When they have been in your life for years, sometimes even more than a decade, a pet becomes more than just an animal, it becomes part of your family, so when they finally die, the emptiness and loss that feel the whole family can be incredibly strong. If you opt for pet cremation, you may feel the need to create a special memorial just for your canine or feline companion. Here are some suggestions for creative and loving memorials you can create to remember your favorite family friend.
plant a tree or a garden
Your cat or dog may have spent most of their life being a little troublemaker and digging up your newly planted rosebush or “marking” all the trees on the block, but using the remains of your pet’s cremation to create a new garden in your honor is a wonderful gesture. Not only will you be able to see each year how the garden blooms, but you will symbolically return your companion to nature, which is where his ancestors originated from so many centuries ago.
After a pet’s cremation, using the cremains to plant a tree will provide a lasting memory for decades to come. Every time you look at his tree, you can remember your pet fondly. You can even make a plaque to commemorate the tree in her honor.
Donate to an animal charity in your pet’s name
Not all pets are as lucky as your friend was. Some spend their lives in animal shelters and foster homes. Donating to charities that work to provide these pets with good, healthy homes is a good cause. After the pet’s cremation, visit your favorite local animal shelter (perhaps even the one where you adopted your pet all those years ago) and talk to someone about how you can make a donation in your pet’s name. Whether it’s a donation of money, food, or supplies, many of these nonprofits will welcome your donation with open arms.
Scatter your pup’s ashes at his favorite dog park
If your canine companion was more at home playing with the other neighborhood dogs at the local dog park, consider scattering his ashes in the park after the pet cremation. What better place to spread their ashes than the place they loved the most outside of their home?
Buy a display case
After the pet cremation, talk to the crematorium to transfer the cremated remains into a beautiful decorative pet urn. You can display the urn prominently in your home. Consider placing it in your favorite room or near your favorite daytime nap spot.