“Qui m’aime aime mon
chien.” – St. Bernard of Clairvaux.
The relatively quiet
north-west suburb of Asnieres-sur-Seine, 5 miles from the centre of Paris has a
few rare claims. Not only the home to Luis Vuitton and L’Oreal cosmetics, but
the first verifiable ‘Cimetière des Chiens’ or pet cemetery created in 1899.
This is the last resting place for a variety of creatures once beloved,
including horses, dogs, cats, fish, monkey’s and lions. This exotic cornucopia
of animal spirits is equally matched by the ornate ‘art-nouveau’ entrance gate,
designed by the famous architect Eugene Petit. Here you may find the grave of
the Hollywood star Rin Tin Tin, and the pet lion of stage actress Marguerite
Durand amongst others. Whilst only the extremely wealthy may be able to
purchase a plot for their pet, the site became a historical place of interest
in 1987.
We do love our pets and
cherish fond memories after their demise. They all seem to add a dimension to
our lives that would not otherwise exist. There even seems, in those sparkling
eyes contrary to the opinion of some ministers of theology, a spirit comparable
to our own which justifies a decent resting place. Thus, the recent and
despicable grave robbery which took place at the aforementioned cemetery last
week, in which the diamond collar of Tipsy the black poodle was unearthed and
stolen by thieves in the dark night. The collar is estimated to be worth at
least $11,000. The anonymous American owners of the poodle must be horrified at
the gross disrespect displayed by this particularly grim crime. There appears
to be no end in the efforts exerted by the criminal mind to appropriate the
fortunes of others.
We all hope these
nefarious characters are apprehended and dealt with. I can think of no better
way of ending this post with the prayerful words of Albert Schweitzer, for I
firmly believe that we must extend our compassion to all living creatures, and
respect to the deceased:
“Hear our humble
prayer, O God, for our friends the animals, especially for animals who are
suffering; for animals that are overworked, underfed and cruelly treated; for
all wistful creatures in captivity that beat their wings against bars; for any
that are hunted or lost or deserted or frightened or hungry; for all that must
be put death. We entreat for them all Thy mercy and pity, and for those who
deal with them we ask a heart of compassion and gentle hands and kindly words.
Make us, ourselves, to be true friends to animals, and so to share the
blessings of the merciful, Amen.”
All
Rights Reserved / Copyright David John Drew 2013.
