End of life options

[Lorraine Bromley]

I have put alot of thought into how to handle our oldest dogs passing when it happens. She is 16 in March. She is doing well but as she ages I know the inevitable will happen.
Our cat is still with us in my sons room cremated. My other cat my other son felt the vet disposing of her was what he wanted. The other cats and various were buried on our farm we are no longer on.
I do like the pendant idea, that would be an option.
The question I had is has anyone ever thought of donating their pets body or organs. Even just for use in studying scientificly. Like people donate their bodies to science.
I would be open to other options anyone has thought of . I will of course have a memorie album/keepsake box.
Thank you in advance .Iknow this is a difficult area of disscusssion. But I'd like to be prepared if and when this happens.

[Tamara & Giada]

That is a wonderful idea. I bet a vet teaching school would be who you'd call. And, I'm sure they DO do that for the students to learn about the whole dog's systems! So sorry your dog will leave you soon :(

[Kai Doodle (Kathy & Keith)]

So sorry you are facing this. I only have experience with people donating their bodies. My Grandmother donated her to UCLA Medical School. When they accepted her body they told us that it would be 3-12 months before they would be calling to ask us what we wanted done with her remains. We had her cremated afterwards. Don't know but maybe Veterinary Schools do the same?

[DeeDee and Sheila]

My heart goes out to you. I envy how long your pet has lived. I recently had to put down my last lab, Sandy. I was so distraught I almost didn't take my vet's offer to have a clay plaque made that has Sandy's paw print on it (you know, like kids hands in cement). It has been 1 month now and I'm so glad I have it. I cleaned her paws and clipped them so much that I KNOW her paw print and feel a part of her is still with me. I am going to take it to Denver w/ me to show it to my "newly minted" vet daughter. I am now on a breeders list for a mini labradoodle and I love to see all the members pets on this website!

[F, Calla & Luca]

What would they do with the organs? An old dogs organs are probably not in great shape. I don't know if anyone is doing or contemplating transplanting organs into animals. It seems a very impractical idea--expensive, difficult collection, time factors, etc.The recipient would go through a huge amount of trauma. I'm sure one way or another--probably best not to think about it--those organs needed for experimental purposes do not come from pets.

[Chris & Boys]

Hi Lorraine,
I had a lot of time to think of what to do for this situation, but I never thought of donating the organs, what a beautiful idea! Although, I think for my situation I would have asked for the rest of the remains to be cremated and returned to me. I could not stand the tought otherwise. I am getting Boomer cremated, and if I can find some reasonably priced pendants (my sons are 9 and 11 - they lose things too easily) I will buy one for each of the boys - I am looking for a charm for myself. Boomer was my first real pet. I was terrified of dogs before I got him, so he holds an even more special place in my heart. As it turns out my friend had his dog put down the same day as Boomer, and when I told him how wonderful the room was at my vets, he was really sorry he didn't do some homework on finding a great place to take care of his dog's passing. I was going to have a vet come to my house, I am so glad I didn't. I cannot even fill the water dish without crying, how could I handle having had him pass in my living room? But the room at our vet's was beautiful, extremely comfortable and peaceful. I would research where you want to have it done. Find out what kind of room they use, and go look at it.
Good luck.

[HANNAH 8/2/07 & HONEY 7/2/08]

I have two large boxes of ashes from both my Rotties, ashes from Shih-Tzu, Poodles, etc. I always wanted them to be with me when I go, but it's to much. I have decided to plant some of their ashes at my brothers home, and keep some for myself, but also will put some at a favorite spot of ours. But one thing I have learned through the death of my pets and parents is, No matter what you do with their remains, no matter where you go or what you are doing, everyday they are still with you for every minute of the rest of your life in your heart and mind. If you love something set it free, if it come's back..it's meant to be...memories always come back of our loved ones.

[Lynn D.]

I have a few good links for pendants, if you would like. The sites also have very nice boxes and urns.

I also have a link for a company that can create a diamond from cremains. Its VERY expensive! But so creative!