Preparing yourself in advance for the death of your pet, while emotionally taxing, is a wise and thoughtful thing to do. Certainly none of us likes to think of that day, the day our heart will be broken into a million pieces. Thinking about this ahead of time will give you and your family the opportunity to discuss how you would like to memorialize your beloved pet and to celebrate the life that you all shared together. There are numerous elements to think about regarding the death of your pet and your final wishes. Take this time to reflect upon what your pet will need in respectful death care treatment, as well as the support you will need as a grieving pet parent. Making sure that your beloved pet is treated with the dignity and respect they deserve will be of the utmost importance at this time.
Knowing the various options will relieve much of the stress you may have in ensuring what you do is appropriate to not only honor the life of your pet, but to ensure that they are receiving the care and treatment in death that was important to you for them in life. Many deathcare providers will provide a tracking system through the cremation process, a “tag” with a unique number that will accompany the pet’s body. To ensure the safety, security and authentication of the cremation process, inquiring on this part of your pet deathcare provider’s policy will give you the peace of mind in knowing about the care of your pet’s mortal remains.
Service Options Many families will also want to have one last time to visit their pet after death, a visitation or wake, if you will. While this may seem like a trivial thing—or possibly something that you consider morbid and odd—this one last time with your pet is valuable time spent. A time to see your pet at peace. A time for your children to pay tribute by bringing in items that was special to your pet. A time to begin the grief journey and to say that final goodbye. Many times, other friends, family members, and other pets in the household will want to have their final goodbye with your pet too. Pets touch so many people during their short lives with us. Allow those around you the opportunity to come together, pay their respects and support each other. Memorialization Options
Making a decision on memorialization products is a personal process. This will be reflective of the life shared with your pet, your life style, your personal style and those items that are reflective of your pet’s personality. It’s also important to take into consideration where your memorialization pieces will go in your home, or in your yard, and how you want the item to look, either blending in with your decor or making an individual statement. In addition, if you have a large pet family, consider a piece where all of the pets can be together.
There are various memorialization products:
- Rocks/garden flagstones
- Jewelry that would have the pet’s own paw print or nose print on it
- An urn that is reflective of your decorating style
- An eco-friendly urn for burial in a special location
- An urn with paw prints to show your love of animals
- A piece of art done to depict the pet’s personality
- A personalized urn made to look like the pet
