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

The burial of pets is an intimate cultural practice that has evolved over time. While humans have long been burying their dead in cemeteries, a similar tradition for pets has only recently gained acceptance. The establishment of public pet cemeteries like Barcelona's new facility, which offers burials and cremations, signals a shift in societal attitudes towards the treatment of animal remains.

Historically, people often disposed of their deceased pets by dumping them in rivers or selling them for meat and skin. However, as our relationships with animals have become more significant, so too has the desire to provide them with proper burial and commemoration. In the 19th century, gravestones dedicated to "loving friends" or "devoted companions" became common, reflecting pets' status as important members of families.

Fast-forward to the early 20th century, and pet owners began to express their grief in a more heartfelt manner, with epitaphs referencing reunions rather than mourning. Today, charities like the Blue Cross and Rainbow Bridge Pet Loss Grief Center offer counseling to bereaved humans, acknowledging that close relationships between people and animals are just as significant.

The establishment of public pet cemeteries like Barcelona's marks an important step towards accepting these relationships. However, it is also essential to acknowledge that such services come at a cost, estimated at €200 ($217) per service. Not all pet owners will have access to this opportunity, and alternatives like cremation or spreading ashes in meaningful locations will remain viable options.

The striking similarity between modern and historic pet cemeteries lies in the heartbreak and taboos surrounding grieving for animals. Just as individuals today struggle to find acceptable outlets to express their pain, so too did our ancestors. However, as society becomes increasingly accepting of human-animal relationships, we are seeing a proliferation of rituals that mirror those used to mourn human loss.

Ultimately, whether one chooses a pet cemetery or not, there are many ways to express grief and remember the significant animals in your life. The establishment of public pet cemeteries like Barcelona's new facility serves as a testament to this evolving understanding, offering a space for humans to process their emotions and honor the relationships they shared with their beloved pets.
 
I'm all about supporting platforms like this 🤝. It's amazing how far we've come in accepting our furry friends as part of our families 💕. The idea that pet cemeteries are becoming more mainstream is a game-changer for people who have lost their beloved pets ❤️. I mean, it's not just about the cost, it's about giving them the respect they deserve 😔. I've seen so many videos of people saying goodbye to their pets with tears in their eyes and it breaks my heart 🤷‍♀️. But hey, if it helps them heal and move on, then it's worth it 💪. As long as there are platforms like this where we can share our thoughts and feelings without judgment 🤫, I'm all for it! 👍
 
It's kinda crazy how far we've come with our furry friends 🐾💕. I mean, think about it - just like us, animals have feelings too (or at least that's what we think 😂). It's amazing to see how pet cemeteries are becoming more normalized & accepted as a way to say goodbye to our beloved pets. €200 might seem steep, but hey, some people would pay double for the peace of mind 🙏. What I find interesting is that it's not just about the money; it's about acknowledging the emotional value we place on these relationships 💗. It's like, yes, they're animals, but they've got a special spot in our hearts & lives ❤️. And honestly, who says we can't have both traditional & modern ways of dealing with loss? 🤔
 
it's about time we start treating our furry friends with some respect 🐾💕 i mean, think about it, we spend so much money on fancy dog houses and cat condos, but when they pass away, we're like "oh well, just dump them in a river or sell them for meat" 🤢 that's not cool. having a public pet cemetery is a great idea, especially with the €200 cost tho it might be out of reach for some ppl 💸 maybe we can find ways to make it more affordable, like discounts for seniors or stuff? 🤔
 
🐾💔 Can you believe it? People are finally starting to recognize that our furry friends are more than just pets... they're family 🤗! I mean, think about it, we grieve just as hard when they pass away as we do for our human loved ones 😭. And now, Barcelona has a whole place dedicated to burying and remembering them? It's beautiful 💕. Of course, it's not cheap (€200?) but what's worth the investment is honoring their memory 🙏. I've lost count of how many times I've cried when my pup passed away... it was like losing a part of myself 😩. This pet cemetery thing is definitely a step in the right direction 💯.
 
