What to save, before cremation

Some things cannot be collected afterwards. If you are reading this before the cremation, this is the short list, in the order it matters.

• A paw print. Ink, clay or a photograph of one. Most crematoriums and many vets will take one if you ask — but you have to ask.
• Fur. A small amount, from somewhere you used to touch. It keeps indefinitely in a paper envelope.
• Whiskers. They fall out naturally and are easy to miss. If you have kept any already, keep them together.
• Photographs and video, from several angles. Most people have hundreds of photographs and none from the side. If any later piece is to be made from a photograph, three angles is the minimum that works.
• Their collar, tag or a favourite object. Not for a product — just because it will matter later and it is easy to lose in a difficult week.

None of this is a purchase and none of it is urgent in the way it feels. If you only manage one thing, make it the paw print.