In 1991, when my beloved Husky/Lab cross Porky passed away at the age of 14, we decided the best tribute to him was a burial in the Pine Ridge Pet Cemetery. Whenever I visit the area, I stop to give him flowers.
And for the dogs I have had since then, I have made plans in my will which say that their ashes should be cremated with me. I often talk with my clients about making their plans for when they and their dogs pass away.
Now I hear that the State of Massachusetts is debating House Bill 3272, which would allow the state’s 5,000 municipal, private and religious cemeteries to designate land for the “co-internment … of the bodies of humans and their pets.”
It’s not a law yet – but it’s a start of a welcomed, larger debate. There will be sensitivities around the internment of animals alongside people already buried in regulated cemeteries, with some having objections on religious grounds.
Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, Canine Catering Ltd, Christchurch, New Zealand
DoggyMom.com 