METHUEN — Maria Koutny has 11 of her pets buried at Hillside Acre, and when her time comes she wants it to be her final resting place as well.

Years after losing her beloved golden retriever, Taffy, Jackie Perry still visits his grave twice a week.

Cindy Douphinette of Groveland counsels people who are grieving over the loss of pets.

Koutny, Perry and Douphinette will be featured in "Unconditional Love," a documentary being filmed about Hillside Acre Animal Cemetery operated by the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals at Nevins Farm.

The documentary is being done by Ken Lawrence and Michael Abbene of Miken Entertainment of Bedford, N.H.

Lawrence, a writer and producer, came up with the idea for the documentary on the cemetery, where he buried his two dogs and a rabbit. He began doing research in January and cemetery staffers helped line up interviews — some of which were done yesterday.

"Whenever I tell people about it, no one knows it exists," said Lawrence of Goffstown, N.H. "This is an emotional place, a place with a lot of dignity."

When approached about the documentary, cemetery property manager Dave Gordon loved the idea.

"When I tell people about the pet cemetery, they think of a small field with a tree," he said.

Hillside Acre is more than that.

Built in 1917, it has 18,000 animals buried on four acres, including military dogs.

The cemetery is filled with headstones bearing names including, Buddy, Baby and Spunky.

New Hampshire television announcer Gail Scott-Key is the narrator. Jessica Correa, Alex Keown and Nate Wentzell, all students at Keene State College in New Hampshire, are helping with camera, sound and editing.

With the cemetery as their background, Koutny yesterday talked about her pets, especially her late mother's cat.

"It was the last piece of her I had because those were her babies," said Koutny, whose mother, Marie Pappalardo, died on hijacked United Airlines Flight 175 on Sept. 11, 2001.

"Coming here is bittersweet because it reminds me of my mother," Koutny said.

Koutny visits her pets' graves once a month.

"They are my closest family and unless you have a pet, you can't relate," said Koutny, who has specified in her will that she be cremated and her remains buried at Hillside Acre near her pets.

Koutny said she believes there are about 20 other pet owners at Hillside.

Perry, of Dracut, said after Taffy died, she got rid of her station wagon. "I couldn't bear looking back and not seeing him," she said, taking off her glasses to wipe a tear away.

"He was my baby. He was an important part of our lives. He was always there and always happy to see us." Perry said she chose Hillside Acre because of the perpetual care the MSPCA gives the grounds.

Abbene of Miken Entertainment, did not think twice to approve the project when Lawrence came up with the idea. "We're pet lovers, too, and everybody can relate to this subject."

Scott Caseley agreed. He found out his dog had passed away when he went home one weekend during his first year of college. "My home wasn't home anymore because my dog wasn't there," said Caseley, praising the cemetery.

"This is a home; a sanctuary for pets and owners alike.

Hillside Acre, along with Proctor Cemetery in Nashua, N.H., will be featured in the film.

When finished, Lawrence hopes to have the documentary aired on public access television and hopes to talk to an agent for national distribution after final editing.

Military Dogs at Hillside Acre

Duke Danmore, a boxer who served in the Army from 1950 to 1957. He was buried July 8, 1957.

VJ, a terrier cross and mascot for 66th US Infantry Div AEF. He was buried Dec. 13, 1957.

Buddy Thomas, buried in his owner's foot locker on May 12, 1965.

Corporal Derek Dunn, a Doberman, was in the Marines from 1944 to 1945. He was buried Aug. 8, 1952, with a full military funeral.

Brenda, served in the Coast Guard, 1941 to 1944. She was buried April 22, 1953.

Yessi, a French poodle, 1948 to 1965.

Butch, a World War II veteran, was found dead on the road. Joe Mullen buried him at Hillside and paid for his burial marker.

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Hillside Acre Pet Cemetery

Operated by the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Located on four acres on Route 28, Methuen.

Resting place to 18,000 pets, including dogs, cats, rabbits and monkeys.

Burial fees include the casket, opening and closing the graveside and perpetual care. New burial lots cost $690 and reopening fee for a lot is $345.