On National Pet Memorial Day, every second Sunday in September (which is September 14 this year), pet owners across the country remember their beloved pets who have passed on.
For many of us, pets are loved ones on scale with some of the most important people in our lives – when they often die before us, it’s not an easy loss. We’re not alone in remembering some of our favorite pets for the rest of our lives, and there are many ways of memorializing pets. National Pet Memorial Day is a great day to think back to your favorite pets and honor their memory.
What Is National Pet Memorial Day?
The relationship between animals and humans has evolved from work to love and companionship. As Catster reports, while they were once considered property, many people now consider their cats and dogs a part of the family—and they mourn deeply when they cross the rainbow bridge.
Still, there is evidence that ancient people mourned their lost fur babies. Pet memorials were first seen in 14,000 BCE in what is now Germany, 11,000 BCE in North America, and 7,000 BCE in China. Famous historical figures, such as Alexander the Great, memorialized their pets with burials and monuments.
Even in recent history, we see memorials celebrating the lives of special pets. Pet cemeteries are found all over the country, and we have monuments to famous pets like Greyfriars Bobby, a Skye Terrier that followed his night watchman owner in Scotland, and Towser, a diligent cat that caught a record-setting 28,899 mice. There’s also Trigger, the beloved horse that Roy Rogers had stuffed after his death in 1965.
In the spirit of these special relationships, National Pet Memorial Day is an opportunity to create a lasting memorial for your lost pets and celebrate your relationship.
10 Ways You Can Remember and Honor Them
1. Visit your Pet. Take flowers, wreaths, lights or decorate the site with things your pet treasured in life. The site might need some tidying up if it is not professionally managed. If you feel up to it, consider talking to your pet while there.
2. Light a Candle. Lighting a candle is an excellent way to remember a beloved pet. You can also light it on their birthday and/or the day they passed – to honor their memory. To stay safe, remember to put the candle out if it’s going to be unattended.
3. Plant a tree, bush or flowers. A great way to honor your pet that has crossed the rainbow bridge, is to plant a tree, bush or flowers to help remember them by. The entire family can participate in the dedication of a living memorial to your pet. If you want to leave the planting to someone else, the Arbor Day Foundation’s Trees for Pets program presents an opportunity for a tree to be planted in memory of your pet. And a personalized card or certificate is sent identifying where the tree has been planted.
4. View Photos & Videos. Going through photos and watching videos that feature your pet is a reassuring way to remember them on this special day. Gathering printed photos to view and possibly frame, or viewing digital pictures and making sure they are stored in the right places and backed up, is a productive way to honor your pet’s memory. You can even make a scrapbook out of pictures and some of their favorite keepsakes.
5. Reflect on Memories. It’s important to periodically reflect on memories of your pet so it is easier to remember details long-term. National Pet Memorial Day is a great time for remembering all the good times and happiness your pet brought you. In addition, reflecting on memories gives us an emotional boost and allows us to heal even faster.
6. Keepsake Box. Write down what your pet meant to you and your feelings about your pet. Feel free to include pictures, small keepsakes, dog tags, decorations, collars, leashes, toys, etc. that would make for an interesting display.
7. Revisit your Pet’s Favorite Things . Many pet parents keep their pet’s collars, bowls, toys, personalized bedding, etc. It can be comforting to take these items out from time to time and reflect on how important they were to your pet and how many fond memories are attached to them. National Pet Memorial Day is a perfect time to remember your pet through these items they needed and loved.
8. Volunteer. Rescue groups and animal shelters always need help. What better way to honor your pet’s memory than by donating some of your time and talent to help other pets in need. You can help walk or socialize dogs, comfort cats waiting to be adopted, or assist in getting these organizations more noticed so it is easier for pets to find new homes.
9. Make a Donation. Every non-profit organization needs monetary donations. And organizations that help animals are especially in need of more funding. Especially local animal organizations. You can make a donation in your pet’s name and help another animal find its happy place in life.
10. Adopt or Foster. If you have the ability to welcome in and take care of a new pet, adopting or fostering a dog or cat can be rewarding in many ways. Your pet would want you to help out another pet in need. And it would help the overcrowding situation at many animal shelters or within organizations that need foster help. It can also quicken the healing process. And most importantly, another pet would be forever grateful and fortunate to have you as their pet parent.
—
Photo Credit: woocat / Shutterstock.com