Remembering Those We Have Lost

Special Ways to Honor Our Pets Who Have Passed Away

           It’s no secret that people form very special bonds with their pets. In some cases, we may feel closer to our four-legged friends than to the people in our lives.  After all, they don’t judge us, give unconditional love and lift our moods during hard times.

            It can be overwhelming to lose a pet who has been such a special part of your life.  Sometimes people who do not own pet or who do not have as deep a bond with their pet do not understand the hole left in one’s heart when that pet passes.  Below are some things you may want to do to honor and remember pets that have crossed the Rainbow Bridge, be it recently or long ago. 

1. Make a list or keep a journal or scrapbook of all the special experiences you shared with your pet when he or she was alive.  What do you remember most about her?  Was there a daily routine you shared or a one time event you recall about him that makes you smile?  Jotting it down to read and reminisce over later can be comforting. 
2. Make or purchase a craft item incorporating a memory of your pet.  This can be as simple as a charm bracelet or keychain made from your pet’s tags, a paw print in paint or clay or something more involved like having a nose print or DNA pendant made, or having your pet’s ashes or fur incorporated into a painting, piece of jewelry, clothing or a special urn. 
3. Create a memorial space in your home.  This can be a temporary or permanent space.  A small table, shelf or other area can be used to display photos, your pet’s ashes and even toys, collars or other items your pet used in life. 
4. Consider helping other pets in memory of your lost loved one.  Donating money or needed items to a shelter or veterinary college or participating in a charity walk benefitting pets in memory of your pet can help spread love and aid to those who need it.
5. Attend a support group or pet memorial ceremony.  There are virtual groups online as well as community events that can help.  Patton Veterinary Hospital has a community Pet Loss Support Group next meeting on January 15.  Please contact us at 246-3611 for more information.  It is free and open to the public, but you must register.

I actually did all of these things when I lost my dog, Stanley.  I wrote down lots of memories. I had a glass pendant made incorporating his ashes that I wear every day.  I spoke to our pet support therapist, Dr. Revell.  I purchase a luminary in his memory at the YCSPCA each year and I still have a small table in our living room with some photos, his ashes and a statue purchased the year we adopted him.  Even though he is no longer physically with me, these small things help me to keep his memory and spirit alive.  Hopefully, these suggestions will help anyone struggling with the loss of a pet to find a way to honor that pet’s memory if they so chose to do so.  We all deal with loss in different ways and there is no right way to grieve, so find things that help you or work for you.

 Please call us if you need any assistance in dealing with pet loss.  Below are links to some common websites but there are many other sources available.  Please note, Patton Veterinary Hospital is not directly affiliated with any of these sites.

www.petloss.com,

www.pet-loss.net,

http://psychecremationjewelry.com/, http://www.perfectmemorials.com/cremation-jewelry

This blog brought to you by the Patton Veterinary Hospital serving Red Lion, York and the surrounding communities.

This information is adapted from and article titled Top 5 Ways to Honor Deceased Pets by Dani McVety, DVM in Veterinary Team Brief November/December 2016.