Some people think about their pets as part of their family and some see their pets as their very own children. The loss of a pet is as painful as the loss of a loved one. And just as we have funerals and grave markers to memorialize our loved ones who have passed, the loss of a pet often creates the same desire in us to remember them in some way – to create pet memorials, to remind us of the joy that pet’s life brought to ours. 

For some, it might seem a little odd for somebody to go to much trouble to memorialize their pet. However, people who have never loved a pet don’t understand the impact that pet’s life can have on us. Sometimes a pet helps us through a lonely time, or makes us chuckle when our circumstances are anything but joyful. Occasionally the simple fact that another being loves us unconditionally can make all the difference in the world. Pets make a big difference in our lives and this is the reason why we hold them close to our heart. Consequently, when we lose a pet we find it gripping to find a way to hold a memorial service for our pet. It makes a declaration that states, ‚ÄúThis animal’s life meant something to me. Owning this pet made a big difference.‚Äù

We must understand that our pets are not the one’s benefiting from the pet memorials but us which is more or less the same when we hold a memorial service for our loved ones who went away. Recounting and reminiscing is part of the grieving system along with the fact that we already need to bid goodbye to them. Absorbing the grief takes many forms with us, and that is why funerals and memorials can be so different – and it is the same for pet memorials. Nevertheless, what is important is the fact that we are doing one thing that is full of meaning. 

Pet memorials can be as basic as a backyard burial ceremony, or sprinkling the pet’s ashes over his favorite park. There are pet cemeteries where owners can bury their pet and erect a grave marker at the site. Often pet memorials can be a kind of art, like a shadowbox containing sentimental items like fur clippings or the pet’s favorite toys, a pet portrait, or even a plush reproduction. There is one artist that makes artworks like unique tribute paintings helping owners memorialize their domestic pets. What type of memorial we pick, again, is more about what helps us honor the memory of our pet, to recognize the way that pet touched our lives. 

There are a lot of ways to creatively bid goodbye to our dear pets. There’s no wrong or right when it comes to recalling our pets and you are free to choose the most creative pet memorials you find.