After your beloved pet has crossed over the Rainbow Bridge, there are still many decisions that need to be made. If the pet is to be cremated, many people would like to have the ashes. There are local crematoriums you can contact directly, and Halifax Humane Society does offer services to coordinate the cremation of your pet. There are many different packages available ranging from a mass cremation, to a communal cremation, to only your pets’ ashes in a variety of available urns. Crematoriums will offer these same options and they vary in cost. If you use HHS, all proceeds go to support our community’s animals.

There are also pet cemeteries available if you wish to have your pet buried in a casket and the grave marked with a headstone. You can visit when you wish, and lay flowers on the grave as you would at a traditional cemetery. I prefer the ashes in an urn, and I will eventually release most of the ashes in a place where my pet had the best times of its’ life. At the ocean, at the dog park, etc.

I would like to thank all the people who have sent me emails most recently. The stories of how you love your pets have been very touching. I answered an email from Bob with the following story of my own.

“I have had to deal with losing many pets over the years, but my first dog was still the most difficult to handle. I received him as a Christmas puppy when I was just 10-years old. He was a miniature Schnauzer and I named him Lucky because I thought I was so lucky to have a puppy. Fast forward 7-years and in this time period I had lost my only brother, and my parents to different illnesses. Fast forward again to when I turned 32-years old and needed to put Lucky down, for the now the 22-year old dog could barely see or hear and needed to wear a diaper but refused to die on his own. I had to take my most constant friend to the vet and I never cried so hard in my entire life. Even after saying goodbye and watching him pass, I sat in the veterinarians parking lot for an hour just balling. Until this day I still have a statue of Lucky on my desk at home. I look so forward to be reunited with him again when I too pass on from this earth.”

As, I said, I have had many pets over the years, but Lucky will always be very special to me for he was my most constant companion for that 22-year stretch. Lucky stayed by my side no matter what until he could simply not live any longer. He was a great little dog.

If you have a story about a pet who may have rescued you, or made your child a better person, or received when you were a child and grew up together as I did with Lucky, please feel free to email me. I would love to read about your love and commitment to your pet.

Here are ten commandments that all pet owners should abide by:

Ten Commandments from the Dogs Point of View

1. My life is likely to last only ten to fifteen years. Any separation from you will be very painful.
2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.
3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.
4. Don’t be angry with me for long and don’t lock me up as a punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment. I only have you.
5. Talk to me. Even if I don’t understand your words, I understand your voice when it is speaking to me.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I’ll never forget.
7. Before you hit me, remember that I have teeth that could easier crush the bones in your hand, but I choose not to bite you. Please choose not to hit me.
8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I am not getting the right food, or I’ve been out in the sun too long, or my heart may be getting old and weak.
9. Take care of me when I get old. You, too, will grow old.
10. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say, “I can’t bear to watch it,” or “let it happen in my absence.” Everything is easier for me if you are by my side. Remember, I love you.

In a world filled with anger and hate, sharing our love with our animals might just change this world into a more loving and awesome existence. And lastly, please remember, adopt don’t shop.