Most of us have felt the loss of a treasured companion. The pain and sadness affects each of us in different ways, but we all experience grief. Many of us try to keep the memory of our dearly departed close by, and I would like to share some of the ways that my mom and her friends have paid tribute to the important pet-members of their families that have passed.
My mom gave me the ultimate honor after my sister Angie Lou passed. Angie was my mom’s dog that will always stay in that special place in her heart. She gave me Angie’s middle name. I have huge pawprints to fill being Linda Lou.
Many people keep the collar tags from their departed pooches on their key rings. Every time they hop in the car to go bye-bye, they take the memory of their dogs with them. There are places too where you can have your pet’s paw or nose print etched into keychains. Kits are available that allow you to make a clay impression of your pets paw, or even an inked image.
My mom and her coworker have tattoos with their dog’s actual paw print that are just amazing. My mom’s artist even included a tiny bit of Angie’s ashes in the tattoo. If this is your intention, please research your artist and make sure you know what style of tattoo you want, as this is pretty darn permanent.
If you are of the crafty sort, a shadow box with items that remind you of your pet would be a very sweet and tangible way to pay homage. Perhaps you can put pen to paper and write a poem and have that framed with a special photo that invokes happy memories.
Some other ideas that we have seen are taking your pet’s collar and finding a small bowl or plant pot that it fits around. Plant a succulent, a pretty flower, or whatever type of greenery you enjoy. An outdoor memorial garden would be beautiful if you have a green thumb and have the space. Others have gone a bit larger and have planted a tree in the spot where the animal used to enjoy laying. A lovely flowering crabapple may be a good choice.
There are glass artists that will make you a keepsake such as a pendant, ornament or marble with swirls of your pet’s cremains inside. These items are just beautiful
If giving is more your thing, you could donate to a local Humane Society, rescue or shelter in your pet’s name. You can even go so far as to sponsor a dog or cat at a local shelter. This means that you pay the adoption fee and if someone walks into the shelter and falls in love with that particular animal, they get a very pleasant surprise. Volunteer work is always an option too, and very appreciated by the shelter staff! Many rescues and shelters are at capacity and many do not have regular volunteers to help care for the animals waiting for homes.
No matter how you choose to memorialize your cherished loved one, may their memories become treasures in your heart!
Later,
Linda the “very proud to be a Lou” Blog Dog
Later,
Linda the “very proud to be a Lou” Blog Dog
