When we lose a beloved pet, it is a tragic loss that is akin to losing one of the family. Many opt to bury their pets at home so they can decorate and visit the grave as desired. Pets can be buried in the garden of the domestic property where the pet lived as long as it is not within definition of hazardous waste. If it qualifies as hazardous waste, one must obtain local authority consent to clear the burial.
"On January 4, 1993, [Kinky Friedman’s cat Cuddles] was put to sleep in Kerrville, Texas, by Dr. W.H. Hoegemeyer and myself [Kinky]. Cuddles was fourteen years old, a respectable age. She was as close to me as any human being I have ever known."
"Cuddles and I spent many years together, both in New York, where I first found her as a little kitten on the street in Chinatown, and later on the ranch in Texas. She was always with me, on the table, on the bed, by the fireplace, beside the typewriter, on top of my suitcase when I returned from a trip."
"I dug Cuddles' grave with a silver spade, in the little garden by the stream behind the old green trailer where both of us lived in the summertime. Her burial shroud was my old New York sweatshirt and in the grave with her is a can of tuna and a cigar."
"A few after Cuddles crossed the Rainbow Bridge, I received a sympathy note from Bill Hoegemeyer, the veterinarian. It opened with a verse by Irving Townsend: "We who choose to surround ourselves with lives even more temporary than our own live within a fragile circle."
"Now, as I write this, on a gray winter day by the fireside, I can almost feel her light tread, moving from my head and my heart down through my fingertips to the keys of the typewriter People may surprise you with unexpected kindness. Dogs have a depth of loyalty that often we seem unworthy of. But the love of a cat is a blessing, a privilege in this world."
"They say when you die and go to heaven all the dogs and cats you've ever had in your life come running to meet you. Until that day, rest in peace, Cuddles."
Reference: Friedman, K. (2009). Kinky’s Celebrity Pet Files. (pp. 52-54). New York, NY: Simon & Schuster.
A family lovingly says goodbye to their beloved kitty.
A little girl grieves the loss of her goldfish.
A family holds a funeral to say goodbye to their pet hamster.
Humans are not the only species experiencing increased longevity. In reviewing average life spans across the animal kingdom, one finds many animals are living past 50 years in age and some are even surpassing humans. (See the full life span chart by clicking here.)
dogs do nOt age 7 years for each human year.
Dog's Year 1 = 10 human years.
Dog's Year 2 = 20 human years.
Dog's Year 3 & up = add 4 years for every year.
A cat's age is:
Cat's Year 1 = 15 human years.
Cat's Year 2 = 24 human years.
Cat's Year 3 & up = add 4 years for every year.
Keeping our pets alive as long as possible, providing they are healthy and comfortable, is our primary goal. With elderly pets, it is important to consider how aging affects them and adjust their care to keep them comfortable.
Hearing. It is recommended that one does not startle their pet, but slowly “come into her field of vision before picking her up or touching her”. Similar to alerting pets, by knocking or tapping on the nearby flooring, one can use this method to alert the elderly pet.
Sight. If the pet’s sight is declining in it is recommended that one “keep furniture in the same location”. Should you have a need to do change the arrangement, take it slow “one piece at a time to allow your pet adequate time to adjust” and “help her learn the location of the new piece of furniture”.
Smell and Taste. Sense of smell and taste declines as humans age, and pets are no different. To help entice your pet to eat there are some handy hints Johnson suggests:
-Warm the food to release more of the scent.
-Add chopped fresh garlic and brewer’s yeast powder to the food (both are strong in scent).
-Do not over indulge your pet with treat foods “now isn’t the time to start overworking the kidneys or digestive system”.
Touch. Elderly pets might experience arthritis, increased sensitivity, or other conditions” that require an adjustment in “how you pet and handle”. Be gentle with grooming, use a softer brush and be sure to check for unusual lumps or growths .
Some Additional Helpful Hints
• Help keep your pet clean with regular brushing, also keep face and area surrounding genitals clean.
• Provide a warm sunny place to sleep near a window, but keep your pet away from drafts.
• If kitty has trouble making it to her litter box, “provide several boxes” and or “low-sided litter boxes without covers.”
• Provide top quality food.
• Have your pet examined by the vet “every six months”.
• Provide ramps or steps to some of your pet’s favorite high spots.
Reference: Johnson-Bennett, P. (1994). Twisted Whiskers: Solving Your Cat's Behavior Problems. Crossing Press.
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