So, my parents are inconsolable at the moment. They are dealing with the death of their dog. The thing is: in addition to being a beloved family pet, Buddy the Dog was the last tangible connection they had to my grandma. She had him the first half of his life and my parents took charge of him when she passed. My dad has never really gotten over the loss of his mother, so I imagine he's taking the loss quite hard.

In a bittersweet move, it sounds like they're going to bury him close to one of his favorite trees and give him a little headstone with an inscription. I think that would be nice. There's definitely a tradition of it.

"I am in tears, while carrying you to your last resting place as much as I rejoiced when bringing you home in my own hands fifteen years ago."
-Ancient Roman Pet Epitaph (Buddy was 15 too, so, all things considered, a very good run!)