Memorializing Your Pet: Ways to Cherish the Memory of Your Pet

The recent pet food recall has made me think of the mortality of the dogs in my family. Remembering back to 2002, when we lost Bashful our first Scottish Terrier and how difficult it was to say goodbye. Twenty years ago, it was odd to hear of anyone talk about their pet like a family member, but these days it is more the norm. I think it is often more difficult to get through the loss of a pet than the loss of a human family member.

The bonds we make with our pets are very strong; we wake up with them, live with them, exercise with them and sleep with them. Some of us spend more time with our animals than we do with people in our lives. When it comes time to grieve for them, it is difficult to think we will ever get past their loss. More often than not, our pets are sick immediately before they take their last breath. That leaves us with the decision of euthanasia, one of the most difficult choices we are required to make, as pet owners. If you choose euthanasia, you may question yourself about whether your pet may have gotten better. If you choose to put it off, you may feel the guilt of allowing your pet to suffer. In my experience with Bashful, we made the decision to euthanize, but God made a different decision and took him from us the evening before we were to take him in for the procedure.

The loss of a pet can be devastating; I remember thinking that I would never have another dog. I didn't want Bashful's last six months with us to be the memory I held of him, and I feared it would be. For some of us, the grieving process is long, for others it is a bit shorter. But grief is a very personal experience and no one should ever be judged because of the length of time they spend grieving. I found support on the Internet while grieving the loss of my scottie. I had, and still do, belong to a Scottish Terrier message board. My scottie friends on that board, gave me more support than I could have gotten from anyone I have daily personal relationships with.

There are many ways to remember your pet, too. We chose to have Bashful cremated and had his ashes placed in an engraved holder, which we have placed outdoors near the garden. I have encountered friends who think the idea humorous and a waste of money, but it was worth every penny to me. Remembering your pet in this way may not be for you, but there are many other options available.

Now, you can have pictures turned into keepsakes. Companies exist that will turn your pets photo into a rug, blanket or pillow. Another company, LifeGem creates jewelry from remains of your beloved pet. Fur from your pet is converted into carbon and then turned into a gemstone. Donations of cash can also be made in your pet's name to local chapters of the Humane Society. Pet cemeteries exist for those pet owners who prefer a more traditional human burial for their pet.

Whatever way you choose to grieve, take your time. Eventually, you will have more good days than bad days and the tears will stop. A lost pet can never be replaced and they deserve to be cherished forever. Bringing a new pet into your family will help bring back the happy memories of your lost loved one and supply you with new memories along the way.