The remarkable story of Greyfriars Bobby, the faithful Skye Terrier who guarded the burial site of his beloved master for 14 years, has touched hearts around the world for generations.
And according to a recent study by Mintel, it seems that bereaved pet owners are showing the same loyalty to their furry friends. Some spend thousands of pounds on lavish send-offs.
The research found that a quarter of British pet owners have used pet funeral services or would consider doing so in the future.
Many said that, instead of the more clinical means that veterinary practices tend to employ when handling pet deaths, having a funeral helped them deal with the grieving process.
The BBC recently reported that the pet loss industry is now big business around the world. More than 50 crematoriums and cemeteries in Britain already offer pet funerals, complete with personalised tombstones, custom-made coffins, religious blessings, private cremation services and bereavement counselling. Some of the larger providers currently carry out up to 10,000 services a year for animals.
From budgies and gerbils to cats and horses, it seems that no pet is exempt. One funeral home even reported carrying out a cremation for a goldfish, even featuring a tiny coffin.
Owners can also opt to have some of their pet's ashes made into mementos. In an interview with 5 live Breakfast, former pet undertaker Dawn Murray said turning the ashes of cremated pets into diamonds, which can cost up to £15,000, has become "one of the most popular" ways of memorialising a loved pet.
As a nation of animal lovers, many Brits see their pet as one of the family, so it's hardly surprising that they would choose to bid a more personal farewell to their trusty companions.
