I don't know how others generally handle it but all ten of my animals from the last 32 years have been or will be cremated and so will I. And, after I'm buried next to my husband's grave, he won't be cremated, so to will the ashes of our four legged friends. A heavy bronze plaque will mark their spot and will include their names, nick-names, species, birth and death. I may also pay extra and wax poetic leaving a brief story behind of some characteristics and deeds of which there were many. Call me crazy but I'm deadly serious. And my husband buys into the project because he loved / loves them as much as I do.