Charleston Animal Society (CAS) officials cut a green ribbon Thursday afternoon to open the Sadie Greer Memorial Garden on its North Charleston campus. It now serves as a quiet place for pet lovers to inter their loved animal companions.
“The space was envisioned as a way to honor the deep bonds between people and their animals,” said Laurel Greer, a past CAS chair from Seabrook Island whose late pet cat is the namesake for the area. “Sadie’s Memorial Garden is more than just a resting place—it is a tribute to the love we carry for our pets long after they’re gone.”
In remarks to about 50 people, her husband, Hank Greer, added that the garden would allow a place for people to commune with pets they loved for years. And only 20 yards away, he noted wryly, visitors can save another animal at the shelter to love in the years ahead.
“Spread the word so more animals can get saved,” he said.
The garden includes four granite columbaria crafted by Sunset Stone Memorial. Each provides niches that can hold cremains and memorial items for multiple pets. Nonprofit officials highlighted the pathways that surrounded the structures to encourage quiet reflection.
Also in the garden are two pergolas, carved stone animals and wrought iron accents designed by students at the American College of the Building Arts. According to a release, designer Sandy Byers of Byers Design helped to shape the garden’s layout, while Leadenwah Landscaping brought it to life with lush plantings and expert landscape architecture.
“We are humbled to offer this peaceful space to the community, where memories can be cherished and legacies honored,” said CAS President and CEO Joe Elmore.
Pet owners can purchase a niche in one of the columbaria and are also invited to memorialize their pets with personalized plaques, photos and keepsakes. They will also have the option of putting their beloved pet cremains in a granite urn that can be placed among the river rocks on the memorial mound.
For more information about Sadie’s Garden, including pricing, availability, visitation information and how to reserve a pet niche, go to CharlestonAnimalSociety.org/memorial-garden.
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