Guardians of the dead pets of Asnières (by kerouac2)

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A few years ago I already made a report about the magnificent pet cemetery in the Parisian suburb of Asnières. You can see that report here

The other day I returned there. Lots more pets have died but frankly only a few have the privilege of a human style burial. Anybody who has ever been involved in funeral services probably knows the cost of a tombstone, so you can imagine that the tombs of a pet are not much cheaper. Only the rich or the obsessed bring their beloved pets here. Frankly, I don't mind at all, because people spend tons of money on all sorts of "silly" things and can this be considered silly? I imagine that the majority of people who have brought their pets here are elderly and solitary people who have just lost the most important being in their life. Maybe not -- rich people do not need to be old to decide to spend money on such things. Some of the graves have 10 or more names on them, making me think of other traditions like buying a new Christmas ornament every year.

Anyway, since I had already taken lots of pictures of the tombs, it was time to look at something else. The tombs do not have any religious symbols on them (I suppose it is a rule, but I did not investigate.) but I imagine that many people want to leave something extra. Without a crucifix or a Virgin Mary, star of David or Islamic crescent, who can look over these tombs. So here are the guardians.

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To finish this up, just a few random photos also taken the same day...













This was a passage between the new section and old section. The steps were made out of abandoned tombstones.

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Kerouac, you certainly have a real knack for getting great close-up shots, as well as a keen ability to create a story.

[lagatta]

That is extraordinary. I don't want to be buried myself, so it would be silly for me to inter Renzo in the likely event that he will predecease me. But I certainly understand the sentiment. Yes, it is "silly", but far less silly than spending similar sums on fast cars, designer handbags and extreme fashions that are out of style in a year.

I guess St Francis is acceptable as religious figures go. Probably the compassionate Buddha as well.

[whatagain]

I can't tell of the quality of pics, not being an expert at all, I like them, but Kerouac you do create an atmosphere.

As for being silly to inter and pay for a tomb of a pet animal, I will certainly not judge. People fight their grief anyway they can and do with their money what they want to.
We interred totally illegally all our pets close to home (we have a small garden) and I know where everyone of my cats or dogs lie.

Saint-Bernard would be a good one if I were to put a saint on a pet's grave :-)

[bixaorellana]

I imagine that some of the guardians were selected & put there by children.

This is a great thread, even though my snobby initial dismissal of the sentimental doo-dads ultimately didn't protect me from being moved by it all.