Honoring Your Furry Pet Friend

Losing a pet is one of the worst things an animal lover can experience.  It is difficult to explain the pain, hurt and emptiness that accompanies the loss of a companion animal to people who don’t feel the same way.  Those who have never experienced the joy of sharing their lives with a pet are unable to understand the depth of the bond between furry friend and owner.  While rituals for celebrating the life of the deceased are common in every culture, these are rarely extended to animals.  The thing is, holding a ceremony to say goodbye to your pet can be very cathartic and heavily aid the healing process. Also choosing a pet urn can be a benefit for the years after.

This is especially true if you have a family with children.  Children are new to the concept of death and mortality and they may be very confused at this time.  It is common for children to lash out and become even more upset than their parents or guardians when their unconditional companion passes on so early in their young lives.  Hosting a funeral or ceremony for your pet can help your children to understand what has happened, why and come to terms with it.  It will also give them the opportunity to express what they are feeling and share in the good memories your pet left.  Remind your children that it is okay to be both happy and sad, that they should celebrate the life of their departed friend as well as mourn his or her loss.

Most of this advice holds true for families that don’t have children, as well.  If your home family is only you and your pet, invite friends who shared time with the animal as well.  Invite people who have a similar love for animals so that they will be able to empathize with your loss.  While a funeral or passing ceremony is largely symbolic, it will give you the opportunity to say farewell to your companion and help you start the healing process.  Asking trusted friends who had a relationship with your dog or cat to be present is a good idea for emotional support.  You will have hands to hold and shoulders to cry on, and other people to share more cheerful memories of the departed.

The ceremony itself can include anything you choose or anything that you feel honors your lost pet.  If you’ve chosen to bury the urn, the ceremony can include the burial process.  If you plan to store the ashes and keep them in your home, the ceremony can include the transfer of the ashes to the urn.  If you prefer, the ceremony can include neither of these and just be a gathering of friends and family honoring your pet in conversation.  It is your pet and your choice; honor him or her in whatever way you see fit.

If you’re curious about cremation, read my next article “Cremation and Pets” to better understand the process.