Harshita Annir spent about S$5,000 on a funeral for her 16‑year‑old dog, Puppy Ma, after the pet died of cancer on Oct. 28. The story shows how some owners treat pets like family, and why this matters for how we think about animal care.

The ceremony used a white casket covered with flowers. A live band played while a professional casket bearer carried the casket, and a funeral procession began an hour after the casket was placed at Harshita’s home. An obituary was also posted on Facebook.

Two days later, on Oct. 30, Puppy Ma’s ashes were scattered at sea near Changi Village, following an Indian tradition. Harshita said the funeral shows her belief that pets deserve respect and care during life and after death, and she hopes other owners will act responsibly.

The lavish funeral highlights how personal values can lead to elaborate pet memorials. It reminds us that caring for animals includes respect at the end of their lives.