Ways to remember your pet

Losing your dog, cat, or horse is a devastating experience. Whether you’re here to prepare ahead of time or you’ve recently lost a beloved member of your family and are searching for ways to remember them, we’re here for you.

Many of us, here at Animal Friends, have owned and/or loved animals who’ve been part of our families – so, we truly understand what you’re going through.

Photo book or photo album

Although it may seem simple, creating a photo book or filling a photo album with wonderful memories you’ve captured can be a great comfort.

Our dogs, cats, and horses bring such joy to our lives that sometimes, remembering all the happy times we shared with them helps us feel closer to them.

Should the thought of going through photographs of your dog, cat, or horse feel too overwhelming, perhaps ask a friend or relative if it’s something they could help with?

Keepsakes

Having keepsakes to remember our dogs, cats, and horses who have sadly passed away often offers a sense of connection to them. So, we’re going to explore a few options for keepsakes you might not have already considered…

Please note that there’s an endless choice of keepsakes available that might help you feel closer to your dog, cat, or horse. While items like cards and keyrings may be easily damaged or lost, they’re still options for keepsakes to consider if you decide they’re right for you.

Jewellery

Some companies can create beautiful pieces of jewellery using small amounts of your pet’s fur or your horse’s tail. Through having one of these necklaces or bracelets, you’re able to feel close to your dog, cat, or horse whenever you wear that piece of jewellery.

Special ornaments

Personalised ornaments are another way to remember your dog, cat, or horse. Whether you’d prefer a tealight holder decorated with pawprints or a figurine of your horse, there are lots of gorgeous products to choose from that are both stylish and comforting.

Household decorations

From suncatchers to wind chimes, there are countless decorative items that could be perfect to project the memory of your dog, cat, or horse through sunlight or sound. Alternatively, displaying items you associate with them may offer a sense of closeness, such as your dog’s collar, cat’s favourite toy, or pony’s horseshoe.

Craft a memorial 

Crafting some sort of memorial for your dog, cat, or horse is another option if you’re hoping to set up a permanent reminder of their place in your family. 

Here are a few ideas as to the different types of memorials you could create to help your family remember your beloved dog, cat, or horse…

Memory box

Setting up a memorial box containing special items connected to your four-legged family member is a simple yet effective way to remember them. Items you could include in their memorial box are photographs, collars, leads, favourite toys, horseshoes, rosettes they’ve won, and poems or handwritten stories detailing the magical memories you shared together.

Memorial candle 

Whether you purchase a personalised candle with your pet’s name on it, or you’d prefer a plain candle containing a specific scent, a memorial candle offers a comforting glow.

Memorial stone or plaque in your garden

While you can buy a personalised memorial stone or plaque for your home or garden, you could also select a natural stone to place in your pet’s favourite spot.

Plant a tree or flower

For a memorial that’s closely connected to nature, why not plant a tree or flower in your garden to remember your lost loved one?

Not only will you be able to watch that tree or flower grow and blossom through the seasons, but it’ll also provide a safe space for wildlife to thrive. That way, the memory of your dog, cat, or horse should continue to have as much of a positive impact on the planet as they do on your heart.

Create an online tribute 

Thanks to organisations who understand how awful it is to lose a four-legged loved one, you’re now able to create an online tribute to your dog, cat, or horse. You can visit the Blue Cross’ Create a Tribute page to find out more. 

Online tributes for dogs, cats, and horses are sometimes set up by animal charities and might require a donation. If supporting a charity sounds like something you’d like to do in memory of your loved one, check out our article about ways to give back after losing your pet.

Please don’t forget to reach out for support if you’re struggling to deal with the loss of your dog, cat, or horse. Our Pet Bereavement Hub offers advice and resources to help you find the support you need to get you through every phase of the grieving process.