Tyler with a photo of his dog Darwin.
By Lydia Ettinger
A tree in Central Park is hung with ornaments, but it isn’t your traditional Christmas tree. This one is dedicated to New Yorkers’ best friends and quarantine buddies.
The tree is in the Ramble but its exact location is considered a secret. It celebrates the lives of animals who turned the hills, rocks, and fields into their personal playground. Owners hang pictures, ornaments, and goodbyes of all sorts.
One recent visitor named Marie was there to honor her dog Topanga, who died in August. Marie said she is grateful for the tree as it gives her and other owners a commemorative place for their furry friends. She teared up as she said, “It gave us an opportunity to honor her during the season.”
It provides a sense of community at this time of year, especially when their pets are not present as they hang ornaments or light Chanukah candles.
Marie stumbled upon the tree this week, but already feels a long-lasting connection to it. “Now that we know this tree is here we will visit every year,” she said.
Another visitor had similar sentiments. East sider Tyler visited a photo of his dog Darwin who died this past summer. Tyler’s sister and Darwin passed around the same time, so Tyler decided to hang a tribute to her next to Darwin, honoring both of their memories. Tyler is grateful for the dog community to have this space. He said, “Our dogs love the park and it’s a big part of their lives, having the tree is a big comfort to the community.”
Dogs give us the unconditionallove we crave. Sometimes they are all we have.
What a beautiful idea! Next year, we will have our ornaments ready & going with friends to hang them together may become a new tradition.
What a great story. Thank you WSR. If you lost a pet but not quite reay to adopt, why not consider fostering?
Thank you for not revealing it’s location. Having used it over the years for our deceased pets, it’s a particularly special part of the park. We enjoyed reading this article and your publication. Thanks again.
This is beautiful. Condolences to all who lost a furry friend this year.
Not just furry– I saw a photo of a pet turtle on the tree this year. Have seen pet bird photos there, too.
Not sure why the location should be a secret….
Heartbreaking and beautiful. I will brave the dreaded Ramble with my ornament in hand…
What a beautiful and meaningful thing. Thanks for publishing this.
Wonderful! Our beagle, Charlie, passed away in June. The Ramble was his favourite outing, stopping at the brook to refresh. We miss him greatly.
Christmas won’t be the same without him.
Thanks for this. We only wish we could know where it is.
Merry Christmas!
How beautiful
I found the tree last year, but haven’t been able to find it again. I would love to honor my Neo who passed last March. I will keep searching.
Wonderful article about beloved pets! Thank you for writing this!
This is a perfect almost art piece exemplifying how the city and its parks are entwined with the love for our pets. Particularly with dogs in perhaps ways stay at home pets aren’t.
Exceptionally well written heartwarming story! Thank you for writing about this. ❤️
May Aly’s and Darwin’s and Ace’s memories all be blessings to you always, Tyler. I think of your sister often. Sending you and your parents lots of love this holiday season.
Is there any reason people who can’t find this particular memorial tree cannot start another somewhere? It’s such a great idea I don’t think the universe needs to be limited to one specific tree.
What a wonderful way to help people acknowledge their unexpressed grief
I love it,it was majikal ,i was guided there by my Amgels