The tradition of burying our departed loved ones in a cemetery is often taken for granted, but what about when that departed companion is not human, but an animal - like our beloved pets? The recent announcement by Barcelona that it will be investing in the establishment of its first public pet cemetery sparks interesting questions about why we choose to hold this type of ceremony.
For me, as someone who has studied historical pet burial practices for years, this news came as a shock. Pet cemeteries have been around since the late 19th century in Europe and the Americas. Britain's first public pet cemetery appeared in London's Hyde Park in 1881, while New York's Hartsdale pet cemetery was founded in 1896.
But what drives us to choose burial over other options? Why do we bother with personal plots and gravestones, rather than simply disposing of our pets' remains like household waste? For Eric Tourigny, a lecturer in historical archaeology at Newcastle University, the answer lies in the changing human-animal relationship over time.
In the 19th century, pet cemeteries were often dedicated to "loving friends" or "devoted companions," suggesting that pets were seen as important friends. However, by the early 20th century, pets had become members of the family - evidenced by the appearance of family surnames on gravestones and loving epitaphs written by "Mummy and Daddy."
Today, we continue to struggle with expressing our grief for animals, hiding it from public view due to social repercussions. Yet, studies show that humans form strong bonds with their pets, similar to those they have with other humans. We need outlets to express our pain, like the pet cemetery's ritual of burial.
The recent launch of a public pet cemetery in Barcelona is a significant development, offering a space for grieving families and individuals to remember and honor their beloved animals. This move reflects society's changing attitude towards human-animal relationships, acknowledging that these bonds are vital to our collective wellbeing.
However, it's essential to acknowledge the financial aspect. At an estimated €200 per service, this opportunity will not be financially available to everyone in Barcelona. But there is no need to feel ashamed about grieve for your pets; many charities and online forums provide alternative ways to express your grief and remember your relationship with your animal companion.
Whether you choose a pet cemetery or opt for other methods of commemoration, it's clear that we value our relationships with animals deeply. It's only by acknowledging and embracing these bonds that we can work towards creating more accepting societies for humans and animals alike.
For me, as someone who has studied historical pet burial practices for years, this news came as a shock. Pet cemeteries have been around since the late 19th century in Europe and the Americas. Britain's first public pet cemetery appeared in London's Hyde Park in 1881, while New York's Hartsdale pet cemetery was founded in 1896.
But what drives us to choose burial over other options? Why do we bother with personal plots and gravestones, rather than simply disposing of our pets' remains like household waste? For Eric Tourigny, a lecturer in historical archaeology at Newcastle University, the answer lies in the changing human-animal relationship over time.
In the 19th century, pet cemeteries were often dedicated to "loving friends" or "devoted companions," suggesting that pets were seen as important friends. However, by the early 20th century, pets had become members of the family - evidenced by the appearance of family surnames on gravestones and loving epitaphs written by "Mummy and Daddy."
Today, we continue to struggle with expressing our grief for animals, hiding it from public view due to social repercussions. Yet, studies show that humans form strong bonds with their pets, similar to those they have with other humans. We need outlets to express our pain, like the pet cemetery's ritual of burial.
The recent launch of a public pet cemetery in Barcelona is a significant development, offering a space for grieving families and individuals to remember and honor their beloved animals. This move reflects society's changing attitude towards human-animal relationships, acknowledging that these bonds are vital to our collective wellbeing.
However, it's essential to acknowledge the financial aspect. At an estimated €200 per service, this opportunity will not be financially available to everyone in Barcelona. But there is no need to feel ashamed about grieve for your pets; many charities and online forums provide alternative ways to express your grief and remember your relationship with your animal companion.
Whether you choose a pet cemetery or opt for other methods of commemoration, it's clear that we value our relationships with animals deeply. It's only by acknowledging and embracing these bonds that we can work towards creating more accepting societies for humans and animals alike.
i've had my fur baby, max, since he was a pup and it's been 10 years since he passed away...i wish something like this existed back then, but now that it is...it's like my heart is full again 
i think it's so beautiful how we can honor our pets with a proper burial service, it shows that they're more than just animals to us. and yeah, €200 might be pricey for some, but there r so many other ways 2 express grief, like donating 2 animal shelters or online forums, let's not forget those 
I think its wild how we still hold burials as a way to say goodbye to pets 
even though they're not human. Its like, we've been doing it for so long now that its just what we do 
and now we're all about family names on gravestones 
but having a public pet cemetery in Barcelona is a huge step forward 
. Its not just about the money tho, its about making sure everyone can grieve in a way that feels right for them 
And honestly, who needs to feel ashamed of crying over their poor pup? 
I mean, don't get me wrong, it's clear that many people form strong bonds with their pets, but is it really comparable to human relationships? Have there been any studies that take a more nuanced approach to this topic? What about the cultural influences at play here? Are we simply projecting human values onto our relationships with animals?
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. but the thing is, we form strong bonds with them too, like with other people 
. maybe itll inspire other cities to do the same? 
this is kinda cool i guess, a public pet cemetery in Barcelona? like who would've thought ppl would wanna pay €200 to bury their pup or whatever 
but seriously tho, it's kinda interesting how we started treating pets as part of the family and now we gotta have special places to remember them 
It's about time we acknowledged that our pets are more than just animals - they're family. I'm all for making it accessible, but €200 is a bit steep even for me... 
, and how she always curls up on my lap while I'm watching TV. It's so relaxing... anyway, back to pet cemeteries - I wonder if they'll have special sections for pets that were loved for their weirdness or quirks? Like, I had this one parrot that was super loud and would swear all the time 
. I'm curious to know how many people choose to bury their pets with some kind of personal item, like a favorite toy or blanket... it's almost like they want to take a piece of their pet's memory with them when they go to the cemetery. 
And when they pass, it's like losing a part of ourselves. I think what's fascinating is how these rituals help us process our grief, even if it's not always easy or socially acceptable to express our emotions. 
I mean, think about it - pets are like family members, right? And when they pass away, it's like losing a loved one. The fact that they're investing in a special space for people to bury and remember their pets is just amazing. Plus, it's great that they're acknowledging the strong bond we have with our animals 
. But for those who can, it's a way to honor their pets in style 
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. I mean, it's true! I've lost count of how many times I've felt like crying after losing a pet - it's like they're part of the family too 
. But seriously though, I think its awesome that Barcelona is starting this pet cemetery thingy 
it shows people actually care about their furry friends and want to give 'em a proper sendoff 
