Cremation

PeeWee

PeeWee

New Born Pup
Joined
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Indiana, USA
Meeks will be picked up tomorrow some time to be cremated. I know this probably depends on the vet and their contracted crematorium, but does anyone know if having her cremated with some of her belongings would be allowed at all? I’ve read on some private crematorium websites that they require the object to be made of natural material (ie no polyester), but is that regulation? I’d think I’d like to wrap her in her favorite green blanket on her pillow with her special stuffed animal. I’m still a bit indecisive on whether or not I want to keep her blanket and stuffed animal for selfish reasons (it still smells like her), but I do know that I still want to love, comfort, and provide for her even after death. Also does anyone know if I would be able to seal her in a box or wrap her up with string at the vets office and ask that she not be disturbed between then and cremation? Of course I would document/have a witness that there was nothing metal or not-allowed in with her, or whatever they needed me to do. I’m willing to cooperate. I really want to make sure that once I lay her to rest finally that she is not disturbed again. I want her to be cremated in the position I put her in, surrounded by the things I surround her by. I don’t get to KNOW that I provided for her as much as I possibly could before she died. She wasn’t with me. I hated the circumstances she was in and I had little control over it. If I can have some control over her circumstances now, then as her mother I will not let her go in any way that isn’t fit for her. She deserves the world and I’ll never stop trying to give it to her.

I have also firmly decided I want to view the cremation. Why put faith in people I have no reason to trust (no reason not to trust either, but still) to care for and respect the vessel of my baby when they didn’t know and love and respect her like I did? I think swallowing the hard reality of seeing her in her current state to put to bed any haunting thoughts of her body being tossed around carelessly (or much much worse) is a sacrifice I almost have no choice in making. I love her, and it’s my job to protect her no matter where, when, or what position she’s in. She’s never been anywhere away from me except my parents house, and I’m faced with a whole lot of fear at the fact that she’s in someone else’s hands. I can’t protect her while she’s there and it scares the ever-living-sh*t out of me. I had a nightmare that I won’t go into details about (since we’re all piggy lovers here), but she was mistreated and the condition of her body was not natural or even accidental. I can’t live wondering what (if anything) they did to her thinking no one would ever see or care. Does the vet have the right to deny me access to her body? I understand if I seem emotionally unstable or incapable of healthily handling it, as I’m sure the vet wants to protect the pet parents as much as the pet, but could they refuse me seeing/wrapping her up even if I am collected and explain the importance? What if I decide I’d rather find a private crematorium instead? Would they make me take her home to store her or would they give me an amount of time to find somewhere else? I know these are probably very vet-specific questions, I just don’t want to get my hopes up when I don’t have the experience to base any realistic expectations. It’s really important to me that she’s treated in a way that I feel is she deserves. She meant the world to me and I want to do anything in my power to make sure she’s taken care of from the moment she came in to my heart to the moment she finally comes home.

Also can I ask you guys for any ideas of things to do to remember or memorialize her or anything would be appreciated. I have to make my decisions about what will go with her and what I will keep today/ early tomorrow morning (idk what time she’ll be picked up but I will be finding out), so my brain has been on overdrive with ideas but I haven’t been thinking clearly. There might be some very obvious, very her-appropriate thing that I haven’t thought of yet, and I really really want to try to keep myself out of a “oh that would’ve been perfect but it’s already too late” position with this.

Thank you for all the support ❤️ It’s deeply comforting knowing there are still people like this left in the world.
 
Meeks will be picked up tomorrow some time to be cremated. I know this probably depends on the vet and their contracted crematorium, but does anyone know if having her cremated with some of her belongings would be allowed at all? I’ve read on some private crematorium websites that they require the object to be made of natural material (ie no polyester), but is that regulation? I think I’d like to wrap her in her favorite green blanket on her pillow with her special stuffed animal. I’m still a bit indecisive on whether or not I want to keep her blanket and stuffed animal for selfish reasons (it still smells like her), but I do know that I still want to love, comfort, and provide for her even after death. Also does anyone know if I would be able to seal her in a box or wrap her up with string at the vets office and ask that she not be disturbed between then and cremation? Of course I would document/have a witness that there was nothing metal or not-allowed in with her, or whatever they needed me to do. I’m willing to cooperate. I just want to make sure that once I lay her to rest finally that she is not disturbed again. I want her to be cremated in the position I put her in, surrounded by the things I surround her by. I don’t get to KNOW that I provided for her as much as I possibly could before she died. She wasn’t with me. I hated the circumstances she was in and I had little control over it. If I can have some control over her circumstances now, then as her mother I will not let her go in any way that isn’t fit for her. She deserves the world and I’ll never stop trying to give it to her.

