How to Memorialize a Beloved Pet

Saving the memories of a faithful companion became important to me when I realized it was time to let go of my sweet canine friend, Wilbur. He and I shared many adventured toward the end of his life and I felt that documenting these experiences helped me make the transition from grief to gratitude. I am going through this right now and thought it would be a great idea to share my activities and help other pet owners. 

Wilbur's Memorial Image

Wilbur, my dog, and I only spent a little over two years together, but the experiences we had would have stretched over a lifetime of pet ownership. We traveled and toured the Southwest in awe and wonder. I wish there were a few more places we could have visited, but his time ran short. 

I took pictures of him in different settings and made sure that he was the center of my world while he was a part of my life. I am sure many pet owners do the same thing. 

Save Moments with Your Pet

Grab those furbaby's images and upload precious times to Instagram and Facebook for bookmarking adventures and heartfelt moments. These two platforms are a great way to document your life together.

Facebook is a wonderful place to create a gallery of your little pal's life. I've opened several albums with my pets as the center of the photo collection. I have owned cats, guinea pigs, chickens, and dogs. Remember to fill in the information on each individual photograph as complete as possible and add location tags where necessary. Tell that image's story as best you can.

In time, Facebook will remind you of days gone by with your furry friend, but accept these in celebration, not sadness. These saved moments will be a dedication to your friendship and mark the timeline you both shared. When the image comes up later you can share a smile with your beloved friend and remember their memory warmly.

Instagram is a great way to save the best images you have of your pet in square formatting. The gallery is easily searchable for specific photos and dates that the image was uploaded. Complete the image story as well as possible and use it as a journal process. These images and moments may be expanded later in a blog or story form. Celebrate your pet's life as soon as they enter your world.

Build a Journal of Your Pet's Life

Save documents and lifeline moments of your pet in a folder or journal binder. Include their shot records and life history. Don't forget to add the dates to pages so you can track your history. Use printed paper and photo sleeves to best preserve the items you want to keep. Make sure you keep it in a safe place. I would label the binder's spine with the pet's name, too, so it is easy to locate. 

If you have taken photographs of your pet, look in the properties section of the file folder to find the date of the image. Print out your best images and store them in your journal. Try and write down everything you did together. Include holiday celebrations and vacation times. These are experiences you can enjoy later and share with close friends and family. 

The journal will easily create itself if you take the time to add to it now and then. Set aside time once a month to work on the project and it will fill up in no time. Be especially prudent with writing down the best moments with your pet. Saving their memory will be important to you later for healing and turning grief into gratitude.

My Pet Memorial Journal - Blue

My Pet Memorial Journal - Pink

Zazzle Affiliate Links

Visit my Zazzle store for more items related to pet memorials. It contains sympathy and condolence gifts for pet owners. In this store, I have posted various ways to memorialize a beloved pet. The products range from the Pet Journals to poems like the Rainbow Bridge and An Animal's Prayer. The products may be personalized for a specific pet and customized using your image and text. There are cards and plaques, ornaments and small posters. My dog's image is used as an example for placement.

Sympathy and Condolences for Pets
by Maria Burgess

Losing a pet is never an easy event and it is often a very tearful situation. A journal and memorial process set up in advance make the transition a bit more comfortable. The furry friend has our heart already, do not allow them to steal it away completely when they exit our lives. Celebrate, instead, a life of love and companionship and use these items to heal a heartbreak. Cherished moments can be looked upon with warmth and care. 

Do you have any ideas that might be useful for memorializing a beloved pet? If so, please note them in the comments area.

Thank you for visiting!