Originally posted in December 2021, this story about a very special tree in the Ramble in Central Park still holds true — except for the references to the quarantine, thank goodness! West Side Rag went looking for the pet memorial tree, but couldn’t find it. Its location is a mystery to most. However, a walking club is offering a free two-mile hike to the tree, leaving from the Upper East Side on December 16th at 10 a.m. For all the information you need to join, click here.
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.”
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Central Park is a graveyard for some of those smaller pets. I know we contributed a few.
Lovely memorial. Keep it secret.
I recently left a memorial to our dog Pluto who died in July at almost 18 years. He spent many happy years in Central Park & it’s only fitting that his memory (and photo) find a home on this beautiful pet memorial tree
Awww, I’m sorry to hear about your Pluto. 18 years. Wow.
I visit this tree every year to see the photos of beloved pets. It’s sad and annoying that your article and pictures show ONLY dogs. Other animals are equally loved,. The tree has photos of horses, rabbits, cats and many other types of pets.
Yes, I was sad and annoyed that the photo of my pet gerbil was not shown as well. I’m a bit near sighted so I think it might have been a rat. But who cares, I do miss my companion…
Can you please share with me how to get there.
We lost our beloved Penny girl (12.5 year old black lab mix) yesterday and then this popped up in my inbox. Does anyone know the exact location? The park was her favorite place in the world. If she didn’t get to go at least once a day, she was sad. Would love to put a photo of her on the tree!
I’m so sorry to hear about your Penny! I’ve been to the tree at least two years in a row now (not this year yet, though) but it’s always been because I’ve stumbled on it while running in the Ramble. I eventually found a way to get to it directly but for the life of me can’t remember now.
Thank you, Petra. We took our golden retriever Nola on a long walk in the ramble (Nola’s favorite spot in the park) and we let her lead the way and ended up walking right to it. Bawled my eyes out and will bring back a photo of our sweet Penny.
As I was packing to fly back home tomorrow after 10 glorious days in NY, the city of my birth, I saw a story about the tree on the news. I will definitely go to the Ramble tomorrow morning before I leave, but I’m afraid I won’t be able to find the tree, so I would really appreciate it if anyone out there could help me. I would cherish the opportunity to see the loving mementos and honor the angels. 407-808-3574
My sweet Sam! I never saw this article when it was first published which would’ve been a few months after Sam died. Thank you for posting this!