I have also firmly decided I want to view the cremation. Why put faith in people I have no reason to trust (no reason not to trust either, but still) to care for and respect the vessel of my baby when they didn’t know and love and respect her like I did? I think swallowing the hard reality of seeing her in her current state to put to bed any haunting thoughts of her body being tossed around carelessly (or much much worse) is a sacrifice I almost have no choice in making. I love her, and it’s my job to protect her no matter where, when, or what position she’s in. She’s never been anywhere away from me except my parents house, and I’m faced with a whole lot of fear at the fact that she’s in someone else’s hands. I can’t protect her while she’s there and it scares the ever-living-sh*t out of me. I had a nightmare that I won’t go into details about (since we’re all piggy lovers here), but she was mistreated and the condition of her body was not natural or even accidental. I can’t live wondering what (if anything) they did to her thinking no one would ever see or care. Does the vet have the right to deny me access to her body? I understand if I seem emotionally unstable or incapable of healthily handling it, as I’m sure the vet wants to protect the pet parents as much as the pet, but could they refuse me seeing/wrapping her up even if I am collected and explain the importance? What if I decide I’d rather find a private crematorium instead? Would they make me take her home to store her or would they give me an amount of time to find somewhere else? I know these are probably very vet-specific questions, I just don’t want to get my hopes up when I don’t have the experience to base any realistic expectations. It’s really important to me that she’s treated in a way that I feel is she deserves. She means the world to me and I want to do anything in my power to make sure she’s taken care of from the moment she came in to my heart to the moment she finally comes home.

Also can I ask you guys for any ideas of things to do to remember or memorialize her or anything would be appreciated. I have to make my decisions about what will go with her and what I will keep today/ early tomorrow morning (idk what time she’ll be picked up but I will be finding out), so my brain has been on overdrive with ideas but I haven’t been thinking clearly. There might be some very obvious, very her-appropriate thing that I haven’t thought of yet, and I really really want to try to keep myself out of a “oh that would’ve been perfect but it’s already too late” position with this.

Thank you for all the support ❤️ It’s deeply comforting knowing there are still people like this left in the world.2E53EEBF-15EE-427A-AD91-3EDCBE2B599C.webp
 
I did the same as @artcasper and buried our piggies in the garden. We have 2 brothers there and we planted a lemon and lime bush to grow on that spot. It's very much a personal choice. My children made a lollipop cross too which was very sweet. Whatever decision you make will be the right one for you, but please try to ensure you take a path with the least stress.
 
I sort of realized that logically I don’t think they have the right to deny me access. If they did, the way around that would be “taking her home to bury her”. They cannot deny me that. Or if they can I’ve got a lot of naivety to grow out of in the next year.
 
Hi- it may be worth removing this post as you've had a 2 responses on the other post you made which looks the same xx
 
PeeWee said:
Meeks will be picked up tomorrow some time to be cremated. I know this probably depends on the vet and their contracted crematorium, but does anyone know if having her cremated with some of her belongings would be allowed at all? I’ve read on some private crematorium websites that they require the object to be made of natural material (ie no polyester), but is that regulation? I’d think I’d like to wrap her in her favorite green blanket on her pillow with her special stuffed animal. I’m still a bit indecisive on whether or not I want to keep her blanket and stuffed animal for selfish reasons (it still smells like her), but I do know that I still want to love, comfort, and provide for her even after death. Also does anyone know if I would be able to seal her in a box or wrap her up with string at the vets office and ask that she not be disturbed between then and cremation? Of course I would document/have a witness that there was nothing metal or not-allowed in with her, or whatever they needed me to do. I’m willing to cooperate. I really want to make sure that once I lay her to rest finally that she is not disturbed again. I want her to be cremated in the position I put her in, surrounded by the things I surround her by. I don’t get to KNOW that I provided for her as much as I possibly could before she died. She wasn’t with me. I hated the circumstances she was in and I had little control over it. If I can have some control over her circumstances now, then as her mother I will not let her go in any way that isn’t fit for her. She deserves the world and I’ll never stop trying to give it to her.

