The death of a pet is never easy to handle. It is important to deal with the loss in a healthy way and value our pets for the joy they brought us. Pets give us unconditional love and companionship. The time we had with them may be limited, but the memory they left can live on.

Though there is no replacement for a loved one that has passed away, here are some ways you can honor your pet's memory:

1) Put together a scrapbook or photo album.

Print out pictures of when you received or adopted your pet, and of all the good times you had with them throughout the years. Write about funny incidents, how they were when they were young, and how much they grew over time. Keep this scrapbook in your bedside drawer to quickly reach out for it when you miss your pet.

2) Keep mementos of your pet on display in your house.

A great way to do this is by hanging a shadow box on the wall. Inside, you can place a paw print of your pet, a collar with tags, and other significant items that bring back memories.

If you prefer not to display them on the wall, you can opt for a memory box. It is a box that you keep near you to store everything that reminds you of your pet - from collars, tags, leashes, pictures, and other mementos.

3) Plant and dedicate a tree or garden to your pet.

When a pet is buried, the location is often marked by a tombstone or memorial. Planting a tree in the same spot as your pet's burial will not only honor him but will also make it easier for you to visit his final resting place. However, if they underwent aqua cremation or their ashes are scattered somewhere, planting a tree or garden dedicated to them, near where you spread their ashes would be an excellent idea to ensure that their memory lives on.

 

4) Donate to an animal-related cause in their name.

You can show that your pets' lives mattered and still do matter, even from the afterlife, by donating money. You can contribute to research for better treatments for diseases they may have had or a specific breed rescue to help save the life of another dog who is suffering. By donating, you will feel like you are continuing your pet's legacy in some way.

5) Get inked.

In honor of your lost pet, get a tattoo that reminds you of what they meant to you, and to remember all the good times you had with them. Many people get tattoos in dedication of their pets, such as a picture, the pet's name, or something that symbolizes the pet, like an angel wing or paw print. It is a permanent way to show off your love and be reminded of your happy days together.

6) Be a rescuer.

There are so many animals waiting to be rescued from shelters and bad homes that would need nothing more than a loving home with people who will take care of them. In honor of your pet, consider opening up your home to another animal in need. Though it is a different animal than the one you lost, you are still saving a new life and providing them with a loving home.

 

Pets give us so much joy and companionship. They are there for us through the good and bad days. Though they may be gone from our world physically, their memories can live on in our hearts forever by meaningfully honoring them in a way that helps us grieve and slowly accept that they are gone. Try one of the suggestions above to show your pet that they matter and their memory is as alive as it will always be.