Calvary Cemetery

According to a source, a husband and wife were traveling with two dogs when they encountered some mechanical trouble. They pulled off the highway, believed they fixed it, and then when it returned parked at the cemetery. The RV then caught fire. [embedded content]Unfortunately one of the dogs passed away. Video: Pj VanFossen ...

In that trying time, while it may be difficult to think of having to part with one’s pet forever, properly finalizing their farewell may help. In that process, there are a few things to consider, including options made available recently.On September 26, 2016, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signed a bill permitting the interment of pet cremated remains in not-for-profit cemeteries. This allows the cremated ashes of pets to be buried alongside their owners in the same cemetery lot. The law legalizes a practice many have been doing already, and in the case of the pet owner passing away first, gives the option to have the cremated remains of the pet to be included in the deceased owner’s grave at a later date. For people to whom pets are as dear as children, this option may be a very welcome one. Forest Lawn Group of Cemeteries (1411 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo; 288-5999, forest-lawn.com) and Mount Calvary Cemetery Inc. (800 Pine Ridge Heritage Blvd., Cheektowaga; 892-6600, mountcalvarycemetery.com) are cemeteries in WNY that have implemented this option for their patrons, understanding this will better serve the communities’ emotional needs.Pet cemeteries are another way of honoring one’s animal friends, and many do not require cremation beforehand. Pets are placed in caskets and buried with grave markers, and owners and family members can later visit the grave to reminisce and honor their departed companions. Pine Rest Pet Cemetery (757 Seneca Creek Road, Buffalo; 674-9470) is a peaceful place located in West Seneca and offers the full range of services for deceased pets, including a burial memorial service, where clergy are present to recite prayers for a ceremonial  proper send-off.One way to keep pets’ memories alive is through memorials. Custom pet memorials can be found on personalized item websites such as Etsy, Personalization Mall, and Shutterfly. Amazon also carries memorial items for pets, as do pet stores such as Chewy. There is quite an array of options, including engraved garden or stepping stones, persona...

The headstones were knocked over at the Calvary Cemetery in New Windsor. Police say a group of vandals came in sometime overnight on Sunday and damaged the headstones. Cemetery staff say they are working to contact families with graves that were affected, and plan on installing security cameras to help prevent it from happening again. Cemetery Superintendent Harry Coolidge says his son’s headstone wasn’t damaged, but items left at the site were thrown into the road. "No respect. You got to be nuts to do something like this," he told News 12. Any businesses or homeowners with video surveillance in the area are being asked to notify New Windsor police at 845-565-7000.