How to Create a Memorial for a Pet

If you've ever lost a beloved pet, then you know that it can be just as devastating as losing a family member. Follow these steps to memorialize your pet.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Do your research and make certain your city allows family pet burials. Be sure you are not digging near any wells, springs or water supplies, septic systems, ponds, underground pipes, cables or drains. The last thing you want to have during a pet memorial is an enormous household accident.
2. Dig down at least 3 feet or more between the top of the casket and ground level to deter pests from digging at your gravesite. If you're planting a live memorial like a tree, allow extra depth for planting the root ball.
3. Wrap your deceased pet in plastic to deter digging pests.
4. Add your pet's favorite toys, your favorite photos or wrap him in his favorite blanket, so it stays close to him.
5. Take your time. Make sure all members of your family who want to be present are present for the burial and allow everyone who wants to participate to do so in their own way.
6. Decide as a family on a way to mark your pet's plot. Some ideas are a carved wooden plaque, a headstone made from granite or slate, an animal statue, a special birdbath, a large stone or stone design. A living memorial is a beautiful way to teach and celebrate the lesson of rebirth. To create one, plant a special tree, flower garden or rosebush that will continue to grow and mark the spot.
7. Create a pet scrapbook honoring your pet from the day you brought him home. Looking at all these pictures will remind every member of your family of your pet's role in the fun and memories.

Tips & Warnings

• Try to find comfort in the company of coworkers and friends who have lost their pets. This is a great way to air your grief with those who understand what you are going through.
• Consider having pet photographs or art created while your pet is still alive and much a joyful part of your family. This way, you'll always see him as you loved him.
• Other memorial ideas include holding a candlelight vigil, donating to the humane society in your pet's name, creating a website about your pet and creating a memory box.
• If you decide on cremation for your pet, a cremation urn will find its place in your home and in your heart to commemorate your pet.
• Consider a pet cemetery burial. Then your pet will always be there for you to visit. Choose a private plot or a communal area.
• Consider pet rendering, which involves creating fertilizers by processing the animal body in a certain way. This way your pet's remains will continue to give life to the soil and become part of the cycle of life. Check your local humane society or vet to find a facility that provides renderings where you live.