Tucked behind quiet homes off Shore Road in Linwood, Clara Glen Pet Cemetery is a hidden piece of South Jersey history. Founded in 1918 by a couple who shared a deep love for animals, it stands today as one of the oldest pet cemeteries in the country.

In the early 1900s, Clara and Glen White were caring for dozens of animals, including dogs, cats, and hundreds of rabbits. With no proper place to bury their pets, they decided to create one themselves. Glen made the coffins by hand, and Clara added soft linings to make them comfortable. They often photographed the animals before burial, sometimes placing the photos on the headstones. What began as a backyard project soon gained attention. Neighbors asked to bury their own pets on the land, and the cemetery began to grow.

By the 1940s, Alex and Agnes Miller took over the cemetery and kept up the careful and respectful pet burials. In 1986, the Linwood Historical Society took over the care of Clara Glen Pet Cemetery. Since then, they have dedicated themselves to preserving the grounds and its history. According to the Society, more than 3,500 animals are buried there, making it one of the largest and oldest pet cemeteries in the country. Despite challenges like weather and vandalism, the Society continues to care for the cemetery to honor the memory of the animals and families connected to it.

The cemetery is also filled with stories. One of the most well-known animals buried at Clara Glen is Rex the Wonder Dog, a water-skiing dog who once wowed crowds at Atlantic City’s Steel Pier. In the 1930s and ‘40s, Rex became a local legend by performing tricks on an aquaplane behind a speedboat. His grave remains one of the most visited in the cemetery.

Another notable pet is Paradiddle Ben, a show dog whose gravestone is decorated with theater curtains and masks. His headstone reflects his connection to the world of performance, and the design makes it one of the most unique markers in the cemetery.

There are also stories of exotic animals being buried here. Some believe a monkey and one of Steel Pier’s famous diving horses are laid to rest at Clara Glen, though their exact graves are unmarked. Whether fact or legend, these stories have become part of the cemetery’s character.

In addition to these one-of-a-kind animals, Clara Glen is also said to be the final resting place for pets once owned by celebrities. Songwriter Irving Berlin, comedian Eddie Cantor, and actress Billie Burke are just a few of the names reportedly tied to pets buried at the site. While the animals themselves may not have been famous, their connection to these public figures adds another layer to the cemetery’s story.

Burials at Clara Glen slowed down significantly in the late 1980s. The only animals still buried there today are police K-9 dogs from Atlantic City and nearby areas. A special section in the back of the cemetery is reserved for these working animals who served in law enforcement.

Today, the cemetery blends into the neighborhood around it. A small blue sign marks the entrance near Heather Court, but many people pass by without ever realizing it’s there. Some stones have sunk or weathered over time, and others have been damaged, but many remain intact.

The Linwood Historical Society continues to care for the cemetery, often with help from local volunteers. Their efforts keep Clara Glen from being forgotten and allow visitors to freely walk the grounds in peace. Though overlooked by many, Clara Glen Pet Cemetery is a touching tribute and final home for thousands of beloved pets.

Catherine is a recent Communication Design graduate from Elon University. When she’s not designing, she’s experimenting with new recipes, working on creative projects, or hunting for vintage treasures. She can be reached at catpepe72@gmail.com