Best FRIENDS
OF the ARBORETUM

No one enjoys and lights up the Arboretum like our four-legged best friends. Here we honor them. 

How to feature your furry friend

Sherlock

Sherlock was born in Texas, in June of 2013. As a puppy, he would stick his nose into almost everything, so the name Sherlock fit him like a glove. He started out as the runt of the litter, and always considered himself a lap dog, even though he grew to about 100 pounds. After making the move to California, he became a frequent visitor to the Arboretum. An avid hiker, Sherlock could be found on the Sequoia Trail several times a week. He had a tail wag for everyone he met along the way, especially the children. He enjoyed the Arboretum so much, he even volunteered to work in the Booth. Sherlock left us in March 2025, but he will always be a Best Friend of Heaps Peak Arboretum.

Gaby

Hi Arboretum Friends, my name is Gaby.  My mom adopted me in 2011, when I was just 6 weeks old.  A great rescue group, ARWOB, found me in Tijuana, and helped find a forever home.  When I come up the mountain to visit my auntie, my favorite thing to do is walk the trail at Heaps Peak Arboretum.  I even went on the Haunted Halloween Hike.  Don’t worry I only got a little scared when I saw the witches.  Hope to meet you out on the trail soon!  

Donna

(DonnaMerrie of Sascatoon), English Springer Spaniel Black and White
March 7, 1984 – April 27, 1994
Donna was born in Colorado and moved to England in January 1990. Donna’s very favorite thing to do was play fetch with her tennis ball, followed by swimming in lakes and streams. Donna loved going on walks in the countryside, and with her mom and best friend Cathy walked the 100-mile Essex Way over two years. Donna has walked almost everywhere in Britain with her mom and Cathy. 

Cathy

English Springer Spaniel Liver and White
March, 1987 – December 20, 2002
Cathy was born in Colorado and moved to England in January 1990. Cathy was highly energetic and didn’t calm down until she was six. Cathy loved going on walks, loved swimming, and played with lambs that she saw along the trail. Cathy loved every person and animal that she met during her walks in the British countryside and always ran up to say hello. 

Summer Belle

Summer Belle is a Border Collie with a spirit as bright and resilient as her name. Born under a humble shed in Palm Desert, she began life with grit and heart, qualities that would define her forever. Summer became an enthusiastic pacer on mountain trails, faithfully setting the rhythm for runs around Lake Arrowhead and enjoying leisurely strolls along the shores of Lake Gregory. Agile and joyful, she earned a reputation at the dog park as a favorite acrobat—leaping, twisting, and delighting dogs and people alike. Summer has an open heart, loving everyone she meets and greeting both friends and strangers with equal warmth. Deeply loyal and intuitive, she is a constant, comforting presence. A true water lover, Summer Belle finds pure happiness splashing, swimming, and living fully in every moment.

 

How to share your pet’s story

Your donation of $75 ($50 for members) gives you the opportunity to feature your best friend on our website with a photo and short biography.  This information will remain on our website for no less than one (1) year.  Your donation also gives you the opportunity to feature that same photo on the Best Friends bulletin board at the Heaps Peak Arboretum, as space permits.  (If the bulletin board fills up, Arboretum staff will remove older photos to make room for newer ones.)  The Arboretum will provide the frame and name plate for your best friend. 

For inclusion on our website, at the time of your donation, we ask that you send us an email at info@hparboretum.com with your contact information, the name of your friend, and a single photo of your friend (with no other animals or persons), in high resolution JPG, PNG or PDF format.  You may also include a short biography (no more than 150 words) about your friend.  The Heaps Peak Arboretum reserves the right to edit any text. 

For inclusion on the bulletin board, please provide a 4” x 6” hard copy of the same photo. This photo may be mailed to us at PO Box 1958, Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352. Heaps Peak Arboretum will provide the frame and name plate for your friend.

Click here for details