Memorializing Your Pet
Holding on to Your Memories
It has been said that the worst thing about having pets is that they don’t live long enough. If you have lost a pet, then you will certainly agree. Unfortunately, the chances are pretty good that if you have pets, you will have to say goodbye to that trusted friend at some point. Memorializing your pet gives you the chance to honor your furry friend while capturing the memories you shared together.
The grief we feel over the loss of our pets is not unlike that we suffer when we lose a person that we are close to. That means that we will go through the same stages of grief. Many experts believe that focusing on positive memories and creating a tribute can help us work through what we are feeling. This is good news since it means that just because our pet is no longer with us, the memories we share are.
There are many wonderful ways to memorialize our pets. For some of us, words help. In those cases, we will wright or read something special to our pet. For others, more visual representations are more appropriate. The point is, there is no right or wrong way to create a memorial to your pet, only the way that works best for you and your family.
Ideas for Memorializing Your Pet
Have a Pet Funeral or Memorial Service
Going through the process of organizing a funeral or memorial service can be therapeutic for your entire family. You can invite those who share a special bond with your pet and people who want to offer their support and understand the grief you are feeling. The ceremony can be as simple or as elaborate as you like. For more information on how to organize a ceremony for your pet, visit our Pet Funerals page.
Check out our Collection of Memorial Programs and Other Printed Memorial Products.
Purchase an Urn for Your Pet’s Ashes
If you have not shopped for an urn recently, you will be surprised at the variety of styles and options available. From elaborate pieces of art to whimsical selections that will bring to mind your pet, there is truly something available for everyone. Visit our online store to see some of the unique selections that we offer.
Select an Appropriate Resting Place
For many people, having a special place to visit with their pets is comforting. If you are in a home and expect to be there for some time, your backyard may be the perfect resting place for your pet. When you have your pet cremated, scattering your pet’s ashes in a spot that was special to them may have appeal. If you have not yet decided how you will handle your pet’s final disposition, visit our Burial versus Cremation page for more information.
Shop for a Memorial Keepsake for your Pet
From a custom-made garden stone to a hand-blown glass orb that can brighten a window, there are many beautiful keepsake items that can bring to mind your pet. Visit our store to see the many options we have available.
Write an Obituary for Your Pet
Taking time to reflect on your pet’s journey and committing it to paper can help you capture your memories for posterity, as others who were special to your pet to share their memories as well. Once you have completed the story of your pet’s life, you can post it online or include it in a book of memories.
Create a Photo Tribute or Journal for Your Pet
Whether you create a special spot in your home for photos of your pet or prepare a journal or album, compiling a photo history of your pet will create a wonderful keepsake. If you are so inclined, use the photos to create a video set to music.
Plant a Tree in Memory of Your Pet
Planting a tree or some other plant life in memory of your pet is a wonderful way to renew the environment while honoring your pet. You can choose a location that has meaning to your pet or where your pet is actually buried. We carry The Living Urn system in our memorial store. This item is a beautiful way to pay tribute to your special friend.
Make a Donation in Honor of Your Pet
Making a donation to a reputable animal welfare organization in your pet’s name will pay honor to your pet while helping others.
Commission a Portrait
There are many options when it comes to portraiture. Whether you have a photorealistic image created or something more abstract, having a one-of-a-kind remembrance of your pet can be comforting. It is even possible to have a portrait created that includes ashes from your pet.
Try Something Extraordinary
You can incorporate cremated remains in many unique ways–from fireworks to creating a vinyl LP. Click here to view our slideshow of unique ideas for handling cremated remains.
