California Pet Cemetery Holds Historical Connection to White House

<p>Charley Stewart operates Haven for Pets, a pet cemetery located in Desert Hot Springs, California. The cemetery gained attention when it became the burial site for Liberty, the golden retriever of former President Gerald Ford. Stewart noted that Secret Service agents inspected the grounds prior to Liberty's burial to ensure safety.</p><p>Liberty, who was the first dog to give birth in the White House, lived there as a puppy and later had nine puppies in 1975. She was often photographed in various locations, including the North Lawn and the Oval Office, and received fan mail from the public.</p><p>Alongside Liberty, one of her puppies named Misty is also buried at Haven for Pets, which has become a notable site for pet burials linked to celebrity figures. Stewart's family has operated the cemetery since the 1960s, originally starting as an extension of a kennel known for grooming celebrity pets.</p><p>Stewart recounted how the cemetery was established after his father witnessed a distressing incident involving a deceased dog. This motivated him to create a respectful resting place for pets. Currently, approximately 1,000 pets are interred at Haven for Pets, with burial costs rising from $35 in its early days to nearly $900 today.</p><p>Stewart mentioned that the cemetery typically handles three to four burials a year, a decrease from five per week in the past, as he aims to preserve the grounds for future generations. The cemetery is not widely advertised and relies on word-of-mouth for visitors.</p><p>Stewart spends time each day among the headstones, reflecting on the lives of the animals buried there, including Liberty.</p>