5 Ways to Commemorate the Loss of a Loved One’s Pet

November 7, 2020 Eada Hudes

Losing a pet is never easy, and dealing with such a tragedy can be an arduous process. Those feelings only intensify when helping a loved one or dear friend cope with the loss of their furry family member.

While it may be difficult to help them navigate through such heartbreak, here are five ways you can lend a hand to let them know you’re there in their time of need.

1. Prepare a Song

Whether someone has lost a dog, cat, bird, hamster, or another family pet, the pain is real — and oftentimes music can help in the coping process. If you knew your loved one’s beloved pet and enjoy singing, write a song and offer to perform it in-person at the memorial ceremony or record something to guide them through their grief. Or, you can always pull from the classics and perform a tune that helps your loved one celebrate and remember their pet’s life.

2. Personalize a Photo

To help commemorate the loss of their furry friend, make it a point to create a piece of personalized photo art of your relative or friend with their pet. Whether you pick out a candid shot of them playing together or a posed family photo, it will serve as a keepsake to treasure for years to come. Personalize the photograph with an art frame that helps showcase the memory of the dearly departed. Of course, there are tons of designs, colors, and styles from which to choose, so start thinking about different ideas that will best capture a special memory.

3. Hold a Funeral

While it might seem a little offbeat and not be for everyone, holding a funeral or some type of commemoration can help families cope with the loss of a treasured animal friend. Saying a few special words and recalling some fond memories can certainly give your loved ones a little bit of closure and help them heal from their loss. As an alternative, you could help plan a candlelight ceremony that allows time for quiet reflection. Don’t forget to have a memory book on-hand for people to sign their names and jot down a memory or funny story.

4. Get a Headstone Made

A doggy or pet headstone is a great way to help your loved one commemorate the loss of their pet. Have it engraved with the pet’s name, the names of their owner(s), the pet’s birth date, and the date they passed away. You could also include a picture or a brief message, too. A reasonably priced pet headstone will run you less than $50, and you have countless options from which to choose to commemorate your loved one’s loss.

5. Make a Quilt

If you want to gift your loved one something that will stand the test of time, a quilt is a great thoughtful and functional option. Help tell the pet’s life story by making a quilt that includes some sewn-on memorable photos. Not much of a quilter or designer. If that’s the case, you can instead buy a custom-made quilt that features special memories.

Commemorating the Life of a Pet

Commemorating the loss of a loved one’s pet doesn’t have to be an arduous or expensive undertaking. In fact, you can easily find different small ways to help commemorate a life well lived and help those close to you begin to heal. Whether it’s personalizing a photo memory, preparing a song, getting a headstone made, holding a pet funeral, or creating a quilt, there are countless options at your disposal.