When each of us first brings a pet into our home, thinking ahead to the day when they’ll no longer be around is far from our minds. It’s hard to go down that path when your pet is vigorously begging for a treat or nuzzling your neck. After all, they are so full of life.
Over the months and years, a collection of memories accumulates and oft-told stories are woven into the lives of pet owners. And sadly, the eventual good-bye day arrives, sometimes planned and sometimes in an unexpected manner.
“I cannot recall if I sent you an email and photo to let you know how much my parents LOVE the Duffy pillow. My mom said it makes her feel like she can still give him a snuggle when she wants to ❤ Thank you again” -Judy
There is such an overwhelming sense of loss, of floundering, of just disbelief. For even when one knows it was “for the best,” the void that exists is difficult. Hopefully you have been able to find ways of walking through those initial mixed and swirling emotions of grief.
One important thing to remember is to allow yourself time to process your loss. Know that there isn’t a specific timeline for getting through grief; each of us goes at our own pace. Supportive family members and/or friends can help, yet the process is ours to travel.
This is Iris. She loved her red blanket.
Some Ways to Memorialize a Pet
Each of us holds the memories of our pets in a different way. For some, the image of their departed animal remains etched in their mind/ heart and that is enough. Others use a specific way to process their grief and/or keep a memory alive.
Some common ones are:
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- A burial or memorial ceremony
- Portrait (painted, quilted, sculpted)
- A bit of their fur/feather placed in special object (jewelry, stuffed/ felted animal)
- Photographs (albums, collages) – maybe enlarged and hung in the pet’s favorite spot
- A memory box/ special object to hold mementos (collar, sweater, favorite toy, tags)
- Quilt or blanket made in their image, perhaps from favorite blankets
- Planting a tree or perennial flowers
- The written word – a poem, a story or two, a letter to departed pet (#petgriefletters is one IG account that I follow)
- Donation to animal organization in their memory – monetary or goods (food, blankets, toys)
- Jewelry
- Nose prints, paw prints – DIY or by an artist
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You will find the way that speaks to you when you are at the point of celebrating their life and creating a special place for your memories.