As has been mentioned several times, this is a very personal decision. And one that is not taken lightly by most of us animal lovers. Peaches was very ill for a while before I had her put to sleep, and I had lots of time to think about it. I don't have a backyard so the only decision to be made was whether I wanted her ashes back or not. I decided that I did not want her ashes back. I have never regreted that decision. I thought it would be much to hard for me having my dead dogs ashes. I wanted to only to remember her as she was when she was alive and the very special bond that we had, and not be constantly reminded of her death. Prior to her being PTS the vet tech made a clay imprint of her paw, which was Peaches' last present to me. I will treasure it always; although, I have not done it yet, I plan to put it in a display case along with my favorite picture of her and perhaps a copy of The Rainbow Bridge.