I am fast approaching having to make a very hard decision.  What is making it worse is not knowing what options there are for my beloved dog after he is gone.

I know some vets will have them cremated and return the ashes but are there any restrictions on where you can lay a pet dog to rest that is not cremated?

We have larges gardens but also a field of pasture land that was once used for grazing livestock.  Does any know if it is OK to bury my dog there?

Down my woods I have an area set aside for burials I have a couple of dogs (not mine but a friends) and my uncle Jim!! Its ok to bury ashes anywhere its bodies (human) that you need a licence for not dogs. Your fine where you think they will be happiest. My dogs & me are going down my woods, under the trees where we have walked for so long, Uncle Jim did twice a day for 15 years.

There are no restrictions (unless specific in your area or covenant) to burying dogs (or even people) in the garden or elsewhere providing that you do not risk contaminating the water table.

However, you must think of when you move house and what potential purchasers may think, if they are considering any remodelling.

You would be wise to seek advice before burying a loved one under the patio though. :)

> You would be wise to seek advice before burying a loved one under the patio though. :-)

Unless you live in Brookside Close, of course... ;)

My Oldies are in a special place in the paddock.....didn't even give it a second thought. I take flowers down there on the anniversaries....and place a wreath of holly cut from the hedgerows at Christmas. (I know it sounds daft but sometimes I feel that they still join us on our walks....and just "check in" now and again to make sure we are all okay)

Its a tough decision to make on behalf of a companion....

IF IT SHOULD BE

If it should be that I grow weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then you must do what must be done,
For this last battle cannot be won.

You will be sad, I understand.
Don't let your grief then stay your hand.
For this day, more than all the rest,
Your love for me must stand the test.

We've had so many happy years.
What is to come can hold no fears.
You'd not want me to suffer so;
The time has come -- please let me go.

Take me where my need they'll tend,
And please stay with me till the end.
Hold me firm and speak to me,
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time that you will see
The kindness that you did for me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I've been saved.

Please do not grieve -- it must be you
Who had this painful thing to do.
We've been so close, we two, these years;
Don't let your heart hold back its tears.

Hope this helps a little x

Please do not grieve -- it must be you
Who had this painful thing to do.
We've been so close, we two, these years;
Don't let your heart hold back its tears.

The truth of this is what is so hard.  I took this boy in as a pup from a dog's home in Feb 1996.  As a large breed dog he is now 107 in our years approx. and has been on borrowed time for just over a year. 

But I know time is running out fast now and possible have days in which to make a decision so that he does not suffer.

I had buried another dog out in the field a few years back and someone told me I should not have done this which is why I'm asking now.

Thanks to all who have replied. 

I bury my dogs at my parents house as that is where I will one day hopefully go back to, I don't want to stay in the house I'm in now for the rest of my life so I won't bury my dogs there.

There are no restrictions (unless specific in your area or covenant) to burying dogs (or even people) in the garden or elsewhere providing that you do not risk contaminating the water table.

There was a study out some years ago to say that the seepage from cemeteries was a recognised and significant hazard in respect of groundwater contamination--caused by embalming processes, etc. In certain soil conditions it can just as easily contaminate the water table. One of our environmental projects included the construction of a very large lined pond and wetland area that just happened to be at the foot of a hill with a long established cemetery on the top. Oily slicks appeared almost constantly thereafter in the wetland area. Plants seemed to thrive ok but no signs of amphibian species.

I still believe that line that says:

the best place to bury your dog is in your heart...........

Suzieque, thinking of you both in your hard times  xxx

> check in" now and again to make sure we are all okay)

I am sure mine do too....

Hard time my thoughts with you Suzieque. Planning ahead is always a good idea, helps at the time IMO.

>

I still believe that line that says:

the best place to bury your dog is in your heart...........

I agree but the practicalities don't fit well with this.  I will never forget this boy, he will always be in my heart.  He has been a wonderful, stress free, uncomplicated, laid back dog.  He has accepted every foster dog and rescue dog that I have brought home into his home.  He has a marvellous way of communicating with them all and I learned more from him than any one of the dozens of books I read on canine communication and body language.

He has always been a gem of a dog, a real gentleman.  I have been truly blessed and I have prayed a thousand times that nature would make this decision for me but I think it will be mine.

