The worst experience that any pet owner goes through is the loss of their beloved animal. Whether the death comes as a shock or is expected, coping with the death of an animal can be hard. At the very least, you can be comforted by the fact that your pet loved you until the end.
There are many ways you can keep their memory alive. These tips will not only help keep your pet’s memory alive but also help with the grieving process.
Ideas On How To Memorialize Your Pet
Volunteer
If you need the support of others when grieving, volunteering can be perfect for you. Shelters always need the help and the animals are always grateful for more attention. Not only will it help you process your recent loss, but it also will create a wonderful tribute to your pet by helping others. Animals also make the best listeners and will attentively listen to your stories about your previous pet as long as you pet them.
Engrave A Grave Marker
When my first pet passed away, I was just ten years old and wasn’t exactly sure how to deal with it. My older sibling carved my cat’s name on a rock and created a little memorial grave for my beloved pet. When I would become sad over his death, I would simply go to the engraved rock and talk to my pet. It made me feel better and helped me deal with my grief.
Having a physical place to go and remember your animal can be therapeutic and help you cope with your own grief.
Create Jewelry From Their ID Tag
Most of our furry companions have a tag on their collar with their name and information. After your pet passes away, take that tag and create a personal necklace or bracelet from it. Not only will it be a unique jewelry piece, it will be small enough to keep a piece of your pet’s memory with you at all times.
Write a Blog Post
Chances are, there are many pet owners going through a similar loss. Writing about the process will not only help you get your grief out in a creative way but will also resonate and help others that read your post. If you don’t feel comfortable having your writings be public, then write about your grief in a journal.
As a writer myself, writing is my go to when I’m feeling overwhelmed. The task of writing helps me process my emotions and creates a way to rid me of my anger in a nonviolent manner.
Create a Legacy
Create life from their passing by planting a tree in the memory of your pet. The tree can be a reminder of the wonderful life that your animal had. The tree will symbolize a new life or birth in the midst of tragedy and grief. As the tree grows and blooms, your grief will slowly melt away and the tree will become a tribute to your pet’s memory.
Start Scrapbooking
One of the best ways to remember the life of your pet and help with your grief is to create a scrapbook. The scrapbook could contain any memories you’d like from pictures to anecdotes to mementos. These items could be registration papers, pictures, a charm from your pet’s collar and more. This is a wonderful way to keep your pet’s memory alive long after their passing.
If you like the idea of memorializing your dog in a book form but don't feel like crafting, you can also get memorial storybook that features a cartoon dog in the likeness of yours.
Create Pet Artwork
Have your favorite photo be turned into a canvas you can hang on your wall or look at custom pet paintings so you can always remember your furry loved one.
Light a Candle In Their Honor
Not the creative type? Simply lighting a candle and thinking about your furry companion can help you cope with their passing. Every time you think of your pet, light a candle. The lighting of the candle will allow you to stop and reflect upon your pet and the life they lived.Sometimes all we need is to just stop and process the emotions that are coursing through.
Memorial Jewelry
Cremation or memorial jewelry is becoming a popular option with animal owners. Memorial jewelry creates a beautiful way to commemorate your pet’s passing with a stunning piece of jewelry. Most memorial jewelry pieces have the option to engrave a personal message creating a personal and special memorial.
We know that death is a necessary evil in life and that the loss of a loved one is one of the toughest experiences anyone has to go through. Remember everyone deals with their loved one’s passing in their own way. Choose the option that is best for you.
About the Author
Mira Alicki is a jewelry designer and goldsmith for the past 22 years. Her passion for animals led her to create her own line of jewelry and online store to benefit charities. 40% of each purchase is donated back to the animal community. You can find Mira on Twitter (@FIMHjewelry).
Want more ideas on how to memorialize your pet? Check out these blogs.