Honouring the Life of Your Pet

Here are some ways to honour the life of your pet before or after their passing: 

• Plan a funeral, memorial, celebration of life or candle lighting ceremony. This allows those who had a special relationship with your pet or who knew and appreciated your bond to come together and pay their respects. It is an opportunity to share stories and reflect on the good and hard times, as well as build and strengthen your support network.

• Create something such as a memory box, scrapbook, poem, story, painting or drawing. Creating something positive can help you deal with overwhelming thoughts. It is also a positive way for children to be involved and express their emotions. You can encourage them to create a journal and write down their favourite things about their pet: their likes and dislikes, nicknames, favourite places, and food. Having children involved in memorialising their pet will help them to feel a part of the process and help to combat feelings of helplessness and confusion.

• Commission a portrait or a piece of jewellery; something that will bring them closer to you. There are many beautiful local businesses now that specialise in helping you keep your pet’s memory alive.

• If time permits, consider putting together a bucket list. What will your pet enjoy in their final weeks or days? Ideas include a trip to the beach, visiting relatives, posing for some family photos, and being treated to their favourite foods.

• Set up a tribute table or shrine. A focal point in the home that you can gravitate to when you want to feel close to them. You might like to light a candle or voice out loud the things you miss most about them.

• Document their final journey. Take as many photos as you can and film them. This will give you something to refer back to when they’re gone.

• Donate or volunteer at an animal shelter in your pet’s honour.