Maybe it’s the first time you’ve had to say goodbye, or maybe you’ve been here before. Helping a beloved pet through their final days and hours is difficult, exhausting, but can also be a treasured time, especially with the help of pet hospice care and in-home services offered through your veterinarian. Most of us don’t know how a pet’s end-of-life will affect us until we’re at that moment. Every minute until they leave us is about trying to understand and manage their pain, keep them comfortable. Every day we look into the eyes that have gazed at us with such unbroken love and devotion, and try to see answers to the most difficult questions. How do we honor such a special animal when they are gone?
Honoring and memorializing a loved one is a powerful part of the grieving process. Here are just a few ideas – your pet was special, and you and your family can find unique and beautiful ways to celebrate their life.
Make a Photo Wall or Book of Life
Remember that ‘first day home’ photo? And all those cute things your pet did between then and now? Let the tears flow and put some pet family photos together on a wall or shelf showing moments from your lives together. Include their collar and tags, maybe a favorite squeaky toy. No wall space? Use a photo book service like blurb.com or shutterfly.com to create a photo book of life. Everyone that loved your pet will find comfort in this collection of memories.
Memory Journal or Box
Place a diary or a recipe box with blank cards near a photo of your pet. Whenever you – or a family member – has a fond memory you can write it down, and honor their love. Think about writing a ‘thank you’ note to your pet, what joy did they bring? What challenges did you overcome together?
Pet Memorial Jewelry
‘Keep them close to your heart’ says metalsmith Lisa Havelin. Pet memorial jewelry can contain remains, ash or fur, a photo or simply a name. Wearing a special piece could get you through a tough day, or you can keep it in a treasured place and just know that it is there.
Custom Portraits
Sometimes a photograph isn’t enough to capture your love and there are many artists who specialize in pet portraits, from digital to watercolor, pencil to oil painting. A custom work of art signifies your animal’s importance in your life, and will spur friends and loved ones to share their memories too.
Make Art
You don’t need to be an artist to make art, this might be a time to take a class or search instagram for inspiration, and find a tutorial on YouTube. Think about making a special Christmas ornament from a favorite photo, or Making your own painting, drawing, collage, is both a remembrance of your pet and an expression of your creativity.
Urns and Containers
If it will bring you comfort, why not include a beautiful pet urn in your décor? Your animal friend may be gone, and their soul is set free, but we may still need some form of their physical presence in our day-to-day. Your veterinarian may have options to choose from, local artists and Etsy are great resources too, from rugged turned wood to delicate handblown glass.
With choices for every personality, this is a final gift to honor your pet and their love.
