Is Pet Cremation the Right Option for You?
Is Pet Cremation the Right Option for You?
by Mark Greer ? 2006, All Rights Reserved
Because our pets are members of our families, pet loss is a tragic event. Many pet owners find themselves unprepared when their pet ages or becomes ill. If you are in one of these situations, or if you’ve recently suffered the sudden loss of your pet, you may be wondering if pet cremation is the right option for you. Allow me to answer several frequently asked questions regarding pet cremation so you can make a confident choice in the matter.
Why Should I Choose Pet Cremation?
When your pet is cremated, his/her remains are returned so that you may place them in a pet urn. This allows you the ability of keeping your pet close should you and your family relocate. It also offers the flexibility of burying some ashes or scattering some ashes in your yard or your pet’s favorite place while keeping the rest in a pet urn.
Is Cremation Just for Small Pets?
No. Cremation is available for pets of every size, from birds to horses.
How Do I Locate A Pet Crematory?
Your veterinarian can usually recommend a crematory or you may find one in your local telephone directory.
What Does the Process of Pet Cremation Involve?
Cremation is performed using a special furnace called a cremation chamber. The process requires extreme heat (usually 1500 ? 1600 degrees Fahrenheit) along with evaporation in the chamber to reduce the body to its basic elements, which are referred to as cremated remains or cremains. Also commonly called ashes, the cremains are in fact bone fragments, which are reduced further in size until they resemble a sand-like substance.
Are There Different Types of Cremation?
Yes, and because there are different types, you’ll want to confirm your preference with your vet or crematory. You’ll need to consider which one of the following methods best aligns with your wishes.
Private Cremation ? A pet is placed in the chamber alone, with no other pets. Upon completion of the cremation, the pet?s cremains are removed from the chamber, processed and returned to the owners for transferring to the pet urn of their choice.
Viewing Cremation - The owner, family and/or friends are permitted to be present in a viewing room during the cremation. This option is not available at all crematories so you’ll want to confirm availability prior to making arrangements if this is your preferred method.
Individual Cremation ? Pets share space in the cremation chamber with other pets. Each pet is separated from the others in the chamber so that their cremains can be returned to the proper owners.
Communal (Mass) Cremation ? Multiple pets are cremated together. This option does not allow for separate cremains. The pets’ ashes are not returned to the owner. It is common practice for these cremains to be disposed of commercially.
How Can I Be Sure I’ll Get My Pet’s Cremains?
Your veterinarian can supply the contact information for crematories he/she has a relationship with. Using a reputable crematory can assure you and your pet are both treated with respect.
How Do I Transfer the Ashes To A Permanent Pet Urn?
Your pet’s cremains will usually arrive in a temporary urn sealed in a plastic bag. The ashes are bagged to prevent accidental loss should the pet urn be dropped or damaged. The bag also helps to prevent damage from moisture. It is preferable to transfer the entire plastic bag of cremains into the permanent pet urn.
If you find it uncomfortable to place the ashes into the permanent urn, family members, friends, or your veterinarian can likely provide the support you need by helping to complete the transfer for you. Most permanent pet urns are not complicated to open having a simple panel with just a few screws.
While pet loss is always a difficult experience, knowing your pet will remain close to you can be enormously reassuring. By understanding the various aspects of pet cremation, you will be prepared to make a choice that will bring you comfort and peace.
Mark Greer is President of Angel Ashes, offering unique pet urns that provide a lasting tribute for your cherished friend. If you're considering <a href="http://www.angelashes.com/petcremation.htm">pet cremation</a>, visit us at <a href="http://www.angelashes.com">http://www.angelashes.com</a>. Our selection includes tasteful wood urns, our signature angel urns and others.
Common Dog Diseases, Illnesses and Conditions Posted By : David Hensley
Like all pet animals, dogs too are prone to lots of diseases. To keep the dogs free from the diseases, they should be understood first and accordingly treated well with the assistance of the veterinarian. Some of the most common dog diseases are discussed in this article
Cat Discipline
Are you having problems with a cat that just won’t listen, or maybe one that leaves little unwanted presents if you go out of town for a night? Your cat may need some discipline. Cat discipline is a much harder process than dog discipline. Cats think they’re superior where as a dog knows your the boss. Get your cat on the way to doing what you want!
http://catdiscipline.blogspot.com
I am a stay at home mopther to a beautiful 1 year old boy.
