4 Special Ways to Remember A Pet This Holiday Season
The holiday season is officially upon us, a time often celebrated with friends and family. However, for those who have recently lost a pet, the holidays can be a difficult time. There are many different ways that you can celebrate the lives of your loved ones and remember a pet this holiday season. Let’s take a look at a few suggestions for inspiration…
Whether it was sudden and unexpected, or your pet was sick, there is no ‘preparing’ for the loss of a loved one.
If you’re struggling with a loss this season, know that there are many of us in the pet community sending love your way.
In our society, there are many traditions and rituals designed to honour the humans in our lives that have passed.
Unfortunately, the same can’t be said when that loss is a pet.
The fact that there is no ‘standard routine’ to follow leaves many pet owners feeling lost with their grief, unsure of what to do next.
I’m here today to tell you that there are many different ways that you can honour your pet, especially during this holiday season.
It is important to note that there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution for grief.
The list below includes suggestions of 4 different ways that you can remember a pet this holiday season.
However, if you find that none of the suggestions feel ‘right’, that’s okay too!
Use this list for inspiration and then follow your heart. Only YOU will know what the right choice is for your grief.
Find something that brings you peace and you may even create a new holiday tradition.
Here Are 4 Ways You Can Remember A Pet This Holiday Season
Add A Memorial Ornament to Your Tree
There are a few different things that come to mind when someone talks about the holiday season… Santa Claus, snowmen, beautifully wrapped gifts, colourful light displays, and, of course, the tree!
Along with our standard holiday bobbles, my husband and I have a selection of meaningful ornaments that hang on our tree.
This includes ornaments relating to our wedding, our climb of Mount Kilimanjaro, and special ornaments remembering friends and loved ones.
Among these is an ornament featuring our sweet girl Chloe, a golden lab that went over the rainbow bridge in 2013.
There are many different styles of memorial ornaments available.
Some feature your pet’s picture, while others simply display their name or a special quote.
Memorial ornaments are a great holiday tradition, allowing you to reflect on the many special memories that you created together each year.
Make A Donation in Their Honour
Why not honour your pet by making a difference this holiday season? After all, it is the season of giving!
Is there a cause that holds special meaning for you and/or your pet?
We are major advocates for animal rescue in our house, with all 4 of our pets being rescued.
For this reason, we often make donations to local rescue organizations to make special times in our lives.
Every dollar has the power to make a big difference in the lives of defenseless animals across the country and around the world.
It’s a beautiful way to take that love that your pet gave you and pay it forward.
Unsure of where you would like to donate? Here are some great organizations to consider:
- Second Chance Animal Rescue of Windsor-Essex County
- Animal House Rescue, Ohio
- Shepherds Beyond Borders, Maine
- Street Cats Rescue, Barrie, Ontario
- Blind Dog Rescue Alliance, Pennsylvania
Related: ‘Stocking Stuffers for Pet Lovers: 20 Gifts Under $20‘
Gift Yourself A Special Reminder
No one said you can’t buy yourself a little something special this holiday season… Right?
Celebrate the life of your special pet this year by purchasing a treasured keepsake that you can hold onto for years to come.
The best part about purchasing a memorial keepsake is that it will be there for you anytime that you want to feel closer to your pet.
In talking to other pet owners, I have seen many different examples including stuffed animals, jewellery, memorial tattoos, garden sculptures, custom portraits, and more.
Anything can be a memorial keepsake if it holds an emotional meaning for you.
Torn between a couple of items? There is no rule stating that you have to settle for one.
Adopt A Pet
This suggestion is dependent on whether or not you are ready to open your heart again to another pet.
There is no right or wrong answer, no exact amount of time that you should wait.
Only YOU will know when you are ready to take this step.
That being said, if you are ready to bring a new pet into your life, this is a great way to honour a pet that you have lost.
They basked in your love and were given a great life, and I’m sure that they would love to know that another pet is now feeling that love and affection.
There are many incredible pets out there waiting on a furever home.
A new pet will never replace the pets you’ve loved in the past. Instead, they each find their own special spot in our hearts.
Related: ‘Find the Best Shelter Dog for Your Family by Following This Advice!‘
Most Importantly, Allow Yourself to Feel ALL of Your Emotions
Try to be patient with yourself. Grief is a challenging mix of emotions and every one of those emotions is 110% valid.
You have suffered a loss, it’s a difficult time.
If that means taking a day to cry it out, let those tears fall.
Try to make time for some much-needed self-care.
Whether it’s curling up with a good book in front of the fire, tea in hand, or running yourself a relaxing bubble bath – take care of YOU.
Your pet was a family member and holds a special part in your heart. The grief that you are feeling is real, it’s valid and it’s healthy to let it out.
The holiday season can be a busy time, but you need to prioritize your own well-being.
Take some time out for YOU and remember your pet in whatever way feels right.
Are you looking to remember a pet this holiday season?
If so, I would love to hear all about your loved ones and how you are looking to honour them in the comments below.
Great post? I’ve done all of these in the past and they do help.
Having that special memory really does make it easier to get through the holidays, I find.
These are excellent and thoughtful ideas. I know we will have to make some special traditions and remembrance s for our cat when he passes someday. My daughter has had him as a companion since she was born. It will be a loss we won’t forget, but these ideas would be nice for anyone who goes through that.
Our pets are all getting older, so we realize that we’re going to have to face this sometime in the near future. That doesn’t make it easier… We’ll definitely be using some of these options.
My previous cat passed away just before Christmas 6 years ago, I always think of her at this time. I usually give a donation to a cat charity each year in her memory. I love the idea of a memorial ornament xx
Giving to a good cause has always been one of my favourite ways to remember the pets that blessed us in the past.
These are really good ideas Britt. I love that angel wings memorial ornament, it’s beautiful.
Isn’t it? I love the idea of having something special so that our pets are celebrating the holiday season with us.
My sister recently lost a cat she had for many years. We got her a small ornament that was painted to match her color and fur patterns. She adored it. I think that is a great first step in helping people with grieving for a lost pet.
That sounds like a beautiful way to memorialize her cat. I love that it included her fur patterns, something that can remind her of her friend each time that she sees it.