The Pet Memorial Christmas Tree is a shimmering, touching, heartfelt tribute to cherished pets who are no longer with us.
As the holidays and end of the year approach, many begin to reflect on the year and remember those who have joined our lives and left. Like people, pets make permanent impacts in our lives. The Furever Tree is a symbol of that, signaling they are not forgotten and perhaps one day we will meet again.
The Furever Tree in Central Park
The origins of a furever tree are not known, but one of the more well-known kept secrets is the furever tree in New York City’s Central Park. For nearly 40 years a slightly off the path evergreen turns into the Pet Memorial Christmas Tree every November to January. The branches are filled with pictures of all types of animals with written messages, memories, and promises to meet again.
According to an article about the Furever Tree by writer and photographer Larry Closs, some pictures on the tree have been there for years, hung back up every year by Marianne Larsen. However, the first person to decorate the tree was Lela Rolontz who frequently walked her dogs through the ramble every weekend. In 1986 she decided to decorate the evergreen that caught her eye. Unfortunately, when she returned the next weekend ornaments were missing, but in their place were photos of dogs and dog toys. Jason Reddock and Nicki Gallas came across the tree a few days earlier and were charmed by seeing the decorated tree which inspired them to return with decorations of their own and photos of their pets who had passed. This began the Pet Memorial Christmas Tree. Larsen is the current keeper of the tree and ornaments. She and a group of volunteers hang the 427 remembrances (as of 2022) every December and take them down in January.
Serving as a place to grieve, say goodbye, honor, and say I’ll see you again, the furever tree connects pet owners and lovers with those who have passed.
The Furever Tree in Loose Park
You can bring your own ornament or memento of a pet who has passed to Loose Park on December 7 from 2-4 PM during our Santa Paws in the Park or bring a photo and create an ornament for the tree on-site during the event. The Furever Tree will be installed in front of the Loose Park Garden Center for the season and can be adorned with mementos through January 1st. After that time, the mementos will be removed, stored, and placed on the 2025 Furever Tree.
We have created a Facebook Event that showcases the pets included on the Furever Tree in Loose Park. Add a photo and verbiage of the pet you are honoring to this page>>
Additional Santa Paws in the Park activities include pictures with Santa, a pet holiday outfit competition and parade, and howliday cookies to take home and a DIY Treat Wreath Take & Make. For more information and to register, visit our Eventbrite.
Information about New York City’s Pet Memorial Tree from The Furever Tree – The Furever Tree.
