Cremation vs. Burial - Pets

I had my 13 yr old dog cremated is a semi private cremation last year. There are several other animals done at the same time (with space between) so you do have the possibility of some...contamination?? However it was about 100.00 less than private.

Also I took a child safe non toxic ink pad and made a stamp of his foot about 6 months prior. It is now a tattoo on top of my foot.

Depends on the dog.

Does it weigh 10 lbs? Bury.

Does it weigh 100 lbs? Cremate.

In between, it's a judgement call.

I've done all variations on this theme, home burial, cremation without ashes coming home and cremation with the urn on the mantle. The last three pets we lost were cremated, and I would do that again in the future should the need arise. My husband likes getting the ashes back to keep on the mantle, but it makes me a little sad to see them there, so I would bury the ashes under a bush or tree for a happier association.

As for burying in the yard: I learned my lesson. We live on a sloped lot which is mostly wooded. A few years ago, we had part of the yard graded where two dogs were buried. As the large equipment was moving the soil in that area, I was very distressed and had to leave. Years later, the thought still bothers me.

My dog was 17, a golden mix, and I still have him! He was cremated. I loved him too much, plus he never liked to be out in the cold anyway. Why would I do that to him?

I say what is going to work best for you and your family. Some people can't have the constant reminder in front of them. Also like Parys stated, there might be laws in certain areas for burials.

For the urn, I went to a local "paint your own" pottery shop, got a vase and found what worked for a cover. After it was done I glued the cover in and put a Angel Dog ornament that resembled him on top.

However, just 2 years ago my pug passed away. He was a wonderful dog too. We chose to bury him (my husband like that idea better. My dog from childhood kinda creeps him out LOL) We buried him at my husbands mothers house with the other pets that have passed away. My daughter picked out a beautiful butterfly bush that we planted above him, and bought a wonderful stone from http://www.memorialgallerypets.com/pet-headstones-pet-grave-markers.aspx

We buried our smallers pets and planted a tree over the spot. With our larger dogs we cremate, then plant a memorial tree. Cremation is relatively inexpensive in our area. So sorry for what you are going through. They are never with us long enough.

Wow, people are really attached to dead things. Dispose of the body in the most environmentally-friendly way possible and move on. Pictures and memories should be enough.

We have an amazing vet that we go to. We paid about 500 to 600 for our husky to be cremated and spread through out this gorgeous apple orchard. Our vet understands it all, he is so compassionate. We did this for all three of our pets. Its a piece of mind knowing that shes somewhere peaceful and so is her ashes.

I'm very surprised by these cremation costs (not questioning them, but wondering why they are so high). Just this May in Connecticut, I paid less than $200 for an individual cremation with ashes returned in a sealed tin for my 60 lb. husky/German shepherd cross

First, I am so sorry that you are going through this. We lost our 2 labs exactly a year apart from each other.

We chose cremation. The vet made an imprint of their paws for us, and the ashes are still in the box...in the velvet bag that they gave use. When we have the money, we will purchase an urn for each them. She also gave us a copy of the poem 'Rainbow Bridge'.

Cremation is expensive, but, for us, it was worth the cost. They had 2 options where we went, single cremation (they were by themselves), or group cremation (they were with others). The group was less expensive, so we went that way...besides, they were social dogs...so I thought it was nice that they wouldn't be alone. I know that sounds crazy.

I like that we have their ashes. They are currently on our dresser. I do plan on making a shadow box for both of them, with pictures of them, their collars/tags, and a container of their ashes. They were awesome pets. Yes, part of the family...and I tear up when I think about them.

In some states it is illegal to bury your pet in the backyard...so I'd check that out.

Good luck with your decision. It's a tough one to make. I'm truely sorry for your situation.

All of our pets -- one dog and two cats -- were buried. One of the cats was buried in my flower garden because that's where he spent the majority of his time. The dog was buried in a special place and then I buried our second cat "with" her because they were best buddies.

I'm very sorry that you have to go through this. It's never easy no matter how many times you do it.

I had my first dog cremated, and had the last tennis ball she played with put in the box with her (she was a tennis ball FREAK). She chose me at the shelter, and she was my "soul dog", so I wanted to be able to keep her with me. I had to put another dog to sleep last year, but that was not by choice, and I didn't get to choose what happened afterward. I'm not sure what I would do with either of the dogs I have now. I might do the same and have them cremated. We're going to move in the next 4 yrs, and Stitch is already 12, so if he dies before we move, I wouldn't want to leave him behind.

I live in Florida so you really can't choose Burial unless you go to a Pet Cemetary which is crazy expensive
I chose Cremation for my Boxer and didn't get the ashes back. When I lost my Rottie I got her ashes back and for my little Pug that drowned in our pool.

I have them in wood boxes too with name plates. I also want to be cremated so for me it was easy to decide. I am upset I didn't get the Boxer's ashes back though.

I also have 2 parakeets that passed that my daughter refused to bury and insisted we cremate - 200.00 for two 20.00 parakeets but she was so upset so we have their ashes too.

I'm sorry you even have to decide this - I love my animals

We've only buried the pets we've lost...yes, even the fish - the kids needed the closure of digging that little hole and covering it back up. There is something to the process that aids in healing, for my family at least. They still go out to the "grave sites" in our backyard and put up little crosses they've made with twigs/branches and such. And I'm careful not to run them over with the lawn mower.

I lost my terrier of 16 years about 2 years ago. I did have her cremated and the vet put her in a flowered tin. It sits behind her picture on the mantel.

When I lost my cat earlier this year I had him cremated and found a small box (I think it was meant for jewelry) that was the color of his eyes and his ashes are there. I'll get a nameplate made for it eventually. I just felt better knowing that if I move, I can take him with me.

I think you just have to go with your gut on this one Jac. It all comes down to what will make you feel better.

A potential middle ground would be to bury him in the yard in a biodegradable container and plant a sapling tree over him. His physical components would nourish the tree - new life from death. Then if you were to move home, you could dig up the sapling and take it with you to your new property.

I like this idea