Rin Tin Tin - Hollywood Movie Star

When Rin Tin Tin died in 1932, he was first buried at the home of his owner [Lee Duncan, a US soldier who rescued him from the French trenches during the First World War]. Duncan, it is said, had to sell his house during the Great Depression and arranged for Rin Tin Tin's remains to be sent back to France and interred in the Paris Dog Cemetery [Le Cimetiere des Chiens].

Looking through my large collection of vintage postcards of the cemetery, I came across a a 1930s postcard showing Rin Tin Tin's grave. The memorial plaque rests upon an imposing tomb. I wonder if it was lifted there by the photographer from a less imposing grave plot? Certainly, a mystery still to be solved as I have yet to discover another image of the dog's original grave plot in the cemetery.

Today, the grave is marked by a granite memorial that is often adorned by flowers and other tokens left by frequent well-wishers. I can find no record of when today's memorial replaced the original. To see a photograph of the current tomb, click HERE.

Image: Manton Collection

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An Especially Impressive Memorial

This wonderful memorial looks almost regal with the impressive crown on top. Perhaps it was the pet of a French enobled family? Note the depiction of the deceased animal lying on a cushion. Click once on the image and then again for a close-up view. I am stuck by the engorged nipples. Maybe she died giving birth to a litter of puppies?

A General View of the Cemetery

A general view of the Paris Dogs Cemetery that was posted by a visitor in 1908. The first memorial is to Dash who died in 1903.

Dash

The grave of Dash who lived from 1888 to 1903.

Toutoune's Memorial

This is very striking. Note the ribbon on the top knot. I translate the first line of the inscription as My Darling Fatty! Am I correct?

The Grave of Ines II

Here is a hand-tinted postcard of the memorial to Ines II who didn't reach his first birthday. I presume the bust at the top of the memorial is lifelike. Alfie, whose details are listed on the side of the stone was born on 12 December 1900 and died 11 December 1905 - a day short of his fifth birthday.

Weeping Willow

Weeping willow symbolism on the memorials to Caro, Tommy and Teddy - beautifully made.