I'm just thinking... it's kinda cool that we're finally accepting burying our furry friends in a proper way. 🐶💕 I remember my old grandma used to have this big garden in her backyard and she'd plant flowers or trees whenever one of the family pets passed away. It was such a beautiful ritual, you know? But yeah, now it's like, we're getting more serious about acknowledging how much animals mean to us. And €200 is still kinda steep for some people... I don't think my mom would've been able to afford that back in the day 🤑. Anyway, it's nice that there are options now, whether it's a pet cemetery or just spreading ashes somewhere special. It's all about honoring those memories, right? ❤️
 
idk about these new pet cemeteries though 🤔. its cool that people are finally gettin' acceptance but €200 is kinda steep for somethin thats just a pet lol 🤑. what if u cant afford it? or dont wanna pay that price 4 a burial spot? 🚮 gotta think there r gonna be some ppl who just cant afford it or prefer crematin instead 🌊 or find other ways 2 honor their pets. still, its interesting 2 see how society is changin & treatin animals w/ more respect 💕. not sure if i'd wanna shell out that kinda cash tho 😂
 
🐾💕 I think its crazy how much we've come around to treating our pets like family members. It makes total sense that we'd want to give them a proper sendoff after they're gone. The fact that these pet cemeteries are becoming more mainstream is amazing! 🌟 And yeah, €200 might be a bit steep for some people, but I guess it's better than just dumping them in the river 😔. The Blue Cross and Rainbow Bridge Pet Loss Grief Center do such great work supporting people who have lost their furry friends. It's all about respecting those relationships and finding ways to heal 💖
 
🤔 I think it's really cool that we're starting to see more acceptance around burying our pets in special places. It feels like we've come a long way from just dumping them in rivers or selling them for food 🌊🐮. I mean, who doesn't want to say goodbye to their furry friend with a proper burial and some nice flowers on top? 💐 It's like, acknowledging that our pets are part of the family too and we care about how they're treated after they pass away.

I think it's also interesting that these public pet cemeteries are becoming more popular - it just goes to show that people are getting more comfortable with showing their emotions around grief for animals. And yeah, €200 might be a bit steep for some people, but I guess it's better than nothing 🤑. What do you think? Should we make these services more accessible?
 
i think its crazy how much our relationship with animals has changed over time 🤯. i mean, remember when people used to just dump their pets in rivers or sell them for food? its like we've come so far as a society, but at the same time, we're still grappling with how to properly say goodbye and honor those relationships 💔.

i love that pet cemeteries are becoming more accepted now - it's like we're finally recognizing that animals have this huge impact on our lives 😊. and i think its awesome that charities are offering counseling services for people who are grieving - it shows that we're willing to acknowledge the emotional toll of losing a pet 💕.

but at the same time, its also super important to acknowledge that not everyone can afford these services 🤑. thats why cremation or spreading ashes in meaningful spots is still an option - and i think thats okay too 🙏. its all about finding what works for you and honoring your relationship with your pet in a way that feels authentic 💯.
 
omg u think its weird that we're finally gettin treated like equal members of the fam 🤣 animals have been lovin us back 4 centuries so its time we gave them the sendoff they deserve 😔 the fact that public pet cemeteries are poppin up everywhere is a no brainer - who doesnt wanna give their pup or kitty a proper burial after all those yrs of unconditional love? 🐾💕 and yeah, €200 might be steep 4 some ppl but its better than just dumpin them in the river like our ancestors used to do 🌊 thats just not right, lets keep it classy with the cremation or ash spread options. and honestly, its heartbreakin to see ppl grieve for their pets like they're human bc thats exactly what we did 4 each other in the past 🤝 its all about acceptance now and respectin our animal friends 🌈
 
I'm totally obsessed with this new pet cemetery thingy 🐾💔! It's crazy how our attitudes towards animals have changed over time. I mean, think about it - we used to just get rid of them like trash, but now we're all about giving them a proper sendoff 💀🌼. And can you believe some pet owners are willing to shell out €200 for a burial service? It's like, yeah, sure thing! Not everyone can afford that, but hey, cremation or scattering ashes is still an option 🤯.

I love how this trend reflects our growing understanding of the connections we have with animals. I mean, pets aren't just furry friends - they're part of our families 💕. And it's awesome that charities like the Blue Cross are offering counseling to people who are grieving. It's not just about the pet - it's about processing those emotions and honoring their memory 🌈.

What really got me thinking is how this relates to human loss, too. We're seeing these same rituals and emotional responses when it comes to mourning our human loved ones. It's like we've come full circle, and that's kinda beautiful 🌊. So yeah, let's keep celebrating (and honoring) the animals in our lives - they may not be human, but they're still super important to us ❤️.
 
come on 🙄, pet cemeteries are just another way for people to be super attached to their pets even after they're gone... like, what's next? paying thousands of dollars to have a clone of your deceased cat made? 🤪 and yeah, €200 might be expensive, but who's counting when you've got a bunch of sentimental tokens collecting dust in your backyard? 🏠 just spread the ashes already, it's not like it's gonna make a difference either way 💨
 
I think it's awesome that there are now public pet cemeteries 🐾💕 where people can say goodbye to their furry friends in a more meaningful way. I mean, we all know how much animals bring joy into our lives, and losing them is like losing a part of ourselves 😔. The fact that some charities even offer counseling for people dealing with pet loss is so cool 🤗.

