A beloved dog passing away is devastating. For many of us, the passing of a dog is as distressing and life-changing as the death of any other close family member. There are a variety of ways that you can honor and remember your dog when they pass; the most important thing is to find the type of memorial that feels meaningful to you. These are some common ways you might want to memorialize your dog after they pass:
Remains
One way to remember your beloved dog who has passed is to decide what to do with your dog’s remains. Depending on where you live, and if you own your home, you can choose to bury your dog on your property. If you want to bury your dog’s body, check the regulations in your local area. You can also work with local pet cemeteries to purchase a burial plot for your dog. Cremation has become very common with dogs. Some dog owners keep the ashes at home or, when it’s legal, spread some or all of them in places their dog liked to visit when they were alive. You can also find customizable jewelry that can hold small amounts of your dog’s ashes so you can always have your dog with you.
Tattoos
An increasingly popular way to memorialize dogs is to get a tattoo in their memory. The placement, size, and style of the memorial tattoo are all personal decisions and can be customized to you and your dog. Many people choose to get a portrait, either realistic or stylized, of their beloved dog, and other people opt for getting a paw print of their dog tattooed.
Tattoo memorials are a way that you can carry your dog’s memory with you everywhere. If the tattoo is on an easily seen part of your body, it can also be a conversation starter allowing you to bring your beloved past dog into conversations for the rest of your life. If you’re considering a tattoo, look at portfolios for different artists to find someone experienced in the style you like.
Memory garden:
A popular way to memorialize a dog who has passed, regardless of if you end up putting their remains there, is to create an area of your yard or balcony that is a small memorial garden. The garden doesn’t have to be anything extensive or elaborate (though it can be). You might add flowers or other plantings that make you smile or, in some way, remind you of your past dog.
You can even add a plaque or statue that makes you think of your dog or tells others that this is a place of remembering. If you’re looking for a more significant memorial, some public parks and beaches allow people to purchase/sponsor beaches or plaques in the park where you can list your dog’s name and share with anyone who walks past how special your dog was to you. A private or public garden memorial can also help give you a place to go and remember your dog and can be a valuable part of your grieving process.
Giving in their name:
Another way that you can remember your dog is to make donations in their name. Consider donating to a local rescue organization, shelter, or dog community program in your dog’s name. You can also consider donating your dog’s name to a veterinary research program that is studying a condition that your late dog had. Your donations can be big or small; every little bit helps, and your dog’s memory can live on by directly helping other dogs. This is also a great way to recycle your pup’s things like water bowls, leashes, collars, coats, and more.
Memorial art:
Most of us take lots of photographs of our dogs all day, every day. To remember your dog who has passed, consider having some of those photos you have on your phone or digital camera printed out and hanging them in your house. Physical photos of your dog who has passed can help you feel less alone. You can also commission custom portraits of your dog from independent artists in your local area or artists you find online places like Esty. This art: paintings, drawings, and sculptures can be hung in your home to help memorize and remember your dog.
Building a memorial:
As you process the death of your dog, consider creating a memorial area in your home to honor your dog’s memory. You can dedicate a small shelf to your dog or make something more elaborate depending on your space and what feels right. Consider placing a candle in the memorial area and items that belonged to your dog, like your dog’s collar, identification tags, or a favorite toy. You can also include clay paw prints or paw and nose print stampings, which are often made by veterinary staff if your dog passes away at a veterinary clinic.
Name a star:
Another fun way to remember your best friend is by naming a star after them. That’s right, you can name a star after anyone, really, but naming one after your dog seems to be the best choice. This is also a great gift idea for anyone that has lost a pet. This website makes the process so easy and fast.
We all grieve differently, including different ways of remembering our past dogs. For some people looking at anything. Do what feels right to you and feels right to the memory of your dog. Don’t let people judge you and the ways that you grieve, and how you choose to memorialize your dog. What feels right for you might seem more significant than how other people grieve, or it might seem quieter. What feels suitable for you is what is the perfect way to honor your dog’s memory.
