Helpful Links During your time of Grief follow this article

The death of an animal friend can be one of life's most difficult experiences. More than just a pet, she was your playmate and trusted confidante. He was your child and faithful pal. That's why, in addition to handling the necessary arrangements following your pet's death, you may want to offer a lasting tribute to such a special friend.

Gestures of remembrance, large or small, provide comfort by celebrating a pet's life and the incredible power of the bond between humans and animals. Although Western cultures have few traditions for paying last respects to departed companion animals, there are many meaningful ways to memorialize your beloved pet.

How Can I Honor the Memory of My Pet?

• Hold a memorial service at a pet cemetery, in your backyard, or in a place that was special to your animal companion.
• Add an inscription to your pet's gravestone.
• Find a special urn for your pet's ashes.
• Create a living memorial by planting a tree, bush, or flower bed in your yard.
• Contact a pet cemetery or community park to see if you can sponsor a bench or tree affixed with an acknowledgment plaque memorializing your pet.
• Frame a photo of your pet and put it in a special place.
• Keep your pet's favorite toy, collar, blanket, or bowl as a symbol of your pet.
• Create a scrapbook or collage with photos and other reminders of your pet.
• Volunteer at an animal shelter or rescue, to help other pets.
• Participate in online memorials and candle-lighting ceremonies.
• Write a poem or story about your pet or write a letter to him.
• Offer a memorial scholarship at a veterinary school.
• When the time is right, adopt another pet from your local animal shelter or or rescue.

What Is National Pet Memorial Day?

Recognizing the importance of remembering our cherished pets, the International Association of Pet Cemeteries (IAPC) has designated the second Sunday in September as National Pet Memorial Day. Most pet cemeteries observe this day with special ceremonies, open houses, and other events. Link below.

Where Can I Make a Donation in My Pet's Name?

An especially meaningful way for some pet owners to honor their departed animal friends is to give a donation in their pet's name to a humane society or other animal protection organization, most of which run special programs that need financial support. Depending on the organization, funds may be used to promote animal care, animal cruelty prevention, humane education, and spaying or neutering. Most local organizations will list the donor and pet in the memorial section of their newsletter.

Your beloved pet will always have a special place in your heart, no matter how you choose to remember your departed companion.

LINKS

• American Veterinary Medical Association questions, answers about choosing euthanasia and good articles on how to deal with the grief.
• Hoofbeats In Heaven - equine memorial website
• Horse Hair Flowers-made using your horse hair by Jodi Nolan who fosters horses removed from neglect working directly with the local HS in Gettysburg PA. this link lets you e-mail Jodi for how to send horse hair for flowers. 100% of the proceeds of the flowers go to help horses in need.
• Pet Loss and Grief Pages - free pet listings for memorializing your pets. counseling, message board and chat room.
• Pet Loss Sympathy Cards - free site for you to send sympathy cards for animals of all types. Poetry and more. Tracks In the Sand.
• Paws2Heaven - dog and cat pet urns. Picture frames, necklaces and bracelets.
• Forever Pets - horse urns, books, frames, poetry.
• Ruediger's Ceramics Items created using your own pets hair for decor or Memorial