Many people love pets. Statistics have shown that more than half of Americans own pets, that’s about 85 million people. However, most of these pet owners do not know what to do when their pets pass away. It can be a distressful moment in anyone’s life and know that it’s okay to grieve during these moments. But eventually, you’ll have to take care of your lost loved one.
Putting a Pet to Sleep Vs. Natural Death
Sometimes you’ll be given a chance to put your pet to ‘sleep.’ This process is known as pet euthanasia. It can be hard to make this decision, but most pet owners do this because of the suffering they witness when their pets live through certain severe illnesses. It’s hard to see your pet in pain and know that sometimes it’s okay to let go, knowing that they no longer have to suffer. The veterinarian who offered to put your pet to sleep will usually give you ways to deal with your pet passing away.
However, there are some situations when your pet dies in your home naturally. This might be from old age or from a disease that you didn’t know. But chances are, your pet might still exhibit some involuntary movement such as spasms and the release of air from the mouth. Know that these are natural and that, sadly, this doesn’t mean that your pet is coming back to life. You can always call your local veterinarian to take care of your pet’s body or other local services that handle pet burials. But the way you want to preserve the memory of your dearest pet will still be left on your hands. Here are some ways to do it while preserving their memory.
Home Burial
If your pet has died in your home from natural causes, home burial is one of your best options. Home burials are one of the more popular ways to preserve a pet’s memory and keep their legacy alive in your life. It keeps them close to the place and people they love. During home burials, you can have a memorial for the loss of your pet. You can let your friends visit just in case they want to see your pet go. You can also remember some memories you have with them before they leave your home one last time.
It’s legal in most states to bury your pet in your own backyard. But remember that some laws differ, so do your research before doing the burial yourself. There are also a lot of things to consider before burying your pet in your backyard. You want to get them a casket of sorts. Some funeral homes offer this, but in some situations, you’ll have to ask it to be made specifically for your pet.
Additionally, you’ll have to make sure that you bury your pet at least three feet into the ground, or in some cases, even deeper. You’ll also have to make sure that the area you bury your pet in isn’t vulnerable to soil erosion and flooding. If you don’t want to go through all these processes, you can ask for professional services to do it for you. You can also opt to bury your pet in a local pet cemetery. These pet cemeteries usually offer caskets for your recently departed pet. They also provide the services to bury your pet for you.
These cemeteries are usually quite expensive, depending on your pet’s size and what kind of services you need. So make sure you have the necessary funds for it.
Cremation
Another way to take care of your departed pet is through cremation. It’s not as popular as a home burial, but this is a service that most veterinarians offer in their clinics.
Cremation is a faster process than a home burial but can be considered less memorable. However, a memorial service is still possible, much like in a home burial. Moreover, the process of bio-cremation or aquamation is becoming a better way to cremate your pets. The process resembles that of the natural process that bodies go through when buried in the ground, albeit faster. Many veterinarians consider this the best option for burying pets.
Taxidermy
One of the less popular options that are becoming more popular in this age is taxidermy. It might be weird to think of it the first time, but many pet owners have started considering it.
A stuffed pet may be the last thing on your mind, but considering that it is one of the most literal ways to preserve your pet’s legacy, it’s not the worst option. There is no right way to mourn the loss of a pet, and sometimes, maybe you want them to stay with you forever. This is one way you can do that. It’s not the most traditional method, but if you think it’s the best for you and your loved ones to remember your beloved pet, then that is your decision to make and no one else’s.
Losing a pet is quite similar to losing a loved one. We don’t really know what to do at the moment except to grieve. But eventually, we’ll have to take care of their remains and preserve their legacy. Know that during these moments, it’s okay to feel sad or depressed. It’s all in the process of moving forward.