Here Are Some Ways to Honor Your Dog in Passing
Pets are every bit a part of the family as humans are. And having your beloved dog pass away can be equally heart-wrenching and painful. Whether it happened suddenly or you have had time to prepare when your dog fell ill, nothing can truly prepare you for the loss.
Some pet parents deal with grief in stages. They feel denial, anger, depression, and guilt, before eventually accepting it. Others go through a series of emotional ups and downs as they mourn their loss. But life moves on, and it’s important to remember your beloved companion in the best way possible. Here are some ideas to honor your pup who’s not with you anymore.
DONATE IN ITS NAME
An excellent way to honor your dog’s memory is to help those who need it. If your deceased companion came from a rescue, donating to that specific welfare organization is an excellent way to honor its memory. And if it was a purebred that you purchased from a pet store or breeder, you can donate to the shelter or rescue working with the less fortunate members of the same breed.
This donation directly impacts the animals in shelters who receive necessary medical and behavioral care. Who knows your donation may help them find a loving home they also deserve.
There are certain organizations that accept donations in the honor of your beloved pet and pay tribute to it at their non-profit ceremonies. With their help, you can also arrange a fundraiser to honor your deceased pet.
COLLAR CANDLE
A collar candle is a DIY way of honoring your dog’s memory. It incorporates your pet’s collar and tag and enables you to light a candle each night in its memory.
All you need is a candle, your dog’s collar, and a pair of scissors. Place the collar around the candle and cut it according to the candle’s circumference. Now punch holes as necessary and fit the collar around the candle.
MEMORIAL STONE
Memorial stones usually mark graves. Even if you have not been able to bury your friend, a memorial dog stone in a garden or its favorite spot in your backyard will help you remember them peacefully.
You can have its memorial stone engraved with your deceased companion’s name, date of birth, and passing date. It can also include your pet’s photo and an epitaph showing how special it was to you. A heartfelt memorial dog stone is a thoughtful way of honoring your dog in passing.
PLANT A TREE OR FLOWERS
Trees and flowers are signs of life. When you plant one to signify your pet’s life, it will serve as a beautiful reminder of the time you two spent together.
You can choose to plant something new at its favorite spot in the garden or choose the place it enjoyed digging the most. Choose a special location that allows you to connect with its memories.
VOLUNTEER AT A LOCAL ANIMAL SHELTER
We understand that it is hard to think about adopting another pet after the loss of your first one. You can honor your beloved friend’s memory by dedicating your time at a local animal shelter, giving love to those cats and dogs who don’t have a home. There are numerous pets looking for new homes with some even lacking the care and love that they need. You sponsoring a pet or getting involved in volunteer work may help them find the home that they deserve.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Recovering from the loss of the pet you loved takes time. Don’t hide your grief and share it with people who understand your pain and listen to you speak about it. No matter which way you choose to honor your dog, remember that you are doing it to find peace and comfort in the memories you created together.