Pets are more than just animals; they are part of the family. So when a family pet passes away, it’s important to take the time to say goodbye and memorialise the pet. This is particularly true if you have young children as they may have a more difficult time saying goodbye.
Cremation is the most popular choice after a pet’s death, likely because many vets offer this service. This avoids the need to deal with your pet’s body or finding a place to bury them. Once the ashes are returned to you, take your time to decide what to do with them – there’s no rush.
The Final Farewell
When a dog owner is faced with the tragic decision of what to do with their dog’s ashes, there are a number of options available to them. There have been many different methods for disposing of the ashes over the years.
In Ancient Greece, it was customary to bury them under an olive tree or in a wine jar. In Medieval Europe, they were often kept in a locket around the owner’s neck or thrown into a river.
Today, most people opt for the traditional burial option and scatter their pet’s ashes around their favourite place. However, this method has its drawbacks as well- it can be difficult to find a perfect spot, and you can’t control where those remains end up once they are loose in nature.
Keep the ashes somewhere special
When you receive the ashes back from your vet, expect them to be placed in a simple cardboard box or similar. Transferring the ashes to a decorative urn is an excellent way to keep your pet close forever.
You could place the ashes on your mantelpiece, so your pet gets to look down on you, or you could bury the ashes in your garden under a decorative memorial stone. If you don’t have your own garden, you could bury the ashes in a nearby park.
Scatter the ashes in a cherished spot
If your dog had a favourite walking spot, perhaps you would like to scatter them in nature. One way you can do that is by spreading their ashes in a place that holds memories for them.
It is important to make sure that the place you choose is not too close to where people live or often visit, as the ashes will be disturbed, and this could be upsetting. It’s also important to keep in mind that there may be restrictions on what you can do with the ashes, so it’s important to check before scattering them. However, most public parks will have no problem with you scattering your pet’s ashes, provided you are discreet.
Create a memorial to your beloved pet
Pet cremation sculptures are a beautiful way to memorialise your pet. They offer an opportunity to capture the personality of your beloved pet and remind you of them every day.
Pet cremation sculptures are created using pet ashes mixed with clay, porcelain or bronze. The artist who creates the sculpture will choose which material is best for you. You can also have your pet’s ashes added to materials like glass, clay or paint to create a beautiful memorial.
Keep your pet’s ashes close to you
Adding your dog’s ashes to jewellery is a beautiful way to keep them close forever. It can bring pet owners a great deal of comfort to know that their beloved pet is always close to them. Pet ashes jewellery does not have to be very expensive, and only a small amount of the ashes are needed to create the piece.
You could have the ashes added to a glass gemstone or hidden inside a secret compartment in the jewellery. Cremation jewellery is also very discreet, so only you will know that you are wearing your pet’s ashes.
Conclusion: Saying Goodbye in the Best Possible Way
Saying goodbye to your pet is a deeply personal act, and only you can decide the best way to do it. Instead of worrying about what is the “right” thing to do, follow your instincts and only act when you are ready to take the next step.