Gallatin, Tennessee – Pet owners in Gallatin were distressed and confused at Pet Rest Memorial Gardens, where several discovered that the headstones of their beloved pets were missing. This revelation has caused significant distress, particularly for those like Donna Thornton, who have long trusted the cemetery as a final resting place for their cherished animal companions.
Donna Thornton rushed to the cemetery as soon as she learned about the issue, hoping to find the graves of her cats, Smokey, Sable, and Sweetpea. However, she was met with the disheartening reality that their markers were nowhere to be found. Thornton’s frustration is echoed by multiple pet owners who have reported similar experiences to WSMV4. The missing headstones, which they had purchased to honor their pets, have vanished, leaving them bewildered and upset.
Thornton expressed her dismay, “It’s ridiculous. My cats, I had them three years, eight years, and 16 years, I wanted to give them a decent resting place. I don’t know where my pets are.” This sentiment underscores the emotional attachment pet owners have to these memorial sites.
The cemetery itself was found in a state of neglect, with many markers obscured by grass, weeds, and leaves. Michael Bartley, the owner of Pet Rest Memorial Gardens, insists that he maintains the property by mowing the grass weekly and has never moved any headstones. He suggests that some headstones may have sunk into the ground over time.
Bartley reassured that he intends to maintain the pet cemetery despite not conducting new burials or generating revenue from it. He encouraged those unable to locate their pet’s markers to contact him for assistance. However, Thornton remains skeptical, “I want my money back, I want my pets dug up, I want them given to me so I can go get them cremated and put them somewhere where they can be safe.”
Bartley mentioned possessing a plot map and paperwork from the original owners, which could potentially aid in locating the missing graves. He also highlighted the lack of state regulations for pet cemeteries compared to human cemeteries, a fact that might contribute to such situations.
The situation at Pet Rest Memorial Gardens raises questions about the oversight and maintenance of pet cemeteries, highlighting the emotional impact on pet owners when their expectations for a dignified resting place for their pets are not met. As Thornton and others seek resolution, the incident underscores the need for clearer guidelines and better maintenance practices in pet burial sites.
