Losing a beloved pet, whether it be a dog, cat or snake, can be a difficult time for anyone. A pet memorial is a way to create a tangible object or lasting memory that will ensure that your animal best friend will stay with you forever.
How to cope with losing a pet
After losing a pet, it is important to grieve and everyone will grieve differently and at their own pace. Other pets may need time to grieve too, especially cats and dogs, as they will notice an absence and could be pining for their lost companion. There are services that offer pet bereavement support for those who need it and sometimes talking to a professional or family and friends about how you are feeling can help to cope with the grief.
The loss of a pet can be made more apparent by the gaps in your day that would have been filled by spending time with your animal, talking them for walks or training them. Therefore a change in your usual routine can help to keep you occupied and makes the times that they were a part of your day less noticeable. Even though it is different for everybody, getting a new pet straight away can sometimes not be the best option as it does not give you enough time to grieve properly. However it could be beneficial for you to volunteer in an environment where there would be pets such as an animal shelter.
Why should I create a pet memorial?
Creating a pet memorial is a great way to remember an animal that you have lost. A memorial can be a physical object in a place of significance or even spoken word or song, it is a personal choice as to how you would like to remember your pet. There are many different types of memorials that will be suitable for various owners. Depending on the type of pet and whether your pet was buried or cremated could affect the way in which you would like to remember them.
Different ideas for a pet memorial
There are many different ways that you can choose to remember your pet and whichever you choose make sure that it is unique and special to you, here are just some ideas:
- Homemade memorials such as scrapbooks, memory boxes or plaques can be a good way to remember your pet and reminisce on the memories that you shared together. Photographs and items such as favourite toys, collars and leads can be collected and saved together.
- Jewellery items such as necklaces, rings or charm bracelets can be made from the ashes of your pet and or engraved with their names.
- If your pet is buried, either on private land or in a pet cemetery then a customised headstone could act as a place to go and remember them.
- If you choose to have your pet cremated then scattering ashes in a significant location such as a favorite walking route can be a way to ensure that they are left to rest in a place that was important to them. Whenever you walk this route in the future you will be reminded of the times that you spent together there and they will be with you.
- A way to remember your pet whilst also helping others is to volunteer at a pet rescue centre and help other animals in need. Donating to an animal shelter or charity in your pet’s name is a way to ensure that their legacy lives on.
Whilst Capital Life do not offer funeral plans for pets, we believe that funeral pre planning is a way for everyone to remove both the financial and emotional burden from their loved ones when the time comes. To find out more about Capital Life’s funeral plans including Wills, Inheritance Planning, Probate, and LPAs, contact us or call us on 0800 411 8683.