I have also firmly decided I want to view the cremation. Why put faith in people I have no reason to trust (no reason not to trust either, but still) to care for and respect the vessel of my baby when they didn’t know and love and respect her like I did? I think swallowing the hard reality of seeing her in her current state to put to bed any haunting thoughts of her body being tossed around carelessly (or much much worse) is a sacrifice I almost have no choice in making. I love her, and it’s my job to protect her no matter where, when, or what position she’s in. She’s never been anywhere away from me except my parents house, and I’m faced with a whole lot of fear at the fact that she’s in someone else’s hands. I can’t protect her while she’s there and it scares the ever-living-sh*t out of me. I had a nightmare that I won’t go into details about (since we’re all piggy lovers here), but she was mistreated and the condition of her body was not natural or even accidental. I can’t live wondering what (if anything) they did to her thinking no one would ever see or care. Does the vet have the right to deny me access to her body? I understand if I seem emotionally unstable or incapable of healthily handling it, as I’m sure the vet wants to protect the pet parents as much as the pet, but could they refuse me seeing/wrapping her up even if I am collected and explain the importance? What if I decide I’d rather find a private crematorium instead? Would they make me take her home to store her or would they give me an amount of time to find somewhere else? I know these are probably very vet-specific questions, I just don’t want to get my hopes up when I don’t have the experience to base any realistic expectations. It’s really important to me that she’s treated in a way that I feel is she deserves. She meant the world to me and I want to do anything in my power to make sure she’s taken care of from the moment she came in to my heart to the moment she finally comes home.

Also can I ask you guys for any ideas of things to do to remember or memorialize her or anything would be appreciated. I have to make my decisions about what will go with her and what I will keep today/ early tomorrow morning (idk what time she’ll be picked up but I will be finding out), so my brain has been on overdrive with ideas but I haven’t been thinking clearly. There might be some very obvious, very her-appropriate thing that I haven’t thought of yet, and I really really want to try to keep myself out of a “oh that would’ve been perfect but it’s already too late” position with this.

Thank you for all the support ❤ It’s deeply comforting knowing there are still people like this left in the world.
Click to expand...

Hi!

You may have to ask your vets as to which crematorium they use and then contact it directly or google for pet crematoriums within your reach.

I have had some of my piggies cremated (most are buried in a special large pot - actually two pots by now - in our garden) together with a little bouquet of forget-me-nots (whenever in bloom) and other seasonal flowers from my garden tied to the several layers of kitchen paper in which I wrap my piggies.
IMG_3905_edited-1.jpg

If a cremation containing plastic components is not possible, this could be worth considering as a plastic-free alternative for you in order to personalise the cremation.
A paper card with your last message, favourite treats or bedding her in some of her favourite hay etc. are also another options that would be compliant with industry regulations.

Crematoriums have to keep their environmental foot print small these days, and that usually includes not burning any plastic (which any fleece and many cuddly toys are made of).
 
Darcey15 said:
Hi- it may be worth removing this post as you've had a 2 responses on the other post you made which looks the same xx
Click to expand...
Thank you I didn’t even realize I had two threads. I’m not sure how that happened 😅
 
Wiebke said:
Hi!

You may have to ask your vets as to which crematorium they use and then contact it directly or google for pet crematoriums within your reach.

I have had some of my piggies of mine cremated (most are buried in a special large pot - actually two by now - in our garden) together with a little bouquet of forget-me-nots (whenever in bloom) and other seasonal flowers from my garden tied to my piggies, which are wrapped in several layers of kitchen paper.
View attachment 133323

If a cremation containing plastic components as you wish is not possible, this could be worth considering as a plastic-free alternative for you in order to personalise the cremation.
A paper card with your last message, favourite treats or bedding her in some of her favourite hay etc. are also another options that would be compliant.

Crematoriums have to keep their environmental foot print small these days, and that usually includes not burning any plastic (which any fleece and many cuddly toys are made of).
Click to expand...
That bouquet is really beautiful.
 
She is your guinea pig, the vet will let you do what you like with her. If I was you I would take her home, wrap her up and put her in the fridge while you can find a private pet crematorium who will answer all of your questions and you can take her there yourself. It is important to do things how you want or you will always be wondering.
 
Darcey15 said:
That bouquet is really beautiful.
Click to expand...