Dealing With Grief Over A Departed Pet
The loss of a beloved pet can be as devastating as losing a family member. Afterall, pets can be more lovingly unconditional than people. If only the amount of love showered on our pets can be equal to the amount of years added to its life, our pets would live as long as we want them too. But as everything else that has a beginning, so too, do they have an ending. Indeed the paradox of loss is at constant play with life: we are certain that everything ends but we are uncertain when it ends; we are certain how it will make us feel, but uncertain at how to deal with what we may feel. So how does a man say good-bye to a beloved pet, companion and best friend who has given him its full attention, unconditional love and loyalty and even aid in daily living (i.e. blind people with their guide dogs and policemen with their canine friends, among others)? And once good-byes have been said, how does man cope with the grief and loss after? Needless to say, conditioning of the human mind even before a bond has been created between man and beast is essential and must be established. Man, the rational one in the friendship, and usually the bereaved survivor of the two friends, must keep in mind always that nothing survives forever, not even the ideal friendship of a man and an animal. Once the proper conditioning of the mind has been set, it is easier for man to face the reality of a future separation with his beloved pet. However, mental conditioning can only do so much when no emotional bonds have been created yet: once man begins to establish an emotional bond with his pet, no amount of conditioning can ever fully guarantee an easy way in dealing with a possible separation or loss. Man deals with loss in his own unique way. There is no definite formula for dealing with the grief over the loss of a pet. Otherwise, if there is, indeed, a formula, it would come out something as absurd as asking a doctor to compose a music for his dead pet, or asking a painter to write a book dedicated to his pet. In a word, what works for some may not necessarily work for others. What is constant with any variable, however, is the importance of facing the pain. Running away from the reality and pain of loss never helps. Though running away may momentarily desensitize the first few pangs of pain, the next few ones that will eventually turn up at times when it is least expected will only become twice or thrice as painful than the first. Acknowledging the pain, however, helps develop an eventual acceptance over the loss of your pet, and in the long run, even peace knowing that your beloved pet may be in a place far happier than the one you can ever offer it. By acknowledging your pain, you are allowing yourself to grieve over lost times with your pet. In grieving there is remembrance. What better way to give tribute to your beloved pet and what better way to keep your pet alive in your heart forever than remembering all the times spent together? Eventually, you will find that healthy remembrance and acceptance of the pain is not only therapeutic but offers a way that will lead you to acceptance over the loss itself as well. The next step of dealing with grief over the loss of a pet is through creative expression. A healthy way of dealing with the death of a pet, or any other loss for that matter, is to discover your own potential for self-release and catharsis. Try to experiment, through hobbies, sports and interest, on activities that will keep your mind focused on being productive and creative. In all activities, always be conscious that you are channeling your grief and loss positively through the activities you are engaged in. Eventually, you will only realize that your pain has lessened and diminished. The perils of not consciously keeping to mind the motivation for the activity (which is the pain of loss) may only be equivalent to not accepting and acknowledging your pain and once you find yourself unguardedly remembering your dead friend, your pet, the pain may only become twice as hurtful. However, if you keep in mind the purpose for your constructive activity, you are actually, creatively and productively living with your pain and loss. For artists, it would even help you include, as your creations theme, your departed pet. Talk about your pet. Share photos of your pet. Remember your pet. Walk to where you often have your walks. The possibilities of calling to mind the joy that your pet has given you is endless. Indeed, there is no easy way to forgetting the pain of losing a beloved pet. But perhaps, the paradox there is not to forget the pain, but instead, to live with the pain. Once this pain is channeled creatively and productively, you will find out that your beloved and precious pet has done more for you than you ever thought of in its life and even in its death.
Anthony Galindez is the webmaster of several niche sites including www.guidetofunerals.com, www.fashionandfurniture.com, www.your-wedding-plans.com
Ferrets as Pets ” Is This The Right Pet For You?
