Remembering and Honoring Your Pet

Pet owners feel incredible grief when losing a companion animal. That sassy animal that woke you at all hours, demanded your attention, and provided unconditional friendship is gone. The soft clicking sound of kitty claws on the kitchen floor no longer greets you every morning when you make coffee. That favorite sleeping spot is vacant when you glance there 100 times a day.

Just like the loss of any family member, it takes time to come to terms with the death of a companion animal. Your sadness is your own. Your grief is your own and the amount of time it takes is totally dependent on you.

Remembrances for your deceased pet are an integral part of dealing with your pet’s death. Amidst your loneliness and grief, it’s important to consider the very best things about your animal. Part of the healing process is pulling out those wonderful memories, exploring how they make you feel, and secreting them away in a very special place in your heart.

Recognizing the importance of remembering cherished pets, the International Association of Pet Cemeteries and Crematories (IAOPCC) designated the second Sunday in September as National Pet Memorial Day. On this day, or any day, you can visit pet cemeteries, make a tribute book, view photos, or hold a memorial service for your lost pet.

Tributes to your pet can take many forms, from scrapbooks to remembrance jewelry. You can honor your pet’s memory in so many ways, including more public displays such as posting notices in the paper or creating an online memorial. Here are some suggestions to help you choose a tribute for your animal that is special and personal, in the hope that it helps you move through your grief.

Memorial Scrapbook

In the weeks following your loss, you’ll be reminiscing about the fun times with your pet. Collect your pictures and create a memory book of your pet. You can purchase scrapbooks, paper and stickers at any craft store. This is a wonderful, healing exercise that will remind you of everything you loved the most about your companion animal.

Memorial Picture Frames

Print out your favorite pictures of your animal and create a tribute in frames. Special engraved frames are available online or simply use regular frames for your memorial. It’s a gentle reminder every day of everything good that comes from being a loving pet owner.

Remembrance Journal

Coping with the often-intense grief of losing a beloved pet is rough. Maybe you don’t feel you can talk to anyone about how empty your heart is. Try putting pen to paper in a remembrance journal to help you through the grieving process.

Keepsake Jewelry

These beautiful symbols of the love are a wonderful gift for any grieving pet lover. Bracelets, necklaces, and charms are available at many online sites and provide some solace with a daily reminder of a beloved companion animal.

Memorial Service

Whether you plan to bury your animal or have him cremated, collect your family and friends and have a tribute service to. This is especially good for children to help them deal with the loss. Allow everyone to share stories and memories. Read a portion of Rainbow Bridge, a wonderful poem about the “bridge” where beloved companion animals wait for their owners to join them in Heaven.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….

Living Memorial

Capture the life and vitality of your animal by planting a tree or shrub in remembrance of your pet. This is a sure way to remind you of happy times. It’s also a thoughtful gift for a friend or relative who has lost a treasured pet.

Personalized Grave Markers

If you have chosen to bury your pet on your own property or in a pet cemetery, why not create or purchase a personalized grave marker? Stepping stone kits are available at most craft stores and can be fashioned to place on the grave. Beautiful engraved stone markers can be ordered online. In addition, more traditional granite and marble headstones are also available.

Online Memorials

Many grieving pet owners choose to post pictures of their beloved pets online. Memorial sites have sprung up all over the web, with many allowing free posting to grieving pet owners. You can usually post a written tribute and a picture of your animal.

Donations

Choose a favorite charity and make a donation in remembrance of your pet. Some pet owners choose to make a yearly donation to honor the memory of their beloved pet. Or if you prefer, make a donation of pet supplies to the local humane society or rescue organization in your pet’s name.