Please plan ahead for your pets passing (not for vet bashing)

My Sassea died early this past Friday morning. My wife made it clear she did not want to bury her in the dirt. We stopped at the vet when they first opened Friday and were told she died. The vet asked if "we wanted her cremated" and we said yes. My wife and I had no clue just that we did not want Sassea buried in the dirt. I just thought the reference was, did we want to take her with us or leave her for the vet to take care of with the other dead pets. Then after we saw Sassea for the last time the vet asked "did we want them to take care of it". I just thought it was a last chance statement. Take her to bury or be cremated with other pets. I went to pay last nights vet bill and they said it would be okay could come in Monday. No question of cremation by cashier and I did not realize that I should bring it up. Today I realized that they offer private cremation and you can get the ashes. I just was not thinking and they did not stop to ask anything more specific. I paid the last vet bill today and left. So please plan these things. 

I'm so sorry for you, your heart must be broken. I agree with what you say, but I know none of us are thinking straight at a time like you went through, and the vet's office should have questioned you a little more to avoid any kind of misunderstanding at a time like that.  I have had the pain of bringing many cats to the vet, most not mine, but the unfortunate strays who are dumped and the ferals that show up. When the vet asks if I want him to 'take care of it' I know that he means the cat will be cremated and they will dispose of the ashes, but the only reason is because I have brought in so many. The only thing you have to comfort you is knowing she is NOT buried, and her spirit will be with you for as long as you live.  Her earthly body held the true her, her spirit and soul that bonded with your own and will be with you forever. Go ahead and get that urn, or another little vessel, and any hair you find, or any part of her that she left behind, can be put into it and treasured. A cat that disappears and is never seen again, is still mourned and the memory is treasured. Your little one would never want you to be so sad when remembering her, but celebrating the good times and the years you shared. My heart goes out to you, you will surely be blessed for loving her so much. RIP sweet Sassea, try to comfort those you left behind, let them know you made it safely to the Rainbow Bridge, and know you will be forever held in a loving heart!

Thank you for reply.



I asked my wife what she thought about saving some of Sassea's fur. I told her there was no hurry and it was up to her. She immediately went to her craft items. She had a box for a fancy watch and cut a chunk off a fleece blanket. I told her we could buy something if she wanted. She then grabbed an older pin box that would fit inside and put Sassea's fur in it. She also placed one of Sassea's heart shaped ID tags in the box and then caringly placed this on the shelf with Sassea's picture.



Thank you.  

That is beautiful, and just perfect! I still find some of my Chrissy's hairs once in while. even almost three years later. Hers wa ringed and so distinctive. Every time I do I place it in the little cat figurine I have and think of her and how much I miss her. I'm sure you'll find more keepsakes, an old blanket that was packed with hair on it, etc. Each and every one is a treasure. An old hair brush is priceless. I'm so sorry you have to go through all this, I know how much it hurts, and want you to know you are not alone, Take care.....

I'm sorry your kitty's ending was not the way you would have liked it to be and I'm glad you found other keepsakes to remind you of her.  Your memorial on the shelf sounds perfect.  

Whether or not you were able to keep her ashes, the memories are dear and close and treasured. What you and your wife did with her fur and tags and photo is wonderful, and you may find that, as the days pass, the Sassea shelf gets more crowded with memories and toys of Sassea's and maybe a whisker you'll find and more photos and the like.

When my last cat passed away last year, we were able to receive her ashes... but the special urn we got for them is much more crowded with hair and whiskers and baby teeth and favorite toys and some small photos, alongside the ashes.

RIP Sassea.

I am so sorry....rest in peace dear SasSea. It's wonderful idea keeping some of their stuff.

My girls passed away last year and I kept their favorite blanket, when I'm missing them so much I used their blanket and it makes me feel good. I couldn't throw away that blanket, my babies favorite and need to be here where I can see it. Macha sniffed it and now it's her favorite too, I allowed her to used it because I know my girls would allow her without a doubt.

Take care...