Many people are now considering ferrets as pets. This animal is the third most popular pet in the United States according to the pet industry, in spite of the fact that it’s illegal to own one in California, one of our most populous states. You may be thinking of getting a ferret yourself. Just don’t make the mistake of assuming that this curious, independent critter is anything like any other pet you’ve ever known. The ferret is a small, long-bodied, low-slung creature closely related to weasels, skunks, wolverines and badgers. Their sleek bodies and thick soft fur reveal their close relationship to the mink, while their intelligence, ingenuity and playfulness mark them as a relative of the otter. All these animals are carnivores, and the ferret is no exception. Since a ferret can live for 7 to 9 years or even longer, you must really understand what you’re getting into before adopting one of these little animals as a household pet. For the ferret’s well-being, and yours, the adoption of a ferret should be a decision that is made after long and careful thought. For instance, you should not assume that the ferret is a good substitute for your young child’s hamster, since ferrets require lots of attention, playtime and affection. They are very social animals, and can’t stay locked in their cage forever without company or companionship. If you can’t spend several hours a day playing and socializing with your ferret, you should consider a goldfish instead. Ferrets are also much less forgiving than the tiny hamster or placid guinea pig, and will defend themselves if a small child hurts them. Any child under the age of 6 (and many older children) will not have the sensitivity or coordination they need to pick up a ferret without hurting it. These animals are not recommended for households with small children for that reason. Ferrets do have sharp teeth, and they’ll use them to protect themselves. Ferrets must have a cage where they can sleep peacefully (as much as 18 to 20 hours a day), but they can’t stay in their cage all the time. When they do come out, they will act much like a kitten on steroids, with an extra dose of curiosity and independence. They love to play, and if they have been properly socialized they will love to play with you. But this also means that they will find many things to play with that you may prefer they leave alone ” and some items they decide to chew or wrestle with can be dangerous to the animal. That means that much attention must be paid to the chore of ferret-proofing your house (before you bring your new pet home) in order to protect your pet and your possessions. If you were thinking that your new ferret would simply stay in his cage all the time, you must rearrange your thinking or forget the idea of having one of these animals as a pet. And if you thought they would grow out of their playfulness, as many cats do, you are mistaken. However, they sleep for much of the day so they’re active for only a few hours, and they are usually willing to schedule their play at a time that’s convenient for their owners. Unfortunately, many people are getting ferrets for pets without carefully considering the decision. As the ferret becomes more popular as a pet, many ferrets are being abandoned at the local shelter or rescue organization or simply put out into a field to starve to death when their owners grow tired of them. This is almost always certain death for the previously loved pet ferret. Wild members of the weasel family are very efficient killers who learn to hunt from their mothers ” but domesticated ferrets have no opportunity to learn the skills needed to help them survive in the wild. When abandoned out of doors, most ferrets will survive only a few days before turning into a meal for a cat, coyote, or fox - or simply starving to death. Unfortunately, many animal shelters will not accept a ferret that his owner no longer wants. Since giving up any pet is emotionally traumatic for the owner, and potentially fatal for the animal, you should make the decision to adopt a ferret as a pet only after careful study and consideration.
If you're thinking about getting <a href="http://www.FerretsCare.com">ferrets as pets</a>, be sure to learn how to care for your ferrets the right way, to keep your new pets healthy and happy. Visit http://www.FerretsCare.com
A Dog Bed Tid Bet For The Environment Posted By : Joede De
Organic dog beds can be a great alternative to ordinary designs and last forever.
Giving Your Pet A Proper Adoption
There is a severe overpopulation of cats and dogs roaming the streets all over the world. Some animals that are not getting proper care and are being abused by their owners tend to escape from their mistreated homes and tend to wander off on their own.
Because of this situation, there are now lots of domesticated animals that are caught and placed on animal shelters or dog pounds, just waiting for someone to adopt them. However, there are lots of municipal shelters that can no longer adopt this great number of abused or abandoned pets, so they just kill them.
In general, pets are great companions and friends. Like the dogs, they are very loyal and friendly and can be used to safeguard our homes. They can act as our friends and can provide us with lots of entertainment and love.
On the other hand, we have our feline friends. Cats are not so demanding. All you have to give them is a clean litter box; a little affection and they will be satisfied. And in return, these pets will give their loyalty and companionship to you.
Some pet owners don?t really abuse their pets; they give their pets away because they love them too much. The reason why pet owners sometimes have to give away their pets is that they are afraid that they could not provide the best care for them. The owner of the pet will look for the right person that will adopt their pet and leave them in good hands. They sometimes go to their relatives and friends and ask for help.
If the owners cannot find a suitable person to adopt their pet, there are institutions and organizations that are established to adopt pets that has strictly no killing policies.
Here are some of the several pet shelters here you can entrust your pets.
1. The Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons (ARF) - you can find this in the East Hampton Pine Barrens. They rescue those pets that cannot be taken cared of by the owners. The goal of the ARF is to lessen the number of pets that do not have shelters or homes. They provide a sufficient amount of food and a good shelter as well as medical care..
2. Bide-a-Wee ? this has three shelters that can be found in Wantagh, Westhampton and Manhattan. They keep animals in their shelter, until they can find a new home. You can take your per here if you do not want them anymore. They got a big area where the pets can roam a round. As a matter of fact, Bide-a-Wee has two pet memorials, just goes to show how much they love animals.