I have more pictures in of some seasonal piggy bouquets in the grieving guide. I try to suit the personality of the piggy whenever the available choice allows it - January and December generally the hardest months as very little is in bloom.

But as long as it is either compostable or complies with regulation for a cremation you are free to express yourself in how you want to send off your piggy. Our grieving guide has a chapter on this aspect.
Human Bereavement: Grieving, Coping and Support Links for Guinea Pig Owners and Their Children
 
So sorry you lost her, be kind to yourself, whatever you decide will be the right one for you x
 
Its so very hard to say goodbye to any loved pet and from your post you loved her very much and she would have known that. Take whatever time you need to grieve, theres not set rules, just be gentle with yourself. I buried my rainbow bridge piggy in my garden. He was wrapped up in a towel to make him cozy and put in a little cardboard box covered in very pretty paper. He is now near me always and I talk to him when it set in the garden. Sleep tight little one. xx
 
Mine have all been cremated over the years bar one. I have never had them cremated with anything or asked for this. I believe that there is something after this life but that the soul is separate from the body at this point so apart from ensuring the company I use does individual cremations I have no need to ask them anything else.
 
I understand your resistance to hand over your beloved piggy to the crematorium, the one I used the family were just amazing and lovely and it helped a lot.
I wouldn't think you could put anything plastic in with piggy. I tucked some of my piggy's favourite wheat bran in with him just in case he needed it over the rainbow bridge. Could you put anything natural in with your piggy?
 
Update:
Pet Angel Memorial Service is the service provider the vet goes through and they do allow viewings, although I’m not sure exactly what that entails. I want to witness her cremation if possible, but from the website it sounds like a “showing” or funeral-type event instead. Any knowledge on their reputation or experience with them would be extremely appreciated 🙏 (I know I’m extremely far away so I don’t expect anything but I have to ask)

On Monday vet said she could be picked up any time between 8am and 2 pm for cremation, and that I could come pick up her hair any time before Wednesday. Today I went to get her hair and they were closed. Apparently she had forgotten to mention that. So standing outside of their doors and watching people inside sitting at the front desk, I called multiple times and got no answer. I left a message asking them not to send her away tomorrow until after I had come in to talk to them because I had a handful of questions that needed answering. She called me back earlier tonight and I asked that if possible Meeks not to be sent off at all from the vets to be cremated, as I would be more than happy to transport her myself if I could take some time to call and decide if I would still be going through Pet Angel. My parents paid her vet bill and they have already paid for the cremation, so I don’t think they will give me too much trouble (fingers crossed). But worst case scenario I could ask my mom go pick her up after work if they aren’t willing or don’t have the space to hold her an extra day or so. We’re going out of town at 6 am so I won’t be able to walk and go get her before they close if they won’t/can’t, and I’m just so scared that she’ll be sent off before I call tomorrow. 😞🧡 I’d die if I was returned her ashes before even getting the chance to feel secure in this.
I have my ideal box for her done and will post a picture when I get home. It’s cardboard so even if her plush stuff won’t fly I believe her box should be fine (cardboard is natural right?) It has her pillow covered with her softest bedding blanket, her pink elephant, half of her favorite green blanket (one half for her, one half for me), a thank you note, an apology, and one of my curls. I asked the vet to remove some of her hair for me to keep, so I thought it would be not only fair but also thoughtful for her to have some of mine as she relentlessly loved to eat my hair.
I still need to figure out some comfort items for her if they are restrictive on what she can be cremated with though. She wasn’t big on lounging on hay, just munching it, so I don’t think that’d quite fit. I suppose I could make a pillow and blanket out of cotton t shirts, but I still have to get a list of okayed items before I start doing anything to that scale. I’m just not sure yet.
It’s all so hard but it’s all for her.
9B3E9A60-BB53-46A2-A3A2-409C3091FA14.webp
 
I don't know about Pet Angel. It sounds like you loved her and cared about her so much. It does feel important to give them a good send off but even more so is the good life you gave her. Lovely idea to split the green blanket.
 
Can you are mother contact the crematorium with a list of the items you want to put in your box, so they can tell you what is accepted or not? That will hopefully help to ease your distress and ensure that you can prepare the box accordingly.

Very sorry that the vetclinic did forgot to tell you when they are closed. Better google for their opening times before your mother is going round!
 
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