Dog Memorials

No one likes to think of it but there will come a day when your dog will no longer be here. The grief a dog owner feels when their companion animal passes on is not much different from the grief felt when a close friend dies. In saying this, why then should your dog be sent off without ceremony or something that signifies her life?

Backyard Burial Although it is against many city by-laws, backyard burials are an excellent way to honor your dog. She probably spent a lot of time here and would like to be laid to rest somewhere close to her family. And as long as it is done on the low, there is no reason why you shouldn’t inter your dog in a place where you can visit her daily. When my first dog passed on, my mother kindly had a friend dig a grave in the backyard in which we placed her little body shrouded in a sheet.

It gave me great comfort to be able to look out the back window or sit by her final resting spot and know that in some way she was still with me. It helped me with the grieving process - essential for a young child to learn about and now, twenty some-odd years later, I can (and do) still visit her. When the time comes to say your final farewells, organize a small family funeral and delegate one person to say the eulogy. A final farewell shared by those who loved her most will give the family closure and an opportunity to openly share the grief you all are feeling. Markers While it isn’t essential, it is nice to have something to mark your dog’s final resting place. While actual grave stones are very expensive, you can always make your own marker out of wood or paving stones.

Exterior paint can be substituted for etchings or engravings and you can design your marker anyway you want. I have even seen people use a stick with their dog’s collar attached. Memorial Service If your dog passes away at the vet or you live in an apartment, you can always have a memorial service in place of a backyard funeral. Invite those who loved your dog over for a few hours of remembrance, have someone say a eulogy, and let people support you in your time of grief. Remember, a dog is a part of the family and her loss is no less painful than if you lost a close friend. It is ok to be upset and those who loved her as much as you will understand this grief and help you through this hard time.