I had a lot of trouble deciding about Henry, I didn't want to bury him in our garden in case we ever moved again and I couldn't bear to leave him behind. So we had him cremated and thought we might scatter the ashes. But then we couldn't agree on where to scatter him, I didn't like the suggestions hubby made and vice versa. So then we were back to scattering him in the garden, but hubby said when we mowed the lawn next we'd be mowing Henry up!! So in the end we buried his ashes near the spot he died in, under my special Freddie Mercury rose which was a wedding present and moved with us from the previous house. If we ever move again that rosebush will still come with us, so I won't lose him then. I must admit I tend to say hello to him whenever I'm in that bit of the garden! :-p

Im likely to be completely wrong, but im sure i read somewhere that we shoudnt have our pets back after pts as they are classed as clinical waste??? or do vets waver this?

we buried one of our dogs last friday after having her pts, we have a field too and all our previous pets are there, i have planted some bulbs on top of her - a bit late so dont whether they will come up in spring lol.

My husbands ashes are under a special tree at the end of our field. I'm sure people must think I'm mad as I am always having long conversations with that tree ( or at least it must look that way)

There are no restrictions for dogs. We have a bit of land & a small area fenced off with trees & shrubs. My beloved 'Holly', rescue GSD is in there with 'Muffin', mini wire dachshund at her side. When our cat 'Tigger' died we put him the other side of Holly, as Muffin always found him a bit intimidating. He was a really grumpy cat, he could make Muffin move just by looking at him! I couldn't bear to put them 2 side by side. It never gets any easier, my daughter & I stood sobbing as Holly was laid to rest by my husband. The ground was hard & it was back breaking work preparing the grave. My daughter pipes up, Dad's going to have to dig a really big hole when anything happens to one of the horses........there were tears of laughter & sadness at the same time. We will cross that bridge when the time comes, don't know how, but we will. Take care, thinking of you at this sad time.

We have always buried our pets in my mum and Dads back garden including some wild animals I found dead when I was a child and couldnt bear to leave them. Dad just dug a hole and we had our own little ceremony with lolly sticks as a cross. My first dog as an adult I buried in the garden where I now live and because I was worried about what to do when we move I put the casket in a tupperware box and intend to bring her with me. Since then I have kept the caskets of my dogs and cats in the house that way they a will always be with me and later they will be with me when I go. i am sure that will seem odd to some but it makes me feel comfortable

Its a hard thing too do and so sad but you have looked after your dog all this time and he will have had a good and happy life
Fushang I dont know about clincially waste but there are plenty of places who offer an individual pet cremation and burial service if you want it and pet cemteries too and they arnt' back strret places. There is a very big one near us

furriefriends - i havent thought of pet cemeteries so it must be nonsense.

I have tried various.  I had one pet buried in a garden of a house that I lived in, twice in fact. two diff houses. I then had a dog buried in a place that ought to have been safe as houses. then the Dog Charity who owned the land sold it for housing devlopment. after that my dogs have been cremated and when I die the family know my wishes are to have the dogs ashes go with me. 

i had my rupert cremated,just could not bury him,he is on the fireplace and so will all my other dogs and then they will go with me when i die,so sorry for what you are going through,your dog is very lucky to have such a wonderfull caring owner
jo

I have had my two oldies cremated and buried in a local pet cemetary. It is in a lovely rural setting and is very peaceful but lovely when we have been to see them as people go and see them and you take the living dogs with you. It is such a peaceful place.

I will however say that I would have buried them if I could have done and I think it is important that they are buried where they loved to be or where they were in their last in a happy place where walkies, food and love were given to them. All dogs deserve a dignified and peaceful resting place.

x

Everyone should do what is right for them at such a sad time. I have buried dogs when I lived somewhere suitable to do it but I don't think that I would do it again. I think I find it even more upsetting if that is possible. I stay with them and say goodbye as they go to sleep in the vets but I do not have the ashes back. What is left is just a shell and the important part is still with you. I wanted to put this in case there were others on here who do the same and might possibly be feeling guilty because of what has already been written in this thread. Providing your dog has been loved and looked after all of its life and during its death then what happens after is only important for you.

So right mandyD I think the same applies to humans it is personal to you.

I do the same as Mandy D. When I lost my first dog, many years ago, I had her cremated and had her ashes back. Then I didn't really know what to do with them. I was married to someone in the forces so we moved often and my parents were wanting to move. Eventually I buried her ashes. Since then, I haven't had the ashes back when I have lost one of my beloved dogs. They live on in my heart. But we all must deal with their loss in the way that suits us best.

When pets are PTS at the vet surgery, they are classed as clinical waste if the owner does not want them back, and does not want to pay for cremation.

I always stay with mine, and hold them while they slip away.  And I have never had one just die in their sleep.  I have always had to love them enough,,,,,

It is most definitely in order for you to bury your beloved dog in your own gardens or pasture.  I have 12 dogs buried on my own land, and feel better that I didn't leave them behind at the vet surgery.  And, I think this is the important thing.  What you feel comfortable with.  I have a friend that can't stand the thought of an animal buried in her garden.  We all have to do what is right for us.

I just like the thought that mine are close by.  No vet can refuse to let you have the body of your pet returned to you.

