The Government of Aruba is evaluating to relocate the historical Pet cemetery just passed Baby Beach.

This petition is strongly disapproving the relocation and provides the following strong arguments which the government has not taken in consideration.

Aruba's pet cemetery stretches along half a mile of coast near Seroe Colorado.

Of particular note is that this pet cemetery is directly related to Aruba’s history, culture and tourism and the impact of World War II on the island and the colony.

Originally begun by residents of the Lago Oil and Transport Co. refinery colony in 1924 . At its peak, Lago Colony included about 700 homes for employees and their families and included amenities familiar to other communities, such as a school, a hospital, a church, and a variety of social and recreational opportunities. Residents of the colony were mostly Americans. Other nationalities represented were Dutch, Danish, Spanish, English, Irish and Scottish.

Many of these historical amenities are still used today including the pet cemetery..

Some of the graves are simple crosses, some more elaborate markers and all contain loved pets from years past.

It is really amazing, so many pets buried there with wonderful handmade headstones and crosses. One was quite touching, almost a mausoleum, complete with a dog leash left on it. Another one near by had the dog dish next to it.

Quite a mix of names, too. Anglo, Spanish and Dutch, they are all there.

It's worth a visit and the stretch of beach there is very nice for a meditative walk.

It is sad, that it needs to be relocated considering it's in a still very much secluded and peaceful historical area.

The argument used by the government that the situation is intolerable and in the opinion of Mrs. Dammers not hygienic is not correct as the relocation is solely based on the plans for additional tourism oriented development while there is no alternative for the pet cemetery. When we asked the group busy with tests on the grounds if they are aware of the fact that under the location they are busy perforating there is a cave, the Spanish speaking replied that he had no knowledge of this.

We strongly suggest to surround this historical site with a proper wall and entrance just like any other pet cemetery around the world and add it to the historical collection consisting of three series:

A. Lago Oil and Transport Company,

B. Lago Colony Community and

C Personal/Family Papers. 

The creation and continuing growth of the archives represents the efforts and contributions of a number of former residents of the Lago Colony,  including Dan Jensen, Frank Binetti, Ginger Bassett, Walter Beyer, Ray Burson, Beverly Couch, Brenda Engle, Tina Evers, Peter Henriksen, Bobby Lewis, Billy Moyer, Stan Norcom, Janet Opdyke, Robert Pearson, Robert Rynalski, Bob Schlageter, Mary Spitzer, Joyce Stewart, Charles Stuart, Homer Waits, Gerald Barnes, Russell Carrell, Jane Getty, and Tom Myers and others. Most of the records of Lago Oil and Transport Company, Ltd. were donated to the Briscoe Center by Henri Coffi, who was the last employee to leave the refinery when it was shut down.

Enhance the value of the area even more by attracting more visitors who at times don't seem to understand why there are so many irresponsible pet owners on the island of Aruba, while there are truly great ones as well.

We strongly suggest to surround this historical site with a proper wall and entrance just like any other pet cemeteries around the world and add it to the collection consisting of three series: Lago Oil and Transport Company, Lago Colony Community, and Personal/Family Papers. 

We emphasize that the creation and continuing growth of these archives represents the efforts and contributions of a number of former residents of the Lago Colony,  including Dan Jensen, Frank Binetti, Ginger Bassett, Walter Beyer, Ray Burson, Beverly Couch, Brenda Engle, Tina Evers, Peter Henriksen, Bobby Lewis, Billy Moyer, Stan Norcom, Janet Opdyke, Robert Pearson, Robert Rynalski, Bob Schlageter, Mary Spitzer, Joyce Stewart, Charles Stuart, Homer Waits, Gerald Barnes, Russell Carrell, Jane Getty, and Tom Myers and others. Most of the records of Lago Oil and Transport Company, Ltd. were donated to the Briscoe Center by Henri Coffi, who was the last employee to leave the refinery when it was shut down.

Should the Aruba Government insist in continuing with their planned project, Aruba will lose it's final most valuable historical feature in the Seroe Colorado area.