How to Celebrate National Pet Memorial Day

The International Association of Pet Cemeteries has designated the second Sunday of September as National Pet Memorial Day. Take this day to reflect on your late pet and the impact it had on your life. Celebrating this day in a healthy way can help during the grieving process.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Plan ahead. Set aside the second Sunday of September to celebrate National Pet Memorial Day.

2. Think about your late pet. Look at old photos. Talk about your pet with others who were familiar with it. Reflect on all the great memories you made with your pet. If you lost your pet unexpectedly, try to keep your thoughts positive.

3. Visit your pet's burial site. Make a tribute to your pet by decorating its burial site with something it may have enjoyed in life. Talk to your pet while at the burial site.

4. Create a small memorial in your pet's honor. Plant trees, shrubs and flowers to memorialize your pet. These things can remind you of your pet long after National Pet Memorial Day has passed.

5. Donate money or time to a charity or organization in honor of your late pet. Choose an organization or charity based on your animal's breed or a particular cause that is close to your heart. Animal shelters, rescue groups and humane societies all appreciate volunteers.

6. Build a memorial space for your late pet on the Internet. Use free or paid services to post your pet's pictures, stories and biography.

7. Send sympathy cards to former pet owners. National Pet Memorial Day does not have to be a solitary affair. Include everyone who has lost a pet in your observance of National Pet Memorial Day.

Tips & Warnings

• You can celebrate National Pet Memorial Day regardless of your type of pet.