Honoring the memory of your special friend.
We have put together some ideas for your family to memorialize the loss of your special friend and loyal companion. There are so many options available online, it can be overwhelming at times. A memorial is any tribute that helps you focus on the good times you shared with your pet. It can help with processing the grief of losing a loved one and provide your family with a loving reminder of that pet for the years to come. Options offered through our service can be found here.
We would like to invite you to share some memories with us on our In Memory Of page. Submit the form below if you’d like to share. We want to let you know that you are not alone as you journey through your grief.
Photo Tribute
Choose your favorite photo of your companion and frame it, keeping it in a location that brings you comfort. You can also gather a collection of photos of your pet engaged in different activities or at different ages, and create a collage. When matted and framed, this creates a lovely display and helps to preserve the photos as well. You can also have your photo turned into a blanket to snuggle.
If you would like a professional photographer, we recommend Deborah Billingsley. Her senior pet Remembrance sessions are beautiful and can provide a memory of your pet in stunning detail.
Painted Portrait
Artists who provide this service generally work off of photographs. It can be helpful to send several photos of your pet, and make sure they are good quality. A good view of the face is essential! Many people appreciate the appeal of a painted portrait. Be sure to look at the artist’s portfolio to make sure you like their style. Some like to do vivid colors, while others are more realistic.
Kayla Ratcliff is a local artist in northwest Arkansas. See her work here: Kayla’s Art
Krystle Cole is an artist I admire I met several years ago. See her website for more details on her services: Krystle Cole Fine Art
Craft Tribute
If you enjoy a particular craft, consider using that to memorialize your pet. For example, painting a statue or completing a needlepoint kit that resembles your pet. You can also try transferring your pet’s photo onto a canvas. We recommend having a copy made so you do not lose any original photos during crafting. Making a Christmas ornament with a pet’s photo can be an inclusive family activity. Gardeners can consider using a water bowl and collar similar to shown. Scrapbooking, sculpting, and DIY pet portrait classes like at Painting with a Twist are also great ways to remember a pet. One person even made felt beads from her cat’s hair!
Pinterest and Etsy can be a great source of inspiration.
Written or Spoken Tribute
This type of tribute can take many forms: a poem to or about your companion, a letter to your companion, an account of their life, or anything that helps you express your feelings and memories. It can also be done as a family project, where each member contributes materials which are then assembled in a single volume to be shared by all. You can also use websites such as Shutterfly to create a photo book or have it professionally done.
Plant a Tree
A company called Treegivers plants trees in memory of loved ones, in the state of your choice. Planting a memory of your pet near a favorite vacation spot, or where they were born, can be a meaningful experience for many. You can also consider planting a tree or special plant in your own garden for remembrance. You may want to consider, however, that the plant may not survive a particularly harsh winter, for example, and it can be very disheartening if that plant were to wither. Your city park department might also allow you to plant a tree in a city park in memory of your pet. Please be aware that planting directly above cremated remains is frequently unsuccessful due to the various minerals in the ashes. Consider a special urn like The Living Urn, which has a unique system which allows the tree to grow safely.
Donate
Contribute to a local rescue/charity for the welfare of animals. Examples local to NW ARkansas include House of Little Dogs, Spay Arkansas, Keely’s Fund, and Humane Society of the Ozarks. This donation could help animals in need get medical care or help a shelter remain no-kill. It is an excellent way to honor a pet’s memory.
You are not limited to pet organizations. New libraries or other government buildings, parks, or trails may have opportunities for donation with a plaque, park bench, or paving stone in your pet’s name.
If your pet died of a particular disease, consider contributing to a research organization that is seeking a cure. This may help other pets and families in the future.
Turn Ash into Glass
For people who want to carry their pet with them or have them nearby, consider turning your pet’s ashes into a beautiful glass display item, or a diamond to carry with you and pass down. There are many options available on Google; here are two we came across.
Volunteer
If you miss getting your hands furry, consider volunteering at your local humane society or shelter. These pets often do not get enough attention and the staff could often use an extra hand to love on them, walk them, and help with feeding, training, etc. Some options locally include Fayetteville Animal Services and Spay Arkansas. You could also consider fostering a shelter pet or transporting shelter animals to other states. Reach out to Romaine Kobilsek with Spay Arkansas at romaine.kobilsek@spayarkansas.org for more information.
Consider joining our group of volunteers for respite care for our hospice families. Reach out to us by call or text at (479) 435-4606.