Till Death Do Us Part?

by JennLynn | More from this Blogger

30 Jan 2006 08:26 PM

People love their pets. As a pet owner I fully understand this but there comes a time when you have to ask yourself, "am I taking this too far?"

Apparently some people in Chicago are being buried with their pets. I guess if you want to get technical you could say that Egyptians did the same thing so what is so strange; but this is 2006!

After I read this, I immediately wondered if the people had it written in their will that the pet was to be put down as soon as the owner died. But that's not how it works.

According to the United Press International, "Since pets usually die earlier, he said the pet is buried about 7 1/2 feet deep in a concrete vault and the owner is buried about 6 feet deep above the animal when they depart."

I guess it's a nice sentiment but I still find it to be rather strange. What's even stranger is, "A woman recently buried her daughter's black and white pet guinea pig in a family plot."

I don't like to think about what will happen when my babies die. In fact I don't even like to say "when", I prefer "if".

But if the time comes, I do like some options that are available. There are pendants that you can get to put your loved pet's remains in. Actually the site refers to them as cremains. I don't know if I'd feel comfortable with that option.

There are also personalized urns; some have a place for a photo and nameplate. Others are simpler and just look like a regular vase. I am not sure if people still bury their pets in the backyard but I suppose that's a viable option as well.

But what happens if it's the other way around? Have you ever thought about what would become of your pet if you died first? There's a wonderful (and long) article on Estate Planning For Pets. It's a good read when you are in morbid mood and have a free moment.

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