What do you do with your pets' belongings after they passed?

[Draco]

My dog Teddy's birthday is in exactly a month. He passed way too early in March of this year and would have been 5yrs old. I still have all his things and don't know what to do with them. I suppose I'll probably just donate them. =/
I still have his bed, bowls, toys, leashes, brushes, collar, and even some cans of his favorite food.
He was very therapeutic I was 18 when I got him, and he was there through so many things. My parents only waited a week before getting me Draco, but it's because they were afraid. I live a lone and have a history of depression...and once revealed the only thing that was really keeping me on this earth was Teddy. Sometimes it sounds a little ridiculous, but he did save my life and make it tolerable. I'll probably only keep his collar and toys. He wasn't too big on toys but had a fox and a bear. I've let Draco play with the fox and we call him Teddy, because although he looked Teddy Bear as a pup, he turned into looking a fox in looks in body type as an adult.

Anyways, I'd love to hear from you gus.

[yorkieusa]

I donated them to the nearest humane society. At least, the things I didn't plan on keeping. I knew I'd get another yorkie one day. Yes, I cried on the way out of the humane society, too. It was hard to do, but it was a loving gesture.

[cindersellie]

I gave my stuff to a neighbor who had 2 dogs. I kept the collars with ID tags.

[lisaly]

I held onto most of their things. If one of my friends pups needed something I had, I gave it to them, but I loved having their things around. I find them comforting. I was living in full reality and not living in the past. I kept Ashley's (she passed away three years ago) things around the two years that I didn't have a dog, and her little blanket still sits on my pillow. Katie has lots of new beautiful things, but she also plays with some of her sister's things, too. Their little urns stay with us in our bedroom. We love Katie with all of our hearts, and she is the best thing that we could ever have done to open our hearts to loving again. I think each person handles things differently. It took my husband a month before he could look at a photo of our babies, while I needed the photos around. Now, these photos adorn each wall or table in our home, and it brings us great joy to feel their presence in our hearts and home.

I wouldn't rush to give Draco's things away. If they upset you, put them away for a little while. You may want to have some of his things in the future. Once you have coped with your feelings better and know what you want, it will be an easy decision for you to make. I just don't want you to have any regrets. I'm very sorry for your loss. Love lasts forever, and although Draco is no longer with you physically, he will always remain in your heart.

[YazminD]

I'm so sorry you lost Teddy at such a young age, I know your heart's still breaking. Remember all the good times you had with him and you'll catch yourself smiling.
I gave my pets things to a local Shelter also except for their collars and ID's.
Trust me, it will do your heart good knowing you've made another pup happy.
Wishing you and Draco a long healthy and happy life together.

[barneysmommmy]

We kept all of Charlie's things. My 18 year old son was very adamant that he did not want us to give anything away. I finally convinced him to let us give his puppy crate to some friends. Charlie's special toys are put up in my closet. We have talked about having a shadow box made with his photo and these items. His other items combs, shampoo, collars, leashes, Halloween costumes, etc. are in a basket downstairs. We have brought a few things up for our other dogs, but anything my son is uncomfortable with we don't do. I think each person has to do what they are comfortable with. I think donating the items is a wonderful gesture if you are ready for it.

[Verbena]

I am so sorry for your loss. Your heart still broken. Yet those happy days, you spent with him helps a little. Maybe even a little smile. Everyone morns at their own time. Hold on to the things that are closest to you both and the rest donate. The pups that have nothing will be grateful. But do it on your own time.

[KazzyK810]

I got rid of much of the bigger stuff, crate, beds, bowls, etc. two years after Chelsea died, when I was packing to move to a smaller house. But I've kept her harnesses, sweaters, pjs, coats, bows, brushes (that still have her hair in them) & her fav. squeaky newspaper toy, and they are packed away in the dog carrier purse I used with her. The carrier is in my basement. I don't know that I could ever part with it. But I bawl when I see it while looking for stuff down there, and I always then open it up and look at her things. I can still picture her in the sweaters & bows. I regret not taking many photos of Chelsea to store memories, so I'm really glad I have her things to look at & remember.

It's strange how Chelsea still pops up in life, and she's been gone over 5 years. I took ZoE to the Emergency Vet last night, and they asked me if I'd been there before, I said yes & they asked me my name, then looked me up in the computer and said, "Is this Chelsea?", while I was holding ZoE. I said no, Chelsea passed many years ago, and I don't recall ever bringing her here. They said they used to be located across town and moved to this new location a few years back, but transferred all their old records. So there I stood, tears welling up in my eyes thinking about Chelsea, while checking ZoE in to be examined.

I think it's great that your parents got you Draco right away I went 3 years without a yorkie after Chelsea died. I didn't think there was any way I could ever love another dog the way I did her. ZoE proved otherwise and I'm so incredibly glad I have her.

[DBlain]

my advice after going through this several times is to throw out or give away very little, only get rid of stuff that is worn out or that you do not have a sentimental attachment to. If certain items are in good shape or have certain meaning to you but bothers you to look at, ask a family member to hold on to it for you in case in the future you might want or need it. I have gotten rid of things way to quickly only to regret it later. So clean house of what you want to get rid of but give it to someone that you can count on getting it back from in case you have a change of heart

[shdyldy]

So sorry about your pup.....I ended up saving his favorite toy, put his collar around it and put it on a small shelf in the living room next to a plaque with the rainbow bridge poem and his name on it we got when we had him cremated. His ashes are in a small fake plant next to it. Only we know what's in there. The crate and some toys went to my other dog we only had for 2 months when he died. It was a few weeks before we decided what to do, so take your time and do what you think is right. It takes time but it will come to you....hug your Draco, he will get you thought it. I know my Twinkie did

[yorkiefan_]

I keep all of Minnie's stuff. She is so special to me and I treasure everything I have that can bring me more memories of her. I still even keep the sheet in my car that I held her in when I carried her into the ER her last night.

Thread's just making me burst into tears right now at losing her

[yorkiefan_]

And what shydly said... definitely get some hugs from Draco. My pup Cookie just makes me so happy with the way she snuggles with me and gives me kisses and plays with me. And Draco is so beautiful in your album photos. He looks like a hell of a friend.

[yorkiefan_]

I think it's sweet to name the fox toy Teddy, that way you can always remember your great friend and how much he helped you as you build a beautiful relationship with Draco.

[My lil friend]

Bunkey was 9yrs when he passed away. He had quite a few clothes,I made alot of his little boy things. I have his ashes and collar. I only kept one outfit (a green poets shirt and a gold brocade coat with tails). The other clothes I gave to a young friend of mine that has a little boy yorkie. Crate and extra collars went to the vet to share with anyone that had a need. His bed I had someone else throw away. He also had a couch made from a dolls crib,I recovered it for Mina when I got her.

[lillymae]

I never get rid of their things as I know that one day I will have another pup to pass them on to. I am sorry for your loss.