If someone ever asks what happens to a dog that dies,Just give a gentle smile of joy and look them in the eye.
Take their hand and comfort them and tell them not to cry, for dogs don’t die, they simply cross a bridge to paradise.

(From a poem by Dan Atcheson called ‘Do dogs go to heaven?’ posted on a website)

If all dogs go to heaven, as the popularised saying after the 1989 film by the same name, why must their journey to that abode be any less dignified?

For those who love their furry friends nearly as unconditionally as they do, their demise is definitely painful. But what could be more heart-wrenching is that their last memory is of the pet being taken away in a government or corporation van that couldn’t care too much for sentiments.

Most families dread this thought but where does one find space in a crowded city to ensure they rest in peace?

This was a growing concern a few years ago when Ranjan Chacko, a plantation owner, currently part of People For Animals (PFA) noticed several letters in newspapers, messages that were posted on the internet and people generally discussing the issue.

He says, “And these were people for whom their dog or cat was very much a part of the family.

“This got us all thinking and we said why not make space in the PFA property for this purpose?”

Amidst the six acres of land that is abundant with greenery, PFA decided to allocate space for a burial place for pets where now Symba, Romi, Bruno, Kimba, Hazel, Steffy and Sonu among others rest in peace.

Spreading purely through word of mouth, most families not only opted for a regular burial but built tombstones in memory of their pets, mostly dogs.

“It’s amazing how all the people who come here want to do something special in memory of their beloved pet, money not being an issue. The inscription on the stones speaks volumes about their bonding,” says Ranjan.
It costs a minimum of Rs 3,500 and can go up depending on the kind of tombstone the families want to lay.

Ranjan says it is a way for PFA to raise funds for their primary function which is rehabilitating wildlife. “What we charge covers all aspects of the burial including the tombstone and the inscription and whatever little is left is diverted to take care of wildlife. Some families give much more than that,” says Ranjan.

“Families plant flowers and sacred plants on the tombs and visit them every year. Their annual visits, apart from spending some solitary moments near the burial place, is also become a way of contributing time and money for the many primates, birds and reptiles that we rescue,” he adds.

When a pet passes away, it is a moment of immense grief for the family. “Some of the people who come to the cemetery find it hard to let go but they are comforted that the pet lies in peace here and this is rewarding for us,” shares Ranjan.Presently the cemetery houses over 16 inhabitants and according to Ranjan, they are open to extending the space.

PFA also offers an ambulance service at a nominal rate if families want their pet taken to the shelter for burial. People for Animals is at Survey No 67, Uttarahalli Road, Kengeri (near Abhiman Studio). Call PFA for more information: 99803-39880/ 98452-09623/ 22733350.