SAN FERNANDO CITY, April 12 -- Ever since he was a child, "fur parent" Xavier Mercado, 43, has dreamed of a pet cemetery where he could visit his furry babies when they are gone.

Mercado's dream came true on Friday in time for the celebration of National Pet Day as the first pet cemetery in San Fernando City, La Union was opened at the sprawling La Union Botanical Garden to become home to departed cats and dogs.

The City Environment and Natural Resources Office allocated at least 1,000 square meters out of the 55-hectare botanical garden as home to departed cats and dogs registered in the city.

To avail of the cemetery's services, one must plant a native guava tree and bougainvillea at the burial ground when burying a pet.

Native guav...