We have buried three pet dogs and two birds in our garden and over the years and it is a comforting thought. The problem comes when it's time to move on the new gardener might be in for a few surprises!

I have limited room in my backyard and have buried my dog about 14 months ago. Now I want to grow vegetables in and around the burial site. Is there any health risks to doing this?

Thanks, Vince

Don't worry Vince, the vegetables will only absorb any nutrients they need, not any toxins or bacteria.

can your tell me if those bylaws apply to nyc residents who have pets buried in the backyard.

Our pet cat was recently killed by an unknown animal while we were on vacation. Our cat was 15 years old and in pretty good shape for his age.In the last two years we made sure Mr. Sox was in the garage each evening knowing he was not as agile as he once was and knowing he could not defend himself as he once could. While on vacation a family memember left our side garage door open so Mr. Sox could get in and out as it had been very hot for a few days.That evening Mr. Sox was in the front yard and was killed by an unknown animal. We were and are in shock. Our whole family is so sad and our daughte is crushed. When we received the call we were hundreds of miles form home and did not know what to do. We called our vet and he told us we could bring him in for cremation at a cost of $226 or we could freeze him until we got home and that would give us time to decide on what to do or that we could bury him at home. We chose to have our adult children who were at home bury Mr. Sox in our garden. They picked a good spot where we can visit and remember him. The vet suggested a plain cardboard box that will over time turn to dust along with our beloved Mr. Sox. He suggested we bury him at least 3' deep and 4' would be better so no other animals may try to dig him up. I want you to love your pet each day as they love you, unconditionally as they can be gone tomorrow. I hope you make some plans in advance so that if that day comes you are prepared. Please take care and love your animals as they truly do love you. Larry Daly

Mr. Daly:

This is a terribly sad story, and I know the anguish, as our little budgie had to be euthanized because of a tumour. She was in pain, but was so loving, right to the end. Having a pet "put down" is bad enough, but we buried her next to an old budgie companion, and put what we thought was a heavy-enough rock on top. Imagine the nightmare of finding, just a few hours after the burial, the little blue box and her favourite bell, and no bird save for a few feathers. Probably a raccoon dug her up and ate her, all of this from being put down to disappearing in the space of a few hours. it is devastating, and when I need friends to say something, suddenly they are not there. For all readers, do plan ahead; make sure you're going to keep your beloved pet's body safe from any predator. Some are stronger than you think and will move rocks to find their prey. Dig deeply, use netting and have boulders ready or concrete slabs.
Don't let yourselves go through the horror of what has just happened here.

My 2 gorgeous little cat Cleo was killed on the main road nearly 4 weeks ago now, she wasnt 2 until august and i feel as yhough her life has been snatched away from her. I miss her so much i am heartbroken its like losing a baby. I cant focus on anything and i think about her every minute of each day. People do not understand, they say things like 'its only a cat you will get over it' but i dont think i will ever get over the shock of losing her.

I had my beloved cat buried in my garden 3 years ago. Losing him was like a losing a child for me. Maybe some people don't understand this feeling but as for animal lovers they know what I'm trying to tell. I was shocked recently when I was trying to dig the buried place and brought along the remaining bones to my new house, there wasn't anything left! Not even a skull. What I could find were 3 pieces of very tiny broken bones. I wonder how the body decomposed so fast!

I had my beloved cat buried in my garden 3 years ago. Losing him was like a losing a child for me. Maybe some people don't understand this feeling but as for animal lovers they know what I'm trying to tell. I'm still crying for him until now. I was shocked recently when I was trying to dig the buried place and brought along the remaining bones to my new house, there wasn't anything left! Not even a skull. What I could find were 3 pieces of very tiny broken bones. I wonder how the body decomposed so fast! Does anyone have ideas about decomposing of cat?

Friday and our daughters are staying the night with their grandmother. My wife and I went out to spend some time with friends and came home to neighbors in the driveway trying to explain that someone hit our cat. My mind told me it wasn’t Pywackit until they handed us a box with her gently wrapped in a towel. She came with the house when we bought it three years ago. I was never a cat fan but she was a wonderful animal and became an integral part of our family. She began every morning for me softly and persistently asking for breakfast. She roamed the neighborhood during the day, but she was always waiting for us when we got home. She was there every night on the bed for story time with my girls. I adored her companionship, never felt more close to an animal and never sadder at the loss. Now with a panicked dread I must tell my daughters (7 & 9) in the morning. What a horrible loss for our family.