Opinion: ‘Until we meet again, brave little cat.’ The heartbreak and taboo of burying our pets | CNN

The tradition of burying pets is often overlooked in favor of more practical methods like cremation. However, for centuries, humans have sought to honor their deceased companions by interring them in a cemetery. This custom serves as an emotional outlet for pet owners who cannot accept the loss of a beloved animal.

Historically, the concept of pet cemeteries has evolved over time, reflecting changing attitudes toward human-animal relationships. In Victorian England, pets were often referred to as "loving friends" or "devoted companions." However, by the early 20th century, they had become integral members of the family, with epitaphs such as "God bless until we meet again" becoming common. A brave little cat named Denny, buried in an east London cemetery in 1952, exemplifies this shift.

In modern times, pet cemeteries continue to play a vital role in providing a space for grieving owners to express their emotions. The establishment of the first public pet cemetery in Barcelona is a significant development, acknowledging the emotional connection between humans and animals.

However, not all pet owners can afford the estimated €200 per service cost at the new Barcelona cemetery. This has led some to explore alternative methods, such as keeping cremated remains at home or scattering ashes in meaningful locations. Online forums and digital pet cemeteries also offer a range of options for pet owners to commemorate their relationships with deceased animals.

The emergence of pet cemeteries serves as a testament to the evolving nature of human-animal bonds. As society becomes more accepting of the importance of these connections, we are seeing a shift toward rituals and practices that mirror those used to mourn the loss of close human relationships.

Ultimately, the act of burying pets provides a necessary outlet for heartbreak and grief, allowing owners to process their emotions in a meaningful way. Whether through traditional cemeteries or more modern alternatives, it is essential that we acknowledge the significance of these relationships and provide suitable channels for pet owners to express their sorrow.
 
😭 I'm so done with how cheap everyone's making pet burial look! €200?! That's like asking someone to choose between feeding themselves or paying rent 🤷‍♀️. I mean, I get it, we're all emotional and grieving and all that jazz 💔, but come on! How about they make it more affordable or even free for low-income people? 🙄 We're already struggling with rising living costs and student loans, the last thing we need is another financial burden 🤑. And don't even get me started on online forums and digital cemeteries... that's just a cop-out 😒. Can't we find a way to honor our furry friends without breaking the bank? 🤷‍♀️
 
I think this trend of burying pets is all about acceptance 🤝. It shows us that just because our furry friends aren't with us anymore doesn't mean they don't still have a place in our hearts. I mean, we spend so much time and love on these animals, it's only right to give them the same respect when they pass away. And let's be real, sometimes cremation can feel impersonal 💀. It's nice that there are options like pet cemeteries now, but also important to remember that it's not just about the final resting place - it's about how we process our emotions and keep those memories alive ❤️.
 
I think its really cool how people have been honoring their pets for centuries 😊. Like, who would've thought that back in Victorian England, pets were considered like a part of the family too? Its awesome that we're still doing this today and finding new ways to cope with losing our furry friends 💔. I mean, €200 might be a bit steep for some people, but its all about respecting what they had with their pet 🙏. We should definitely be supporting those who want to give their pets a proper sendoff, whether that's through traditional cemeteries or something more low-key like keeping ashes at home 💫. Its all about acknowledging the bond between us and our pets, you know? 👌
 
just had to share my thoughts on this one 🤩. i mean, come on, 200 euros for a pet cemetery in barcelona? that's like, totally out of reach for most people 🤑. but you know what? it's all about the emotional connection we have with our pets, right? 🐾❤️ they're part of our fam, and when they pass away, it's like losing a member of the family too 😢. so yeah, i'm all for pet cemeteries - they're a great way to honor those memories and provide some closure 💔. but at the same time, i get why people can't afford it. maybe we need more affordable options or just a digital version of these cemeteries 🤖💻? either way, it's all about acknowledging our love for our pets and finding ways to cope with loss 😊.
 
🐾💔 I mean, can you even blame people for wanting to spend €200 on a final farewell for their furry best friend? It's like they're trying to help us all process our emotions when we lose our pets... and honestly, who doesn't need that kind of validation? 🤷‍♀️ I'm all for the new pet cemetery in Barcelona - it's about time we started taking these relationships seriously! 😊

And yeah, let's be real, the whole "keeping cremated remains at home" thing just sounds like a sad DIY solution to me... I mean, where's the closure? 🤯 Where's the ritual? You need some kind of ceremony, some way to say goodbye in person. Digital pet cemeteries are cool and all, but they're no substitute for actual human connection... or at least, that's how it feels to me 😔

But seriously, this whole thing just speaks to how much our pets mean to us. They're more than just pets - they're family members, confidants, constant companions. Losing them is like losing a part of ourselves, and I think it's essential we acknowledge that with the right rituals and practices... 💕
 
I'm not sure I buy into this idea of burying pets being an emotional outlet... I mean, what about all those people who can't afford €200? That's just a huge barrier to grief! And what about the environment impact of these cemeteries? Not to mention the practicality of it all - how often do pet owners actually visit their dead pets in a cemetery? 🤔 And what about all the other options out there, like keeping ashes at home or scattering them in nature? Shouldn't we be exploring those too? I just think we need more info on this topic before we can start jumping into traditional cemeteries. Where's the data on how many people actually use these services and how they're affecting our society as a whole? 🤷‍♀️
 
I wonder if people are willing to spend that kinda money on a service just 'cause their pet is dead 🤔... I mean, I get it, pets are like family, but €200? That's like the price of a nice weekend getaway or something! And what about those who can't afford it? They gotta go online and find some digital cemetery that's gonna cost them less money 💸. I guess it just goes to show how much we care about our furry friends... but at the same time, it feels kinda excessive 🤷‍♀️. Do you think it's worth it? 🐾💔
 
🐾💔 I think it's really interesting how pet cemeteries have become this thing where people can pay respect to their furry friends in a way that feels more... human-like, you know? It's like we're recognizing that our pets are a part of our families and that losing them is just as painful as losing someone close. 🤯 And I love how some people are exploring alternative options for those who can't afford the fancy cemeteries - it's all about finding ways to honor those relationships, even if it's not in a traditional sense. 💡 Maybe we're starting to realize that our connections with animals are more complex than just a pet-owner dynamic... 🐶💕
 
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