| When it comes to losing a pet, we can experience | | | | can create a pet memorial service that reflects the |
| such a range of emotions and despair that it can be | | | | depth of the love you shared with your pet. |
| hard to think straight about next steps. The thought | | | | There are great theme options for either one of |
| of planning a pet memorial service can seem like a | | | | these types of services. For example, if you plan to |
| very daunting task, especially in the midst of grieving. | | | | hold the service at a pet cemetery or other outside |
| It can be really difficult to come with a clear plan for | | | | facility, the tone of it may be more formal. Perhaps |
| planning such a special service. | | | | you could do a "Memories" theme, decorating with |
| While the tone is somber, remember that this is an | | | | photos of your pet and putting their image on some |
| opportunity to celebrate the life and love of your | | | | of the accessories, such as napkins or a cake. |
| pet. The pet memorial service can be a celebration of | | | | What did your pet love? If your dog loved bones or |
| the wonderful times you shared, despite your pain | | | | your cat loved mouse toys, make the entire theme, |
| and sadness. One very simple place to start in | | | | including décor and accessories, about that |
| thinking about possible theme ideas is "what was | | | | particular item. A bone shaped cake or tiny mice on |
| your pet's favorite toy?" This may sound like a very | | | | the top of party cups might also make an interesting |
| simple place to start, but can be very telling about | | | | touch. Decorate with art of your pet playing with |
| one of the colorful aspects of your pet's personality. | | | | their toy and encourage guests to share anecdotes |
| What activities made them come to life and show | | | | about what their pet's favorite toy is and why. |
| their personality? What did they do that made you | | | | If you are holding a pet memorial service at home, |
| laugh? What was unique about your pet? As we all | | | | then you have a bit more freedom to incorporate |
| know, some of our pets have huge personalities and | | | | some more unique elements. A good example of this |
| wonderfully unique characteristics that are definitely | | | | would be a "Love Your Pet" service, in which you |
| worth celebrating. | | | | celebrate the life of your pet while encouraging |
| Another thing to consider is "what you will do with | | | | guests to bring along their pets. You could have two |
| your pet's remains?" The answer to this question will | | | | tables, one for pet owners and a small gathering of |
| have an impact on the location of your memorial | | | | treats for the pets that come as well. Goodie bags |
| service which can affect the theme that you choose. | | | | could feature coupons for pet items as well as actual |
| For example, will you have them buried, either in your | | | | pet treats. |
| yard or in a pet cemetery with a pet grave marker | | | | While planning a pet memorial service is done during a |
| with an outside ceremony? Or will you have your pet | | | | very difficult and challenging time for any pet owner, |
| cremated and placed into a pet urn that you will | | | | it is still important that it reflect the joy and warmth |
| display in your home? Whatever the decision, you | | | | your pet brought to your heart. |