What do I do with my pet's ashes, toys, and belongings after they die?

There is no right answer here. Only your answer. I've known people who scattered ashes in a beloved garden and felt complete peace. I've known others who kept the urn on the shelf for years, not ready to let go, and that was okay too. Some people plant a tree. Some commission art from a photograph. Some create a small altar—not morbid, but tender. A candle, a photo, a collar. A way to sit with the love without forgetting. The toys and bowls: there's no rule. Some people donate them immediately because the sight breaks them open. Others keep one toy, one collar, something small that holds the texture of that specific life. What matters is that you're choosing, not defaulting. Don't let anyone shame you for keeping things. Don't let guilt force you to throw away what comforts you. If you find yourself unable to touch anything months later, that might be worth examining—not as failure, but as a signal that your grief needs some support. The examined heart knows the difference between honoring and holding on so tight you can't breathe. Give yourself permission to do whatever lets you breathe.