Pet memorial wall draws universal support

“Why have a pet memorial wall when you have memorials for people who died for their country?” This question, posed by Herb Golenpaul at the January 16 city council meeting after Assistant City Manger Carol Giovanatto introduced the proposal for a pet memorial wall, ignited a series of passionate defenses of pets, their importance to people, and the needs of people to express their grief when their pets pass on.
Veterinarian Dr. Rhonda Stallings said, “If we have this wall we will allow people to have a way to grieve. It’s a simple little thing that I think would make a big difference in people’s lives.” Nor would the effort be a burden to the city, said Bob Edwards, who submitted the proposal. ”It would be undertaken and paid for strictly by volunteers and the full cost of maintenance and construction will be borne by our group.”
Proponents mentioned that designing the wall could be a kind of art project and could involve children and students, and it might be a tourist attraction, as well. “Pets are a $30 billion business,” said Joan Tillman. “Sonoma’s not quite Carmel,” she said, “but we want to be known as a city that loves our pets.” As if on cue, one citizen slipped quietly into the back of the room with a small, black curly-haired dog under his arm. People smiled.
Golenpaul was not appeased and wondered, as one is happy that Noah apparently did not, where do you draw the line? Dogs, cats, sure. But goldfish? Free associating on the ever-expanding possibilities – cows, birds, the list goes on – he concluded with certainty that the pet wall should not be built on city property. In his objection, though, he stood alone. The council members, including one who confessed never to have had a pet, voted to put the project on the city staff’s work list.