Pet Remembrance
How to Honor Your Best Friend
The loss of a pet is the loss of a family member, and when it happens, we experience those same stages of grief that occur with any loss: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and, eventually, acceptance. Even when we reach that final stage of acceptance, the reality of the loss can still be quite painful. But finding ways to honor your best friend can help you to remember the joy and love that your pet brought to your life.
When you’re ready, the following paths to pet remembrance can help you heal.
Laying Your Pet to Rest
The first, and often hardest step, is choosing how you want to lay your pet to rest. The choice is deeply personal and will depend on how you want to honor them.
Pet Burial
If you want a place to visit your beloved dog or cat, then pet burial may be the right option for your family. Many cemeteries now offer a pet cemetery section where you can get a simple headstone or a whole monument in honor of your sweet pet. It’s a perfect place to leave flowers, treats, or their favorite toys.
It’s important to note: While you may be tempted to keep them close by burying them in the backyard, this may be illegal in your city and/or state, and you should check with your local animal services. If you would prefer to keep them closer to home, pet cremation may be the better option.
Pet Cremation
Pet cremation is the option offered by most veterinarians and can be more affordable than burial. More importantly, it allows you to keep your best friend close to you. Choosing a pet urn that reflects their personality is a wonderful way to remember their spirit. Finding a unique urn has become easy with online marketplaces, like Etsy, that offer handcrafted and personalized products.
Of course, you don’t have to go a traditional route. There are many paths to pet remembrance and other ways to keep memories and love alive.
A Memorial Ceremony to Celebrate Your Pet’s Life
No matter what you choose, a wonderful way to help you through the grieving process is to have a ceremony or a service in your pet’s honor. It doesn’t have to be formal. It doesn’t even have to be a service. Gather your friends and family to share your thoughts or raise a drink to your pet. Did your cat love cheese? (Mine did.) Have a cheese and wine party. The options for a pet memorial service are endless.
Keeping Your Pet’s Memory Alive
After the services or ceremonies, having a way to keep your pet’s memory near and dear for years to come can be a great comfort.
Pet Memorial Jewelry
For me, a personalized pet loss bracelet was not only the answer but also the inspiration for Chloe’s House. There are as many cat and dog memorial jewelry options as there are breeds. You can find dog urn necklaces to carry a small portion of ashes with you wherever you go, or bracelets personalized with your cat’s initial, or pendants engraved with your pet’s face.
Pet Memorial Stones
If jewelry isn’t your thing, a pet memorial stone to place in your garden might be the perfect reminder of all the love and joy. Get it personalized with a name, a paw print, or a loving quote.
Personalized Pet Portraits
If seeing your dog’s lovely face is the only thing that will soothe your heart, then the right choice for you is a pet portrait. Find a talented artist online, send them the happiest photo of your best friend, and you’ll have the perfect memorial.
Share the Love Again
One of the best ways to remember a pet’s love is to share it with another one. When you’re ready, adopting another cat or dog (or rabbit or horse or turtle) will keep alive the love and joy that only a pet can bring.
The Remembrance Is Your Choice
The most important thing to keep in mind is that pet remembrance is your choice. We all grieve differently. We all have different belief systems. We all have different memories. Whether you want a modern pet urn that will sit by you on your desk or a paw print necklace that stays close to your heart, you should do what matters most to you.
Your pet will continue to love you no matter what you choose.
Pet Remembrance Jewelry Options at Chloe’s House
