Can I ask a question about the practicalities of pets dying? (TMI)

[WriggleJiggle]

Can I ask you all about the practicalities of a (large) pet dying? Hamsters, guineapigs, fish, cats and rabbits have all been burried in our garden over the years. However, I'm very aware that our aged dog is getting closer and closer to the end. dh will expect me to deal with it, but I'm not sure I can dig a hole that large, or even move such a large animal. And what happens if I have to take him to be put down at the vets? Would I be considered weird to want to take him home and bury him?

What about our other dog? Is it best for them to be able to see their buddy so they understand what has happened?

Sorry if this all sounds very morbid, We are hoping for a couple more years, but have to be realistic.

Sorry to hear that

Thank you my house seems so empty without him.

Our dachshund hated vets and was pts at home, but we found it very traumatic burying him and (sorry to be graphic) he went all stiff and his tongue went blue and lolled out it was really not pleasant wrapping him up and taking him to his grave in our paddock. We then moved house anyway so he is all alone in the field. When our other dog got to the same stage I took her to the vets and she was pts there and I just stayed with her and stroked her, the vet then dealt with her body. I don't know where she went, but as she was dead and I am sure they were respectful I really don't mind. Think probably best plan is pts at home and vet to take the body away. Our vet is very credit crunched, I think, because they have just sent around a letter saying they will pts at home and do vaccinations too if you have more than one dog, for no extra charge. Our present dog is now 15 1/2 and not very well so we are having to think about all this again, very sad.