For adults, saying goodbye to a loyal pet can be one of the most difficult challenges we face. Children on the other hand, depending on age, may experience grief in an entirely different way. Take for example a four year old child, they may not understand that death is permanent and not reversible. But a child who is nine or ten may experience grief as an adult would. No matter the age of the children in your family, losing a pet is never easy. Memorializing your pet is a way for your family to work through the grieving process and remember how much joy they brought you.
Here are a few ways to keep your pet close to your family’s memory even after they are gone:
Draw a picture or write a poem. Encourage each child in your family to draw a picture of your pet. They can write a poem or a memory about them as well. Date the picture and frame it. This way, you can look back and remember your pet as well as see how your children have grown.
This family displays poem that was written by their kids in memory of their dog.
Write a song. Children love music. Who doesn’t? If you’re feeling creative, come up with a short song about your pet. Mention their favorite food, game, or a nickname. Write it down or take a video of your family singing so you can always remember the lyrics.
Create a special place in the home for memories. Find a special place inside your home such as a shelf, fireplace mantle, or table in the living room where you can display their ashes, a funny picture, paw print, or any other knick-knacks that remind you of them. Let your children participate in finding, creating and decorating this space.
Some families choose to remember their pet by displaying paw prints, tiny bottles of ashes and other decorations on a shelf.
Hold a ceremony. Take a family trip to your dog’s favorite spot. Maybe it’s a local river or lake, the beach, their favorite dog park, or even your backyard. Set up an area where your children can share their memories of their pet and then bring a special treat to share. Make it a fun event dedicated to remembering your pet.
Plant a tree. Mark out a place in your yard for your children to plant a tree, flower, or sprinkle seeds in memory of your pet. Then, have your children create a special “In Memory Of” plaque with your pet’s name to put in the ground next to it. Encourage them to be the caregivers of the plant or tree for the months to come.
Christmas ornaments. Let your children make Christmas ornaments with your pet’s picture to display on your family’s yearly Christmas tree. Glitter glue, pompoms and beads are fun.
Create a tradition. Give your children the job of coming up with a family tradition that you will do each year on the day that your pet passed. Maybe it’s a trip to their favorite spot, an ice cream party with their favorite ice cream, or go for a walk somewhere they used to love.
Submit a memorial. Find a picture of your pet with your children or family and submit it to the Paws into Grace memorial page. This way your pet’s memory will live online forever. You can submit photos and memorials here.
A memorial photo of George, submitted to our website by Kathy Pillman.
Make a photo album or photo book. Printing photos these days is easy with the help of Shutterfly and Costco Photo Center. Print your favorite images of your pet and let your family create a fun photo album to keep on your living room coffee table.
Memorial Items. If you choose to cremate your pet, afterwards your family can choose from a variety of memorial items. Things such as paperweights, marbles, nose print or colorful beaded necklaces, or custom paintings are all beautiful ways to remember your pet.
Donate. Volunteer your time or let your children donate pet food or supplies to a local shelter or adoption agency in memory of your pet.
Create an outdoor memorial area. Let your children find the perfect spot outdoors where they can decorate with a homemade stepping stone, custom memory plaque, rocks, flowers and sticks in honor of your pet. Be creative!
There are many ways to remember a pet who has passed, however including your family in the process can make the memories even sweeter.
