Tigger was put to sleep on December 31, 2002, and we got his ashes back in March of 2003. Since then he has been sitting in a drawer in my parents room because they just don't know what to do with my precious baby's ashes. I've decided that it's been over a year and a half and it's time that he was buried in a pet cemetery. What I didn't realize is how hard this was going to be. I'm searching online for pet cemeteries close to my house (I live in Schaumburg, outside Chicago) and I've found a couple but I still need to go and visit them and call the person in charge and make sure it's right for my baby boy. He only deserves the best and I want him to be with other animals so he'll be able to play and have fun. I also want to have a place to go so that even if we move, he'll always be there. I need somewhere to grieve other than my house because there are too many memories there. Anyways, I guess that the reason I'm writing on here is twofold. First of all, does anyone know of a pet cemetery near Chicago that is generally nice and well-kept that would accept another pet? Also, can you offer any words of advice to me? I don't want his ashes spread because I don't believe he would like that, and I feel firmly about having a proper burial in a pet cemetery with a headstone and everything. Cost is not an issue, I'll use whatever is in my savings to pay for it on my own. I've never gotten over losing my best little friend (but do we really ever) but I feel it's time to give him a permanent home. What do you think? Please let me know...thanks

Andrea,

I don't know anything about pet cemetary's and even less about ones outside of Chicago. I would like to offer my condolences to you on your loss.

My Snoop's ashes will be buried with me when I die. He was always happiest with his family and that is where he will be for eternity.

I think it is a beautiful thing you are doing ...

Hugs,
Beth

Andrea I found a page that lists some Pet Cemeteries in Illinois. I vaguely remember where schaumburg is---(I used to live in Elgin)
I think your idea is a good one! We are all different in what feels really best for us. I am glad I have Ginger's ashes right here in the house where he lived. But I can also see that it would be really neat to have an important carved stone and all that outside in the beautiful air and sunshine! Let us know what you find out next! When you get to this page you will need to scroll down to see the Pet Cemetery listings
Illinois Pet Cemeteries

Personally, I'd keep the ashes and have them buried with ME when I go. If you can't find a cemetary to fulfill your wish, perhaps that would be an alternative?

Well, I've been doing alot of research today and I've found several different pet cemeteries in the area that I need to go visit (I refuse to put Tigger somewhere until I am 150% sure of it). I did start to feel unsure though, simply because I graduate from college in 2 years and then I plan on moving to New York and I don't want to leave Tigger behind. My mom told me that she works with a woman who had the same dilemma when she lost her dog, Bailey. So what she had done was she had some of Bailey's ashes put into a locket and she can wear that everywhere and it's like she has him with her all the time. I think that might be what I do. I think I'll find where she had this locket made and I want to put a tiny bit of his ashes in there so I can always have him with me, and then I'll bury the rest of him. That way, I can have the peace of knowing he is somewhere secure, but I'll also have a little bit of him with me forever. I would like to be buried with him, but (God willing) I'm only 20 and I have a while to go. This way, I can have the necklace with me forever and I'll have Tigger with me forever. I know that technically his spirit is with me forever, but I'd like to have a little bit of him with me too. I think this might be the best compromise solution to my problem, but until Tigger does get buried and laid to rest, we're taking his ashes out of the dresser that my mom and stepdad keep them in and put them on the mantle. They claim that they put the ashes in their so I wouldn't be so upset, but I'd be more upset if he wasn't out with the rest of the family. Anyways, I'll keep you updated on things.

Andrea

Andrea--I am doing that locket thing with a tuft of fur the vet's office gave me--I know that might creep someone else out but I like the idea alot--back in victorian days lockets with hair from a loved one were common --they were called "mourning" lockets--but maybe yours and mine wouldn't necessarily have to be for "mourning"--what is a better term?? celebration of life or something?? anyway, I imagine you should keep the tiny bit of ashes in a plastic bag so that they don't go flying if the locket were it to come open. You probably already know that --but Jennifer on this board told me that I would probably fare better if I left the ashes in a plastic bag if I changed outter containers (which I did and I am grateful for the advise)---you've had a good idea