The Baltimore Humane Society Memorial Park will hold its 10th annual Pet Memorial Sunday Ceremony in observance of National Pet Memorial Day on Sunday, Sept. 12 at 11 a.m. The event will take place at the entrance of the memorial park on the grounds of the Baltimore Humane Society at 1601 Nicodemus Road in Reisterstown. The ceremony is for anyone who has experienced the loss of a beloved pet.
Baltimore Humane Society Memorial Park Director Veronica Van Hof will lead the ceremony, which includes speakers, Louis Eagle Warrior, a Lenape author and recording artist who will speak on “Loss in the Indian Tradition”, Erin Scott, creator of the “Believe in Dog” podcast, Dr. Ayrika White-Mfoudi from Peaceful Passage, and Jennifer Yarbro of the Baltimore Shambhala Meditation Center, who will lead a short memorial meditation. Local musicians Joshua Rettenmeyer and Sarah Driver will perform songs to reflect our close relationships with our pets.
“Our pets are best friends, confidants, road trip buddies, unwavering companions and more. Our Pet Memorial Sunday is the biggest local event dedicated to memorializing just pets. It’s a day to remember and celebrate them in our serene, historical cemetery,” says Van Hof. “When someone’s pet dies it can be just as difficult as when a family member passes away. The life of a pet rarely gets acknowledged or remembered with a memorial service, making the grieving process that much more difficult for their owners. That’s why Baltimore Humane Society holds this annual pet memorial service for the public.”
All are invited. You do NOT need to have a pet buried at the Memorial Park or adopted from Baltimore Humane Society to attend. Attendance is free, but an RSVP is kindly requested. Anyone attending is asked to bring a photo of their pet to put on display during the ceremony, a flower to place in their honor along with the name (or names) of pets they’d like read aloud at the ceremony. RSVP for the event to 410-833-8848 ext. 219 or email Veronica at vvanhof@bmorehumane.org.
About the Baltimore Humane Society: A crucial member of the Baltimore community for nearly one hundred years, the Baltimore Humane Society is an independent non-profit animal shelter offering services for all stages of pet ownership. The organization works diligently to help homeless animals find necessary medical treatment, behavioral training and, ultimately, a loving forever home. Adoption fees are halved for senior animals and modified or waived for senior citizens, first responders and military personnel. The clinic offers free and low-cost spay/neuter, vaccination, and wellness services to the public. The memorial park offers end-of-life options for beloved pets as well as bereavement support and grief counseling. For more information on adoption, programs and services, visit bmorehumane.org. Follow BHS on social media: @BmoreHumane on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.
