Question:
I have two cats, ages 15 and 16 years. When they die, I would like to bury them in their favorite place: the backyard. How does one prepare for this ... hole depth, type of container, etc.? What type of wrapping around the body?.
R.G., Middletown, NJ Nov 06, 2005
Answer:
It is illegal in some municipalities to bury animals on private property. You may want to check into this and consider cremation as an alternative.In the past, I've buried my beloved animal companions under at least three feet of soil, placing a large stone over the mound. Depending on where you live, foxes, coyotes and feral dogs could dig up shallow graves.Some companies sell pet coffins made of tough plastic, which I deplore. A pine box (or one of decorated cardboard) is biodegradable and allows the animal's body to return to the earth and recycle properly. I've always wrapped my animals in a nice swatch of fabric. I've also learned not to let surviving animals see the burial -- some may get very upset. However, viewing the body of the deceased is important for them; it seems to bring closure to their grief and loss.
Subscribe