I am sorry you are facing this very difficult decision, i too am facing this very soon myself.

It is a very personal thing and there is no wrong or right its whatevers right for YOU.

I always have mine cremated and the ashes back and they are in my living room with me and will all go with me when its my turn.

I wish you strength and courage for the hard decision ahead but clearly you love your boy very much as i do my special man and we will both make the right choice at the time thats right for them.

God bless x

You are not allowed to bury an animal in our region.  I have no idea why but then I didn't ask.
Jean, I think it is OK if you are burying a small breed to think that way but there was no way my OH and I could've dug a hole in the deepest, darkest winter to bury my old boy as he was a large breed and the ground was frozen.
I think that you take the soul and the memories with you, all that's left is a beautiful shell no longer needed.  When I go our usual walk I always take them too as I know that if they could be anywhere in the spirit world, it would be running free chasing deer in those woods.

All dogs deserve a dignified and peaceful resting place.


I agree, for my dogs this place is in my heart.
I too believe that the body is just a shell and they will be with me in spirit no matter where their body rests, in fact I know they still walk with me when I take my other dogs out. So it is up to people to cope with the pain of loss in the way that suits them best, there is no right or wrong way, just individual choice.

If I could bury them in my back yard I would, but its not allowed here which I can understand being in a city... I got Dozer cremated and think I will do the same with my other 3...

if you do bury then bury deep is my advise. it is not nice making surprise finds when gardening.
when we first moved to this house i had to dig an area over where a large shrub had been.and found a long departed dog and frankly it gave me quite  a turn as found rib cage first and it was big enough to be human...thankfully spotted the dogs skull before phoning police! 

we reburied him .  his owners must have loved him and planted the shrub to remember him.

Yikes Weimed! I used to bury my hamsters in my parents garden as a child, and I do remember finding one tiny leg bone when burying a subsequent one. I wouldn't like to find a dog skeleton!!!

Its a difficult decision to make Suzieque and I wish you the strength to make it when the time comes.   These are our loyal and beloved friends and companions who we have spent many long years with us.   They deserve our love and respect and it isnt always easy to make certain decisions.

My beloved heart dog, Winston, died just over three and a half years ago.   He was cremated and I remember going to fetch his ashes and holding them close to me on the journey home.   I had intended to scatter his ashes but found that I was unable to when the time came.   So instead I bought a little antique table with a lid and his ashes are in there with his collar and a few other of his bits.   So he is in our livingroom and I talk to him often especially when Im dusting!  

Like others I sometimes feel that he is with us on our walks but I do like the feeling that here in our home, hes still a part of our lives.   Its a very personal choice.

I bury all my animals at my mums, apart from my first dog fern that was taken away by the vets, and my second dog gemma who was cremated and I have her ashes.
Just be aware, if anyone is doing you garden please make them aware of any 'grave sites'
I am a landscape gardener and went to a garden to plant some trees. There were stakes where the trees were needed to be planted. The owners of the house were at work.
Myself and my boss started to dig the holes (about 18inchs deep) and on about the 3rd one I came upon a black bin liner. I didnt think anything of it as there is alot of rubbish in the ground, and carried on digging, but uncovered a body. The bin liner was intact. I took the body out of the hole and put it on the ground for my boss to feel!!!! (yes it was the size of a human baby and neither of us were sure. My boss felt it under the bag and reaqlised it was a CAT!!!!!!! not that long been in the hole!!!!!! we dug another hole and reburied it. Never told the owner of the garden, The cat ended up buried further down than before, near the trees, but still to this day donnot know why they didnt tell us where they buried the cat!!!!
So bewarned to tell people where you bury your animals!!!!
Lea :) :)

I moved into this house in 1985,,in that time I have buried 4 hamsters, 1 budgie, 2 cats and 1 dog. Ben my huge ginger tom  died 4 years ago from kidney failure(pts), I had him cremated and he has pride of place on the hearth in a wooden ginger cat shaped urn..the pups that were born in march brought their teeth through on his ears...he didnt seem to mind though, he was quite fond of dogs. I couldnt bear to move and leave any of them behind, but I know its not possible to take them with me, thats why mine will be cremated from now on and I can take them where ever I go.
My heart goes out to anyone having to think about the difficult decision that has to be made.

> Jean, I think it is OK if you are burying a small breed to think that way

I have 3 Collies buried here, and do intend for my next 3 Collies to stay here too.  I only have 3 large dogs now.  2 Beardies and a Border Collie.

I do agree that it is very difficult to dig down deep enough.  Unfortunately I am in a heavy clay area, so it really does take some digging!  It has to be done in several sessions.

