Losing a pet is difficult because they are an extension of your family, and if you’re lucky, you spent many years loving and caring for them. While it will be hard putting them to rest, there are ways you can honor their memory with their ashes. You can make a special memorial for your pet with the following suggestions.
Shadow Box & Urn
A simple way to keep your pet close is to create a shadow box with their picture, favorite things, and a memorial urn. You can try a service that turns pet ashes into mementos, or you could make your own. A nice idea for the shadow box is to use your pet’s favorite blanket as the backdrop, then layer in pictures, toys, collars, etc., to give the box the personality of your pet—hang it on a wall in your home next to their ashes for a respectful home memorial.
Grow a Tree
Did you know that you can use ashes to grow a tree? Many people choose to be laid to rest this way because it is environmentally sustainable. For your pet, purchase a tree sapling, dig a hole, fill it in with some ashes, and plant the tree. Now you’ll have a memorial in your backyard, and you can even leave a stepping-stone under the tree as a headstone, so you’ll always be reminded of your pet as you watch the tree grow.
Scatter the Ashes in a Special Spot
Is there a hiking trail or dog park you and your pet went to all the time? Consider taking a portion of the ashes and scattering them in an area your pet loved. This way, some of them will always be in their favorite place, and you’ll think of them every time you return.
Make Pottery
You can incorporate a portion of the ashes into clay to form pottery. Honoring your pet in this way allows you to bring fresh décor into your home while keeping a subtle hint of your loyal friend close by. The best part is you can make anything from clay, and you don’t necessarily need to create an urn for the rest of the ashes—consider making a sculpture or a plate/headstone.
Your companion deserves a memorial so they can live on forever with you. When a pet becomes family, you will eventually say goodbye, and that’s never easy. If your children are having difficulty during this time, Eternity Pet Memorial has a few tips to help young children cope with a pet’s death. You will get through this difficult time and be left with many great memories of your beloved pet.
