Would you post your dog's obituary in the newspaper?

[Gretchen]

This question came up in our local newspaper a few years ago. The paper had posted pet remembrances in the paper along with humans. Some of the human families said there were offended to have their family members next to pets.

Two years ago, our 1/2 GSD, Mandy died quickly of cancer. I did not post anything in the newspaper, at the time I was overwhelmed with work and school issues. But looking back I wish I did because many neighborhood people and the local park workers developed a fondness for her and when I had to tell them in person that she died, they were not prepared for it and cried in front of me. I felt like if I posted something, the news may have been easier to handle. I'm thinking about this now because my neighbor's Husky is very ill and will probably die soon, only 3 years old. She is the most beautiful dog, it's like walking with a celebrity when we go walking together. Most people look right past my shepherd and only see the Husky. Just wondering if I should suggest publishing an obituary to my neighbor for her dog, or do you think it's disrespectful to the families of humans?

[msvette2u]

I wouldn't do it - facebook and blogs and dog message boards are the place to post pet's deaths.

[LaneyB]

I have not, and probably would not post it in the paper. At the same time, I don't find it offensive. I did post a notice on my facebook page when our dog died in December.

[Gretchen]

Originally Posted by msvette2u

I wouldn't do it - facebook and blogs and dog message boards are the place to post pet's deaths.

Thanks for the idea, I had not even thought of Facebook.

[Courtney]

I would not post an obituary for my dog in the newspaper but would understand if someone did, mourning is different for everyone. However, I don't think it should be next to "grandpa Joe" in the newspaper, it should be a separate area for pets only.

[selzer]

No. I would not want to have a family who lost their little two year old to cancer, find her obituary next to Muffy. Sorry, a dog is a dog.

You can do it so much better on facebook where you can put several pictures and a little history, and your friends will respond; or on a dog forum where everyone understands, and will be supportive.

I can understand a newspaper offering once a year, a page, remembering Fido, or something like that where you can submit a photo and a quick blurb about the dog. The Obituaries are not where dog-deaths should be. Sorry, just my opinion.

[Cheerful1]

No, but I would post it on Facebook since Joey is my profile picture and all my Facebook friends know him.

[Mrs.K]

If the dog was big in the Community, like a Police Officer, SAR K9, Therapy Dog, Service Dog etc. I think it's warranted to post an obituary.

General Fiffy, Fluffy, and ol'Yapper... no.

[selzer]

Originally Posted by Mrs.K

If the dog was big in the Community, like a Police Officer, SAR K9, Therapy Dog, Service Dog etc. I think it's warranted to post an obituary.

General Fiffy, Fluffy, and ol'Yapper... no.

I disagree. Post a small article about the dog in the paper, that's how it is done here. Have pictures. Obituaries are for humans, all humans. Just being a Service dog, SAR dog, Therapy dog, or police K9 does not make the dog human. It does not get a plot in the cemetary either.

[Mrs.K]

So you don't have pet cemeteries?