Unique Ways to Honor the Memory of Pets: Healing by Creating

^{Photo by noelle on Unsplash}

The worst part about being a pet owner isn’t cleaning after them or repairing any furniture they tore up. If there’s a single most painful thing about being a pet owner, it’s that one day, goodbyes will be said. Losing a pet can be equivalent to losing a family member. After all, with their ever-loving and affectionate nature, the love they give is also identical to that of family.

In their passing, pet owners always feel like they never got enough time together. Fortunately, there are creative ways to honor the memory of pets to keepsake their presence even when they’re gone.

It’s a distressing matter to discuss—depressing even to some. But it’s a crucial first step owners have to take to heal. Memorializing pets doesn’t have to be taken very negatively. Think of it not as a symbol of their passing but as a celebration of their existence. Simply because they’re gone doesn’t mean they never once brought light into one’s life.

What is the Best Way to Grieve for a Lost Pet?

There’s not one singular way to grieve. People experience and cope with losses differently, and the same is to be understood for pet owners. However, it’s essential for those who lost their pets to sit with their sadness. It’s easy for others to say, “Move on.” People can always advise getting a replacement as if this will magically ease the pain—maybe for others, it will, but this isn’t guaranteed for everyone.

There’s no single “right” way to grieve, but to make things easier and more bearable, it’s best advised for pet owners to focus on the positive impact they’ve brought. Honor memories with pets but acknowledge the loss. Cherish these but slowly accept that these will be all there is.

Safekeeping memories and holding onto them isn’t bad. After all, this is only a way of celebrating and reliving the happiness pets once gave, and for these special family members, there are special ways to honor the memory of pets.

Creatively Unique Ways to Honor the Memory of Pets

Honoring the memory of pets is at the core of why author Yvonne Bronstorph wrote her book Dogs with Attitude. Dedicating this wholesome and adorable story to pets and pet owners is her way of reminding them that it’s okay to cherish memories and forever remember these companions.

For starters, what Yvonne Bronstorph did is one of the many creative ways to honor the memory of pets. Owners can always recreate their memories through stories and share their happiness with the world. In writing narratives about their pets, owners not only memorialize their pets. They’re also ensuring their pets’ presence is remembered by others, as well.

But for those who deem it too complicated to write or too weighty of a grieving process, here are some other unique ways to honor the memory of pets.

Replicate the Pet’s Body

This isn’t something quite common with pet owners, but with the technology and skills people have today, there are always ways to closely replicate one’s pet’s appearance. Now, this isn’t through cloning or some weird processes. Instead, this can be achieved by creating a stuffed copy of their pets. They can always customize typical stuffed animals with characteristics they cherish about their pets, and if they once had a collar, the stuffed toy may even wear it.

These don’t serve as a replacement for the pet, but such toys can help ease owners’ pain by allowing them to be still “close” to their pets’ bodies and feel their presence. Such a process has been practiced by most in other cultures, only theirs is represented by taxidermy—which, if owners choose, isn’t wrong.

Atypical Keepsakes

One of the most typical ways to honor the memory of pets is through keepsakes. Pawprints or fur clippings are a standard option for pet owners. But sometimes, a keepsake becomes extra special when it’s something unusual—an intimate and personal touch to memorializing pets. These can include keeping a tooth or preserving other body parts.

While this option may seem weird, it keeps the grieving experience as unique as owners’ relationships with their pets. It makes the whole process of healing feel special yet unrushed. Keeping something that’s a close representation of one’s pet is the best way to honor their existence.

Plant a Memorial Tree

Grieving a pet’s passing is undoubtedly heartbreaking. Every pet owner wishes they could still see their pets growing alongside them. But what if they still can?

Although not in the way they prefer, planting a memorial tree can make owners feel like they’re still seeing their pets growing older and alive. As the tree grows stronger and bigger, owners are constantly reminded of their pets. It’s definitely one of the most meaningful and sentimental ways to honor the memory of pets. Not to mention, it’s also very environmentally conscious.

Make a Memorial Wind Chime

Most pets love spending their time outdoors. This can be one of the many things pet owners will miss about their beloved animals. Memories of playing outside will weigh most on them every time they’re out and about. But instead of being sad whenever one steps outside or when the wind blows, why not make it a reminder of those happy memories?

Creating or buying a memorial wind chime is one of those ways to honor the memory of pets that will make pet owners closer to their beloved more despite circumstances. With its beautiful sound, they can think of their pets whenever the wind blows.

Choose a Way that Feels Right

Again, there’s no one right way to grieve and cope with pet loss. Even the ones listed above don’t guarantee making things easier for pet owners, but they’re suggestions to make it easier to think of a way to honor pets’ memories. At the crux of everything, if one’s in the process of memorializing their pets, they must choose one that feels close to their heart.

Creative expression is a powerful tool for healing. This makes the whole process more meaningful, a celebration of the life pets’ once had. If you’re missing your pet a little more today, read up about the adorable antics of pets through Yvonne Bronstorph’s Dogs with Attitude. Grab a copy now!

• Author
• Recent Posts

Yvonne Bronstorph

Yvonne Bronstorph is a Jamaican-born author known for her heartfelt storytelling and inspiring themes. Educated in both England and Jamaica, she draws on her diverse experiences to craft engaging narratives. Her notable works include "Dogs With Attitude," a charming collection of stories about the unique personalities of her canine companions, and "A Journey Through Life," a reflective poetry collection exploring love, grief, and faith. Yvonne's writing resonates with readers seeking connection and inspiration. Through her books, she shares valuable life lessons and the beauty of everyday moments, making her a beloved voice in contemporary literature.

Latest posts by Yvonne Bronstorph (see all)

• Unique Ways to Honor the Memory of Pets: Healing by Creating - February 22, 2025
• Forever Inside the Heart: Holding On to the Memory of Pets - February 19, 2025
• Memory of Pets: Creative Ways to Honor Our Furry Friends - January 21, 2025