For most pet owners,watching their beloved companion pass away is a heartbreaking experience.But time flies,and this day inevitably arrives.Nowadays,more and more people are choosing to cremate their pets.Before I entered this industry,I assumed that ashes were gray.But are they really?I believe many people have been misled by stories portrayed in TV dramas;those who have“lost a pet”are often startled when they see their pet’s ashes.

1.What exactly are ashes?

In reality,when a pet’s body enters the cremation chamber,it is incinerated by flames reaching temperatures of 1,300–2,000 degrees Celsius.The fur is the first to burn to ashes,followed by the skin and flesh.The bones,however,do not turn to ash.After cremation,what remains in the chamber is,more accurately,the“skeletal remains.”

The same applies to human ashes.The color of the bones varies depending on the circumstances.For pets that die of natural causes due to old age,the bones are gray.However,for pets suffering from diseases such as cancer,the bones may contain black components.The image we have in our minds of ashes resembling pearl powder is actually the result of the ashes being ground into powder by a machine afterward.

2.Should pet ashes be ground into powder?

Some“pet parents”feel heartbroken at the thought of their beloved pet being ground into powder after death and refuse the process.This ultimately depends on the chosen method of handling the ashes.However,if the remains are not ground into powder,they may be accidentally unearthed,leading to various complications.For the pet owner,the pain of losing a pet is like having salt rubbed into the wound,though it’s not something one can easily put into words.Some pet parents wish to hold a sea burial for their beloved pet;in such cases,turning the remains into powder and scattering them is the most appropriate option.

3.Can I take my pet’s cremated remains home?

Yes,the cremated remains of a pet do not carry pathogens,so you can rest assured.However,since circumstances vary by household,some elderly family members may consider keeping the remains at home to be taboo.In such cases,it’s important to discuss this within the family.If that’s not feasible,you can also consider placing them in a columbarium.

4.How should a pet’s ashes be stored?

Generally,placing them in an urn is sufficient,but moisture protection is essential!Therefore,choose a moisture-proof urn.You can also keep them as a keepsake or find other ways to keep them close to you.

We cannot control birth,aging,illness,and death.After years of companionship,all we can do is ensure they depart with dignity.