3. Grateful Paws Cat Adoption Center ? they rescue the cats from the Town of Huntington Animal Shelter. From here, the cats are being brought to the Grateful Paws Adoption Center. So if you are planning to give your pet to them, you must bring it first to the Town of Huntington Animal Shelter so that it will reach the Grateful Paws Adoption Center.
4. Kent Animal Shelter ? they never kill pets, as much as possible, they want all pets to be healthy. They give protection to those pets that are abandoned, abused and homeless.
5. Little Shelter Animal Rescue and Rescue Center ? They provide shelter and care for all pets. Keeping them in their folds until a new owner can be found.
Just a few reminders, before bringing your pets to the shelters mentioned above, make sure that you contact them first so that you will know if your pet can be accommodated or not and there are certain procedures that needs to be followed, so you can inquire about those procedures at the same time.
John Rivers is the owner of <a href="http://www.easypetmeds.info">Pet Meds</a>. All you need to know about pets. You will also learn where where to buy ped meds online.
Help! My Dog is Chewing Everything! Posted By : Annette Phillips
Have you ever wondered how to control chewing when you leave your dog alone? Do you wish your furniture was still in one piece?
5 Minute Guide To Choosing A Pet ID Tag
Buying a Pet ID tag is like buying insurance you do so with the devout wish that you re never going to need it. The possible cost of not having a pet ID tag is more expensive than the actual cost of buying the pet tag itself.
The type of pet identification tag that you buy is important, so take 5 minutes or so to think it through. Impulsively choosing a collar tag because it s cheap or cute often proves to be unwise, long-term.
Consider the following before purchasing any pet id tag:
1.What is the level of risk to your pet?
Lost pets are certainly common we ve all seen Lost Dog! signs tacked around town, or dead pets lying by the side of the road. If your pet is a master at escaping the fence, or a breed of dog that cannot resist following a scent, or a young pet that s full of energy, or a new pet that isn t properly trained, the risk of a lost pet is high.
But losing your pet isn t the only risk.
Some pets are stolen. A pet thief may snatch Fifi or Fido in hopes of getting a reward for its return, or to use in dog fights (even small or gentle dogs are susceptible they can be used as bait ), or for use in cult rituals.
And what is the risk to your pet if something happens to you, its owner?
If you re a senior adult with a pet, particularly if you live alone or are in ill health, there s a good chance that at some point someone else will need to care for your furry friend, perhaps with little notice. And anyone can be struck by tragedy or disaster which leaves you unable to care for your companion.
In this instance, will your pet s new or temporary caregiver know that Rover hates cats, or that Fluffy needs medication, or even whether or not Max is housetrained? A pet ID tag that contains more than your name and phone number would be extremely helpful.
2.What level of risk are you comfortable with?
Some pets are simply more important to their owners, and the risk of losing that particular animal warrants a specific, more expensive type of pet ID tag. Risk is proportionate to value.
Note that there is more than one way to assess the value of your pet. It may be monetary (a rare purebred dog) or functional (a guide dog or herding dog).
But for most pet owners, the emotional attachment they have to a particular pet determines its value. For many people, cats or dogs are family members, dearly loved and impossible to replace.
3.Based on your answers to the two previous questions, what do you need in a pet ID tag?
Pet ID tags come in varying shapes, sizes and materials and hold varying amounts of information. Some contain logos or artwork, too. Most pet ID tags are designed to be hung from a collar.
At a bare minimum, a pet ID tag should contain the name, address and phone number of the pet owner in a durable, legible format. Plastic tags are lightweight but easily chewed. Stainless steel tags are durable and don t rust or fade. These traditional types of tags can purchased from any veterinarian or pet store. They re inexpensive but the amount of information they hold is limited to the size of the tag.
Fortunately, you have many more options in pet tags these days, such as microchipping, tattooing, digital display tags, pet registry web sites and voice recorded pet id tags.
One of the newest entries in the pet identification market is the high-tech USB drive that hangs from your pet s collar (or is attached to their cage) and which holds 64MB of data (including complete medical and diet information). The tiny USB drive is encased in a sturdy plastic case and can be plugged into any computer, where it is easily updated and easy to print sections for sharing with your vet or pet sitter.
No matter what pet ID tag you choose, making sure your pet wears some type of pet identification tag brings peace of mind that far outweighs its costs.
D. Marie Ratliff helps people choose, start and market a wide variety of pet businesses. A comparison chart and purchasing information for <a href="http://www.petbusinesscentral.com/pet-id-tags.html">pet id tags</a> is located at <a href="http://www.petbusinesscentral.com">Pet Business Central</a>.
Filed under Pets | Comment (0)