Catch yourself, I understand what you are saying. We do have to realize that animals are not humans. That being said, i think it is up to every person to decide for themselves how to make that distinction. We made several funerals for various hamsters, and I think it was a great way to help our children properly express their sadness. No, animals are not a recliner, and allowing a child to speak about and mourn the loss of something loved is definitely appropriate, and healthy, in my eyes. Of course, I wouldn’t say Tehillim at such a funeral….. We have lots of animals including a leopard gecko
, and the only animals not accepted in the charedi world are cats and dogs,,,, go figure!