I'm also loving the rise of creative epitaphs 💡 like "loving friend" or "devoted companion" - it's amazing how our attitudes towards animals have changed over time 🌱. And you're right, not everyone can afford these services, which is why alternatives like cremation or scattering ashes are still super important 🙏.

I think what really matters here is that we're starting to recognize the importance of human-animal relationships ❤️. It's time to give our furry (and feathered) friends some respect and dignity after they're gone 💀. Can't wait to see more public pet cemeteries pop up! 🚀
 
I mean, can you believe how far we've come? I was reading about the new pet cemetery in Barcelona and it got me thinking... my own fur baby passed away like 5 years ago and I still get emotional just thinking about him 🐶😔. It's crazy to see how accepting society is becoming towards treating animals with respect after death. I remember when people would just dump their pets in rivers or sell them for meat, it's disgusting 😷. Now, we have public cemeteries and charities that offer counseling... it's like our relationship with animals has become so much deeper than just companionship.

And yeah, the cost is a thing... not everyone can afford €200 to bury their pet. But I think this new facility in Barcelona is a step in the right direction. It's good to see people acknowledging that our relationships with animals are real and meaningful 🐾💕. I might have to look into some alternative options for my own furry friend's memory... do you guys have any ideas?
 
🐶💕 I'm so stoked that we're finally seeing more acceptance around burying our furry friends! It's like, totally normal for us to grieve over human loss, but animals are part of the family too 🤝. This Barcelona pet cemetery thing is a game-changer - it shows that humans are starting to understand that our relationships with pets are just as meaningful as our relationships with people.

I mean, think about it... we've had gravestones for "loving friends" and "devoted companions" since the 19th century 😂. And now, charities are offering counseling to help people process their grief. It's like, totally cool that we're getting more serious about acknowledging our feelings.

Of course, not everyone can afford €200 (or whatever) for a pet cemetery service 💸, but hey, it's still awesome that there are options available! And who knows, maybe one day we'll have something even more low-key, like a pet memorial garden 🌳. Wouldn't that be amazing?
 
I'm so sad to see people having to pay €200 to bury their furry friends 🐾💔 It's still crazy to me that not everyone can afford it... like, I get it, it's a luxury but come on! And yeah, cremation or spreading ashes is def a viable option too 💫 But seriously, it's heartwarming to see pet cemeteries popping up everywhere 🌳 They're definitely helping normalize the idea that our pets are more than just animals, they're part of the family 💕
 
I'm not sure I'm sold on these fancy pet cemeteries 🤔... I mean, don't get me wrong, it's nice that people want to give their furry friends a proper sendoff, but €200 is a pretty penny, you know? 😳 What about all the animal lovers who can't afford it? I guess they'll just have to stick with burning ashes or burying them in some park... feels kinda cheap compared to paying that kind of cash for a fancy plot. 🌳👀 Plus, what's next? Pet spas and luxury dog parks? It's all about the benjamins, right? 💸
 
I think it's kinda amazing that we're finally accepting our furry friends as an integral part of our families 🐾💕. I mean, burying them in cemeteries is already a step up from just throwing them away like trash (sadly still happens, btw). It shows how far we've come in recognizing the emotional bond between humans and animals. And hey, €200 might be a bit steep for some people, but at least there's a place where they can go to say goodbye to their pets with some dignity 🤷‍♀️. Maybe not everyone will use these services, but it's great that we have options for those who want to honor their animals in more meaningful ways 💔.
 
I'm all for it 🙌. It's about time we start giving our furry friends the respect and closure they deserve. I mean, dogs aren't just pets, they're part of the family 😂. And yeah, €200 might seem like a lot, but think about it - these cemeteries are changing the way we think about death and grief, making it more acceptable to acknowledge our emotional connections with animals.

I'm not gonna lie though 🤔, I still see some people throwing their dogs in rivers or something, which is just sad. But hey, progress is slow, right? And at least now there's a growing awareness that we should be treating our pets like the companions they are 💕. Maybe one day, humans won't have to pay for burial services 🤞. Until then, I'm all about supporting these pet cemeteries - it's about giving us humans (and dogs) a chance to grieve and move on in peace 😊.
 
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