What to Do With the Bowl, the Bed and the Collar

There is no right time

Some people clear everything the same evening. Others leave the bed exactly where it is for months. Neither is denial and neither is healthy or unhealthy — they are just different. The only approach that reliably goes badly is someone else doing it for you without asking, however kindly meant.

Keep one thing deliberately

Most families end up keeping the collar, and often a favourite toy. Choose deliberately rather than by accident, and put it somewhere you can find it. The tag in particular carries their name and your old number, which is why so many people end up wearing it on their own keys.

Donating the rest

Unopened food, unused medication within date, beds, blankets, bowls and toys are all wanted by South African shelters and rescues, especially in winter. Phone before you arrive; some accept opened food and some do not. Many people find this easier than a bin, and easier than a cupboard they will open again next year.

The things that ambush you

The vet reminder SMS. The bag of treats behind the cereal. Their hair in the car six months later. You cannot prepare for these and you cannot pre-empt them all. Cancelling the vet reminders and the repeat prescription is worth doing early; the rest you handle as it comes.