I have a few of those little boxes and pawprint plaques, too. It's hard...

For the first time, I decided that I'm past digging pet graves.

We had the little guy cremated. I had every intention of burying the urn using a post hole digger. Now I can't bring myself to do so. The little urn is pretty and doesn't take up much room on a shelf. I'm getting sentimental in my old age.

...a few days ago, I shared this idea on terminology -

"In our family, we have chosen to call this most difficult decision "liberating the spirit."

I came up with the idea because it has a gentler feel to it than all the other usual terms. Put to sleep isn't accurate - we wish they were only sleeping. Euthanize sounds cold and clinical. Put down sounds harsh.

It helps a little.

Please know this is not criticism, just a thought that I found to be a bit of a balm to a grieving heart.

Please be very gentle with yourself as you heal.

Healing vibes on the way to you & Martini.