How to Memorialize a Pet

Veterinarians, psychologists, and animal lovers all agree: after the death of a pet, it's important to be permitted to mourn the loss of a furry family member. As with people, pets are considered by many to be a part of the family and remembering and commemorating their passing can be as psychologically important and healthy as memorializing a human friend or relative. There are many ways to memorialize and remember a pet; pick one that is right for you.

Long-time pet lover and companion Linda Reed has provided a home for many cats and dogs throughout the last 20 years. "While being a pet parent is enjoyable and meaningful, the hardest part of pet ownership", she notes, "is having to say goodbye." She finds that one of the most critical parts of remembering a pet is to celebrate them for their personality, individuality and even the way they found their way to their human family. "Though we chose not to bury our rescued cat Libbey, we remember her by visiting the place where she was found", Linda says.

Samantha Strazanac, a veterinary school student and seasoned pet owner, recommends that families "have a picture of [deceased pets] hanging in the household" and wants families to know, "whatever the manner of remembrance, there is no wrong way."

Veterinary techncian Katy Roberts recommends choosing between burial or cremation, and then choosing appropriate ways to remember their companion. Some ideas that are popular among her clients are to put ashes in an urn, create a shadow box to display photos with a favorite toy or collar, or to create a blog to share memories of your furry friend with relatives. A physical grave is often a good choice because it allows physical interaction for those left behind; children in particular can benefit from a more tactile memorial.

The environmentally conscious might consider planting a tree to remember their deceased pet and families who choose to adopt rescue animals may want to make a donation in their pet's memory to a local or national animal welfare group. Other ways to remember a pet include cremation jewelry, memorial jewelry or sharing grief and memories with others. Those who enjoy being creative might want to put together a scrapbook to honor their pet or put together some text and pictures in a bound and printed book that can be shared with the whole family. Be sure that little ones have an outlet to express themselves too: encourage them to create a collage of memories, paint a picture, or something else that is age appropriate.

Animal shelter volunteer Charlene Rosen says that the best advice she can give to memorialize a pet is to, when the time is right, consider adopting another furry friend. "Sometimes, the best healing can occur when a pet owner knows that they've saved another life".