Over 100-Year-Old Dog’s Grave In Green-Wood Cemetery Shrouded In Sticks, Not Flowers
Whether you’re visiting the Green-Wood Cemetery to take in the stunning foliage or to honor a loved one, you might catch a rather fascinating occurrence happening to one of its beloved residents.
A respected deceased dog named Rex who had lived over a century ago is buried beneath a shaded tree in a plot next to his believed owner, a fruit merchant by the name of John E. Stow. And rather than leaving flowers in honor of the pup, passersby are leaving behind sticks.
“It’s touching to see people leave sticks by the statue, a simple gesture that reminds us of the bond between people and animals. It speaks to how deeply we seek connection—even across time. Rex has become a symbol of loyalty and companionship for everyone who visits Green-Wood,” Stacy Locke, Senior Director of External Relations at The Green-Wood Cemetery told us in a statement.
Visitors can find Rex and pay their respects with a stick (some known to leave photos of their own pups that have passed on) at Lot 2925, Section 81.
However, Rex isn’t the only canine laid to rest in the 478-acre cemetery. In fact, the cemetery once hosted an “All Dogs Go To Heaven” trolley tour through the grounds to the properties most notable pups.
Gipsie, Fannie, Little Dace, and Laddie (possibly another dog of John E. Stow) and a horse believed to have been a part of the Union Army calvary also reside for eternity in the cemetery. It wasn’t until 1879 that the cemetery prohibited animal burials after an outcry of public rage.
And though we’re in the middle of fall, you’ll definitely want to make a visit to Green-Wood Cemetery in the spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. Learn more about the historical cemetery on its website.
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