausoleum. Yes, people actually buy spaces in an indoor mausoleum. Not only that, but the mausoleum was completely restored by Peter Falk, the actor who played “Columbo.” 

There are some 700 pet cemeteries in the United States.  Some are less posh and a little more affordable. But – hey –  it’s Hollywood!

Here are some other sights.

Jane & Brigid examining a grave.  

Bella wondering why Sydney won’t play. 

Peanut and Brittle could care less.

 

Looking at the other people around us, we noticed many teary eyes and some downright sobbing.  Our pets are precious to us, but speaking for myself, I think I’ll stick to pictures.  If you are interested in finding out more (like cost $), you can check this out. https://lapetcemetery.com/