A new rule that the state of New York just enacted will undoubtedly be welcome news to animal lovers who wish to remain with their devoted pets even after they die away. With a few exceptions, including religious cemeteries, this new rule permits pets, including cats and dogs, to be buried alongside their owners in cemeteries. Before this rule, there were relatively few possibilities for folks who wished to take a nap next to their dogs. They had to be interred in pet cemetery, which is a difficult process, or someone had to smuggle their pets into ordinary graves. Recently, it was discovered in a pet cemetery in Westchester county that every year, at least five people prefer to be buried next to their animals. That figure shows how many pet owners in New York will be pleased by this rule, and many individuals in other states would undoubtedly welcome having the same choice one day. To learn more about this law, scroll down. (h/t)

Animal lovers everywhere are hopeful that other states will follow suit now that this local law is in force. With the recent surge of new laws promoting the welfare and protection of animals, New York’s new rule is introduced with the idea that even in death, pets may be treated with respect.