Neighbours away on holiday, with someone going in to feed their pets. Day before they return dog comes running in with the neighbours beloved rabbit, dead but apart from being dirty no marks. So not knowing what to do and not wanting to tell them on their return that their childrens rabbit has got out and been killed by the dog, they make the decision to wash the rabbit, blow dry and return it to its' cage. A couple of days later when neighbours have been home for a while they meet outside and ask how the holiday went 'had a lovely time till we got home'. Apparently the rabbit had died the day before they were to go away and had had a full burial service in the garden.

We buried our special boy Spangler in our garden, I never gave it a second thought, I wanted him back with us he was with us for such a short time and I couldn't cope with the thought of him not being close.  It helped me eventually to come to terms with the heartache I felt, we planted a pear tree and mirabelle tree for the first anniversary of his death.

Only downside is that I would never want to move house, not that we intend to, but it would be something to consider.

It is most definitely a purely personal decision.....and I wouldn't suggest for one minute that there is a right or wrong way to deal with the loss. It still haunts me that I allowed a vaccine company to do an autopsy on one of my 8 week old puppies. The last thing I said to her as the vets took her in was......."Don't worry sweetie.....I'll be back for you really soon"

It has took me the longest time to deal with the heartache of my broken promise to her.....and the only place I can keep this little one safe is in my heart. I feel her spirit with me just as keenly as the others....and she has become my motivation for wanting a "better deal" for dogs.....(and honesty from the drug companies)

>and honesty from the drug companies

Autopsies are sadly a necessary evil if you want to try to get closer to the truth. Unfortunately they're often inconclusive, but without them the cause of death is usually speculative. Very distressing for all. :-(

I wish you strength and courage for the hard decision ahead but clearly you love your boy very much as i do my special man and we will both make the right choice at the time thats right for them.

After reading all your comments I spent last weekend walking the field each day to the spot where I always thought I would leave my Oscar if I could.  We had had several days of hard frost and the thought of leaving him in the cold, hard, frozen ground was unbearable.

Monday brought snow, lots of it. Tuesday and Wednesday brought more and we could not get off our property.  Thursday the snow was knee deep with drifts of over 2'.  It was also the day I knew I had to make the decision.

Knowing I couldn't get out to the vets I arranged for them to come here.  We live in a livestock farming area so our vets all drive 4 x 4s to reach outlaying farms.   They came Friday morning and my boy finally drifted away on his own bed infront of a roaring coal fire in the lounge.  I held him to the end.

I always have mine cremated and the ashes back and they are in my living room with me and will all go with me when its my turn.

This is what I have arranged to be done and all my family know my wishes.  I couldn't think of a finer companion to be with me on my final journey.

A noble brave action, and a good decision to have him come home to you. Thinking of you, best wishes Lacy.

Sleep tight Oscar.  RIP

So very sorry for your loss.

Run free over the Bridge Oscar xx

I am so sorry.   You are in my thoughts.
Michelle

I Am Not There

Do not stand at my grave and weep,

I am not there. I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.

I am the diamond glints on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain.

I am the gentle autumn's rain.

When you awaken in the morning's hush,

I am the swift uplifting rush

of quiet birds in circled flight.

I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry,

I am not there, I did not die.

Run free Oscar..... and with deepest sympathy to the "Two Legs" in your life who loved you so much xx

my heart goes out to you , run free oscar R.I.P (((hugs)))

Bless you and your lovely boy,mine are always pts at home if possible,they are cremated on there own,then back home to me and they will be buried with me.So sorry for you loss.xx

RIP Oscar xx

I have the ashes of my last dog - Poppy who we lost about a month ago still in a little casket that the crematorium gave us (the vet did a house call and then the man from the pet crem picked up Poppy [and brought the ashes back: I have no car]); my son was at swimming when the vet came "Poppy just died when you were out", and he spent the evening her body was in its basket going to look at, stroke and kiss her; he was more distressed at the body having to go but did help the man carry her out in her basket to his van.
We are going to bury Poppy's ashes in the corner of the Kirkyard soon (she is still on the window sill), and I recently found Benji's ashes casket  which I had thought were buried in my old house so Benji (who I lost 15 years ago) and Poppy can rest together in the old kirkyard.

> We are going to bury Poppy's ashes in the corner of the Kirkyard soon

Do you mean a deconsecrated kirkyard?  I'm sorry to say it is against the law to bury animal remains in a consecrated churchyard.  I think that may apply even if deconsecrated as long as human remains are present as you are not allowed to in a non religious cemetery either.
You may be able to scatter the ashes but I think you would need to check with the minister.

We had Kesmai cremated and once I have saved up enough money I want to have her ashes turned into a diamond so that she be with me all the time. I say I am going to do the same to hubby too - he says its just an excuse to get some jewellry!