Lilac Lane Pet Memorial Park Celebration

By Cyndee Pattison

Dogs, their owners as well as friends of dogs, cats and other pets gathered at the Delaware County Historical Association for the Lilac Lane Pet Memorial Park Celebration on May 29. The park is a joint project of the Delaware County Historical Association and the Humane Society of Central Delaware County. Guest speaker Brian di Lorenzo from the New York State Police K-9 Unit, stationed in Stamford, discussed the functions and abilities of K-9 dogs. He and his four-year old female German shepherd Pit demonstrated search techniques. Pit is named in honor of Ricky Parisian who was killed in the line of duty during a 1994 armed robbery in Oneonta.

Emily Marlin, coordinator and founder of the Lilac Lane Pet Memorial Park, reported that there are currently about 82 lilac bushes of numerous varieties with memorial markers. About $500 was raised from raffling a quilt containing quilt blocks with a theme of cats, dogs and lilacs made by members of the community. A new logo was designed by Judith Lamb and will appear on the organization’s official letterhead. A bench was donated for visitors to the park in memory of Al Meyer and his beloved cat, Abigail. Community groups have generously helped maintain the park but volunteers are still needed for weeding.

Those interested in more information about the Lilac Lane Pet Memorial Park, can call DCHA at 746-3849 or Emily Marlin at 746-7288.

Used with permission from Delaware County Times.