Pet Tribute Info

Having a Pet Viewing is a very personal decision on the part of the pet owner.  It can be a former part of a burial ceremony, or as simple as letting family members and other pets say good-bye before closing the Pet Casket.

Veterinarians are often asked if it is helpful to show the body of a deceased animal to the other family pets.  They ask this in a sincere effort to help “explain” the finality of what has occurred  let the surviving pets know why their buddy won’t be coming home.  A Veterinarian in  England granted a woman’s request to have her dog observe a companion dog’s body following euthanasia.  The woman believed her dog was better able to accept the loss of his companion when shown the body. 

Some scientists argue that animals don’t have self-awareness let alone the awareness of another animal’s mental or physical state.  But many pet owners will tell you otherwise.  When I had to have a horse put to sleep because of a broken leg, my Vet suggested I let the other horses come say “good-bye” after she was gone.  They all came to the trailer one by one and sniffed her.  After she was taken out of the pasture, they did not run and pace the fence like horses usually do when one is taken by trailer to a horse show or on a trail ride.  I think we need to give our pets the benefit of the doubt and let them view the body of a deceased companion if we feel it would help.  It could help bring them peace and some closure to the fact that their friend will never be coming back.