Te Dong Vat Nga Pagoda in Hanoi is the resting place of thousands dogs and cats, with the site being the first of its kind in Vietnam and representing a peaceful place where animal lovers can pay their final respects to their beloved pets.
Pet funerals begin with a ritual that takes place in front of the altar.
The owner of the deceased pet will have to prepare offerings of fruits, votive papers, and flowers, just as they would do during a human burial.
The pet’s body is then placed in a small coffin before being cremated or buried. The whole process can take up to three to four hours, depending on the animal’s size.
The cemetery has been meticulously built.
Nguyen Bao Sinh, 83, owner of the pet cemetery, believes that pets have the right to be treated just like humans. He said that it was one of the main reasons for him to build the pet cemetery.
Tuyet Phuong of Hoai Duc district gives her dog Milu, who she thought of as a family member, a proper burial. Being able to go to the pet cemetery has given her peace of mind.
A pet owner pays between VND6 million and VND10 million to arrange a funeral and a little gravestone for their lost friend.
The gravestones bear the years of the pet’s birth, death, and a photograph.
Son and his daughter from Long Bien district believe their cat MiSu will go to a better place after being cremated at the site.
Today's news from Vietnam includes the Prime Minister's participation in COP28 and his visit to Turkey, both aimed at promoting sustainable development. There is still significant potential for trade between Vietnam and China, as discussed in a recent meeting. However, it's worth noting that Hanoi has been ranked as the fourth most air-polluted city in the world. On a positive note, foreign direct investment in Vietnam has increased by 14.8% over the past 11 months.
President Vo Van Thuong and Tokyo Governor Koike Yuriko visited "Banh mi Xin chao", a Vietnamese sandwich restaurant founded by two former Vietnamese students.
An Ireland-funded initiative is paving the way for cooperation among various organizations to make a difference in marginalized communities in three provinces of Quang Tri, Hoa Binh, and Ha Giang.
In the 2023 edition of The World Scholar's Cup held at Yale University (USA), Vietnamese students achieved exceptional success. They secured a total of 25 gold medals and 29 silver medals, showcasing their intellectual prowess on a global stage.