For many of us, pets are woven into the fabric of our lives. They greet us at the door after long days, accompany us through life’s biggest milestones, and quietly become part of the stories we tell about home. They are companions, confidants, and family.
While most pet owners spend years making sure their animals are healthy and happy, few stop to consider what happens after their pet’s life ends, or if they themselves are no longer able to provide care. Those conversations may not be easy, but they are rooted in the same place as every walk, belly rub, and shared adventure: LOVE.
That philosophy inspired Seven Stones Botanical Garden Cemetery to create the Forever Friends Garden, one of the few places in the Littleton area where families can choose burial or cremation options specifically designed to honor beloved pets.
“There was a definite need for a cremation and burial pet garden,” says Becky Holm, Director of Seven Stones. “More and more families are choosing to bury their furry friends, and we’re proud to
offer those options for people who want a permanent place to honor them.”
Unlike a traditional cemetery, the Forever Friends Garden was designed as a place people want to return to, not simply visit once. The beautifully maintained lawn welcomes families to spread out a blanket, enjoy a quiet picnic, or simply sit and reflect. Leashed pets are welcome, allowing four-legged family members to visit alongside those they once shared life with.
At the heart of the garden stands a striking red heart sculpture, symbolizing the enduring bond between people and their pets. It has become a meaningful landmark for visitors, reminding them that love does not disappear simply because a life has ended.
“Our philosophy is different,” Holm explains. “For many people, pets are very important members of the family. Losing a pet can be just as difficult as losing a family member. People need a place to visit, and the Forever Friends Garden allows us to be that place. Your pet won’t be forgotten or left behind. There is a permanent space to honor their memory.”
One of the garden’s most meaningful traditions takes place each year on Pet Memorial Day, observed on the second Sunday of September. Families gather to remember the animals that shaped their lives by sharing stories, displaying photographs, and celebrating cherished memories.
The ceremony concludes with a procession to the Forever Friends communal ossuary, where cremated remains are placed in their final resting place. Offered annually at no cost, the service allows beloved companions to rest together in a permanent, beautifully maintained setting that families can return to whenever they wish.
For Holm, the importance of the garden is perhaps best illustrated by one family’s unexpected experience. Years after burying their pet on private property, they were forced to sell their home. Faced with leaving their beloved companion behind, they searched for another option before discovering the Forever Friends Garden.
“They were so grateful,” Holm recalls. “They weren’t sure what they would have done otherwise. Now they know all of their pets have a forever home here.”
While every family’s story is unique, Holm believes one message applies to every pet owner. “Tell them how much they mean to you as often as you can,” she says. “Thank them for their time here and for all the positive ways they’ve impacted your life. Show them so much love that you won’t feel any regret when their time comes.”
Ultimately, the Forever Friends Garden is about far more than remembrance. It is about celebrating lives that brought comfort, laughter, and unconditional love. It offers families a place where memories continue to grow, where future generations can visit, and where the bond between people and their pets remains part of the family’s story.
And just as we thoughtfully plan for the people we love most, making plans for our pets ensures that same care continues, both in life and beyond. Sometimes, the greatest expression of love is simply making sure those who have given us everything are never forgotten.
To learn more about the Forever Friends Garden or the annual Pet Memorial Day remembrance gathering, visit DiscoverSevenStones.com.