The Practicalities of Pet Loss

Dealing with the practicalities of pet loss is not something one normally thinks off. And you are likely to be so emotional at the time of your pet's death that the last thing on your mind will be practicalities. However, you and your family will always remember this time, and it will be good to do so without the regrets of things left undone, or things that could have been done differently.

That is why we are here. Having been pet owners for most of our lives, we have been in this sad situation more times than we care to remember. And we would like our experiences of dealing with the practicalities of pet loss help smoothe the way for you at your difficult time.

�� The Practicalities of Pet Loss - Where to Start? ��

The practicalities of pet loss are best planned before the actual event of losing your pet occurs. By being prepared, you eliminate unnecessary stress at a time when you least need it.

Your vet is always a good place to start preparing for the practicalities of pet loss. They should be able to help you make arrangements for your pet�s remains and discuss with you whether you want your pet cremated or buried in a pet cemetary or a quiet spot of your garden. This will largely depend on the size of your pet. A little hamster or rabbit will be fairly easy to accommodate, but what about a larger pet?

Another of the practicalities of pet loss is - unfortunately - the costs involved. This is another good reason for you to get as much information as you can so that you can plan effectively and not have any regrets later.

�� The Practicalities of Pet Loss - Pet Cremation ��

One of the inevitable practicalities of pet loss will be the disposal of your pet's remains.

Cremation seems to be the preferred option of many, and in some cases, is the only option. Our cat Toby, the beautiful boy who walked into our lives and decided he was going to stay, died of feline leukemia which he had obviously contracted before coming to live with us. Because of its contagious nature, our vet advised us to cremate Toby.

We arranged an individual cremation for him and it broke my heart to pick up a little casket containing all that remained of our great big, fluffy bundle of fun and mischief.

However, we scattered his ashes in the hydrangea bushes where he spent a lot of his time hiding so he could jump out and scare the living daylights out of our dogs if they happened to unwittingly wander past! That was his favourite spot and it was an appropriate final resting place for him. We could have gone the pet memorials route, but Toby was such an adventurous, outdoor kind of cat that this seemed the best fit.

You will also be given the option of having a general cremation for your pet. This is where your pet is cremated with other animals and the ashes are disposed off for you. This option is usually economically priced and a good way to go if you need to, or if the thought of dealing with your pet's remains is just too painful for you.

�� The Practicalities of Pet Loss - Pet Burial ��

Another option when dealing with the practicalities of pet loss is that of burying your dog or other pet in your garden. This is a gentle option. You know they are in their own surroundings and it gives you a comforting feeling.

Cassie, our GSD was buried in our garden and I�d frequently talk to her while out weeding, exactly as I had when she was alive. Sometimes, an unexpected jolt of realization would hit and I would continue gardening while I brushed away the tears as I cried quietly for the loss of my beautiful friend. It�s things like this that helped with my healing process.

You can also ask your vet about details of a pet cemetry near you. Your vet will usually have an information pack with all you need to know for just such a time as this. This can be an expensive option - but it may be the ideal one for you and your pet, so well worth considering.

Another of the practicalities of pet loss, specially if you choose to go the burial route, is what to bury your pet in. While it is easy to find a small bio-degradable box to gently lay a little hamster or mouse to rest in, it is usually ok to wrap your cat or dog in their favourite blanket and lovingly lay them to rest in that, together with a favourite toy or two.

There are also a variety of lovely urns and personalized Pet Memorials which may come in handy - so do feel free to browse and investigate all your various options now.

However, if you do choose to bury your pet in your garden, do be aware of a few things.

Do ensure your pet did not die of any contagious illness. Otherwise, the soil will be contaminated and can pass on the illness to other pets happening to come in contact with it.

Do check with your local authorities whether it is ok to bury your pet in your backyard. There may be something simple such as a high water table in your area which would make it inappropriate to bury your pet in your garden.

If it is ok to bury your pet in your garden, do ensure the grave is deep enough to protect your pet�s remains from being dug up by any passing animal. If you have another dog, he or she is more than likely to try to dig up their friend. Do save yourself this emotionally stressful situation by ensuring you dig a sufficiently deep grave.

Do remember that if you move home, you will be leaving behind your pet�s grave.

�� The Practicalities of Pet Loss - Pet Memorials ��

When dealing with the practicalities of pet loss, it is very important for your grieving process that things are arranged just as you wish and that there are no loopholes of regrets left to ruin the memories of your lovely pet. Your family, specially children, will also benefit from a great life lesson if things are done to your satisfaction. They will learn of the importance and dignity of life - and of the respect that should be shown to every living creature.

Please don't feel under pressure to go to great expenses - all your pet ever wanted during it's life was your love and attention - no different to what it wants now. A beautifully decorated shoe box for a child's favourite bunny is just as effective as the most expensive pet memorial urn or figurine. There are loads of inexpensive ways to honour your pet and confirm just how important they were to you.

There are also a variety of burial and cremation urns, vases, figurines and jewelry available ranging from the very affordable, to the most exquisite and expensive. We have gone to great lengths to ensure we have brought you as wide a variety of Pet Memorials as possible, so that you will find just the right memorial, at just the right price, for your precious pet. We know how important this is to you, so we've pulled out all the stops.

We hope these pages will help you in dealing with the practicalities of pet loss. We want you to be as prepared as possible so you don't have to worry about anything else at what is bound to be an emotionally fraught time anyway. Nor do we want you to have any regrets of not doing something exactly the way you wanted.

Please don't feel you have to go through this painful time alone. Talk to some you know and trust - someone who understands. Your vet is usually a good starting point and should be able to put you in touch with just the right help. However, if you are struggling with the practicalities of pet loss or any other aspect of this sad time, please, please do contact us and we will put you in touch with someone who can help.

Please continue reading the links below for more help and advice and hand-holding through the painful process of dealing with the practicalities of pet loss.

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Also do not miss the other useful articles available to you � check out the links at the bottom of this page for free information and help with all your pet queries and concerns.

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