Blackie was a cocker spaniel mix who belonged to Mel Kornspan’s family when he was a child living in Washington, D.C. Blackie lived a dozen good years as a member of the family before passing away in 1956. Mel’s mother, Rebecca, arranged for her to be buried at Aspin Hill. Mel never forgot Blackie and keeps a tiny photo of her in a red frame to remember her by.

Two years ago, Mel attended one of my talks about Aspin Hill Memorial Park. He was so moved by the history of the cemetery and the stories behind its grave stones, that he was inspired to do something in Blackie’s memory. When Blackie was buried over sixty years ago, his family had never put a marker on her grave. Mel decided to set things right and ordered a grave stone for his childhood dog. It was put in place in late March 2022.

Blackie’s grave stone is a beautiful granite monument which expresses Mel’s feelings for her: “A Wonderful Dog – the Best Friend a Child Could Hope to Have – Gone but Not Forgotten.” It’s a lovely addition to a cemetery full of evidence of the love between humans and their animal companions. And proof that it’s never too late to show your love for your furry loved one.