He was the one person who was so happy when you were awake or walked through the door. The way his tail would wag or how she would just weave between your feet. You will never forget those moments. Mourning the loss of a pet can take its toll. You may be racked with guilt and about not doing more to save them or keep them healthy and it may be hard to realize that it was just time to say goodbye.
One of the first and healthiest ways to honor your pet is to allow yourself to grieve. It may take time to go through the process until you arrive at acceptance and even then, you may bounce back and forth. As you go through the process, you may feel the need to honor your beloved pet. When you’re ready, here are some simple, elegant, ways to do it.
Have a Funeral: It doesn’t have to be fancy. It’s just a way to show your pet the respect he deserves. You can gather a few friends with their pets and eulogize her. You can even share funny stories about her everyday life. Don’t worry; she won’t mind.
Design a Special Gravestone: This is an understated way to pay tribute to your pet, regardless of whether or not the garden is her final resting place. Decorative garden stones not only accentuate your yard, they are an understated way to pay homage
Donate to an Animal Cause: If your pet was adopted, or if there’s a particular animal cause, create a donation in the name of your pet.
Pet Portrait: This can be done before your pet passes away, as long as you can get him to sit quietly. A pet portrait is a treasured keepsake when your pet is no longer with you.
Keep Her Tags: There will never again be another Johnnie or Buck in your household, so why not find a special place for her collar. You can even use her nametag as a keychain, so that she’s always with you.
Plant a Tree: One of the best ways to honor the death of a loved one is with life. Having a tree grow as a living legacy to your pet is fitting tribute that will live on for years.
As you work your way through the grieving process, remember to keep your heart open and never say “never.” There could be another four-legged bundle of love waiting for you.