Ep 9. Gates of Heaven

Gates of Heaven is a powerful and moving episode from the first season of POV, a documentary series that explores the lives and experiences of people from all walks of life. This particular episode is focused on the emotional and often complicated world of pet cemeteries, and the people who run them.

Through a series of interviews with pet cemetery owners, families who have buried their beloved pets, and individuals whose livelihoods depend on the industry, Gates of Heaven offers a fascinating and intimate look at this often-overlooked corner of American society.

The documentary opens with a visit to the first pet cemetery in the United States, located in Northern California. The owner, Floyd McClure, candidly shares his love for animals and his desire to provide a beautiful and respectful final resting place for them. We meet several families who have buried their pets at the cemetery, and their stories are heart-wrenching and touching. Some have lost elderly pets who have been with them for decades, while others have tragically lost young animals to accidents or illness.

The film then travels to Southern California, where we meet a more flamboyant pet cemetery owner named Cal Harberts. He takes a more lighthearted approach to his business, with a showy entrance and a miniature train that runs through the cemetery. However, as the interviews progress, we see that even Cal has a deep respect and love for the animals that are buried in his cemetery, and he takes great care to ensure that they are interred with the utmost care and attention.

The film also explores the darker side of the pet cemetery industry, with a visit to a pet crematorium in Los Angeles. The owner of the crematorium talks openly about the challenges of running a business that deals with death, as well as the emotions that can arise when dealing with grieving families. We see the process of pet cremation from start to finish, and the respectful and dignified manner in which the animals are treated is a testament to the care and compassion of the staff.

Throughout Gates of Heaven, there are moments of humor, sadness, and reflection that perfectly capture the complexity of the human-animal bond. We hear from a woman who has rescued animals for decades and runs a sanctuary out of her home, as well as a man who raises snakes and mice to feed to his pet birds of prey. Each interviewee is given the opportunity to share their perspective on the importance of animals in their lives, as well as the ways in which they honor and remember their pets after they have passed on.

What sets Gates of Heaven apart from other documentaries is its refusal to pass judgment or take a stance on the controversial issue of pet cemeteries. Instead, it presents a varied and nuanced portrait of an industry that is often misunderstood or ignored. The film does not shy away from the difficult questions, such as why we as a society place such value on our pets and what this says about our views on death and mourning.

In the end, Gates of Heaven is a deeply moving and thought-provoking episode that will stay with viewers long after the credits have rolled. Its exploration of the human-animal bond is both universal and deeply personal, touching on themes of grief, love, and the meaning of life. Whether you are a pet owner or not, this documentary is a must-watch for anyone who is interested in exploring the profound and often-mysterious ways in which these beloved creatures impact our lives.