Would you have a funeral for your dog?
By Barb
@abbey19 (3106)
Gold Coast, Australia
April 28, 2007 4:34pm CST
My friend has just had to have her dog put down, he was 16, so very old. She is having a big funeral for him, inviting a lot of people, and making a big thing out of it. I know she loved him dearly, but I think this is a bit over the top. I have lost a few dogs over the years, but chosen to bury them in the backyard with only my family around. Nice and quiet; it's a very private thing. What do you think - would you have a big "funeral" for your pet?
15 people like this
13 responses
@hannahjomommy (373)
• United States
28 Apr 07
Personally, no... However, I know people that have dont just what your friend is. I find it a little much. But, I guess if they are a part of your family then you have to do what you feel is right when you say your goodbyes
@abbey19 (3106)
• Gold Coast, Australia
28 Apr 07
I wouldn't like all the fuss either - I like to keep it simple and just family or close friends. I treat my dogs as part of our family and love them dearly, but that's the way I would say my goodbyes. My friend must need to do it this way - we are all different.
@abbey19 (3106)
• Gold Coast, Australia
28 Apr 07
I wouldn't like all the fuss either - I like to keep it simple and just family or close friends. I treat my dogs as part of our family and love them dearly, but that's the way I would say my goodbyes. My friend must need to do it this way - we are all different.
1 person likes this
@pendragon (3350)
• United States
29 Apr 07
I lost my dog to illness on the 19th, we buried him in the backyard and I bought a rode for his grave, and I said a few words and the people that loved him were there. I quess I kind of did?
2 people like this
@abbey19 (3106)
• Gold Coast, Australia
30 Apr 07
Sorry to hear that you have just lost your dog, it is so sad to lose a much loved pet. You did what I would do, and have done in the past when our animals have passed away - keept it simple with family/friends there for support. Thanks for sharing that with us pendragon.
1 person likes this
@matlgal (1686)
• United States
29 Apr 07
Ahhhhhhhh NO- I wouldn't!
Would I greive alot- You Bet
Would I tell my closest friends? - You bet
Would I expect them to attend a ceremony and feel the emotion I feel? _ NO
One of the hardest times in your life is losing a pet that you've loved and been loved by for many years but that is YOUR pet. Asking friends to attend a function like that I think is a bit over the top- To my knowledge that has not become "The thing to do"? or has it? I may be way behind the times. I adore all animals and if something happens to "Hershey" my Lab my heart will about break. But I cannot bring myself to think that I would make a social event out of it.
Maybe she felt that was paying a lot of respect to her beloved pet? People handle things differently and I can see how maybe she felt that this is the least she could do. But still it's just not something that most people can get in to at this time I don't believe.
1 person likes this
@matlgal (1686)
• United States
1 May 07
your right Abbey we have Pet Cemetary's here even. I have seen Pet Insurance, Pet Will's, Pet caskets/ Urns... etc. It's quite the marketing scam in places. But there again like so many have said in this discussion "It's up to the individual to grieve in their own way". It's just not me to have a social function for it.
@gemini1960 (1161)
• Philippines
29 Apr 07
Yes i do buried my pet on my backyard only.
1 person likes this
@jbrowsin66 (1321)
• United States
28 Apr 07
No, I wouldn't do this, but she might find it a fun "theme" to get together and have a barbeque with friends and since she's sad about it, it might be nice to have her friends around. I'm not sure just how far your friend is planning to go though,lol. Prayer cards? Throwing rose petals in the hole? Eulogies? ;)
1 person likes this
@LittleMel (8742)
• Canada
29 Apr 07
I would go with the head stone, but I wouldn't invite too many people. It might even be just me and my husband or our kids if we have any. I have lost pets before and I was just devastated I really don't think I want anyone to see me like that aside from family. Even if I can afford it, the worst I could go would be putting an obituary in the newspaper or plant a tree in the memorial city park on behalf of my pets.
1 person likes this
@beaniegdi (1964)
•
29 Apr 07
I wouldn't but your friend wants to and that is the main thing after all. We are all different in the way we live our lives and she has to do what she thinks is best for her. The world would be a poorer place if we all lived it the same, it is these diferences between us that makes life colourful and interesting. Maybe your friends idea will catch on and some of the people reading your post might decide to do the same as your friend if they ever lose a pet.
@abbey19 (3106)
• Gold Coast, Australia
30 Apr 07
Yes, I have come to the same realization beanie - my friend must feel the need to do it this way, and if it helps her in her time of grief, then it can only be good. Like you say, we all have different ways of dealing with things, and that is why the world is such an interesting place! Thanks for sharing your views.
@alirana (297)
• Malaysia
29 Apr 07
It seems very akward to do for your pet.Ok i can see some time emotinal attacmentsa re too high but it seems very exazarated in this sense.Hope Allah pour his Hidya on such kind of people who has forgottn the humanity and worshiping the animals.Even now when i am writing this text so many poor humans are dying wit hunger and we can do anything for them.So plz don't promote such type topics in public.
1 person likes this
@ellie26 (4139)
• Malaysia
29 Apr 07
It does not break any laws, does it? Why not, if it make your friend feel better. After all, her dog has been with her for 16 years (dogs are man best friend), I am sure she felt the loss so terribly and would want to do something special for her dog. And if she can affor it, why not?
1 person likes this
