We kept our dog's ashes. I bought those crystal clear Xmas balls that open
and put some of his ashes in there with a picture of him. I hung it from
organza ribbon and keep it hanging in the house. I've seen this done with
feathers as well a a little keepsake for humans ashes. For me it isn't
weird tho I'm sure for some it will be.
My Vet has a person who is there , a grievance counselor, to sit with you
if needed and to comfort you. It's a lovely gesture that he offers.
On another note we rescued our my smaller Chi right off the euthenasia
list 11 years ago. He was "unadoptable" so we adopted him.