Saying goodbye to a beloved family pet is never easy. Experts will often tell you to plan a memorial to help you come to terms with the loss. The act of planning helps you to find closure after losing your pet and is an essential step in the grieving process. Choosing what to do with your pet cremation ashes will be the first challenge you face after saying goodbye. With so many options available, you’ll have to dig deep to determine what is best for you and what will help you to move on.
These are just a few of the most creative memorial options for a pet’s ashes. These would be ideal for a cat or dog memorial but could also be suitable for a larger pet such as a horse or even farm animals. Once the ashes are returned from your vet, you’ll have some important decisions to make. Consider the following options to help make the grieving process easier.
Commission a portrait
Did you know that pet ashes can be added to paint and then used to produce a stunning pet portrait? This type of memorial is ideal if you want to be reminded of your pet often. The portrait will likely become a beloved family heirloom that can be passed down to the next generation.
Take your time to choose an artist you love with a style of artwork that matches your personal taste. You can then give them a single reference photo to copy, or give them a few reference photos and allow them to bring their own interpretation.
Add them to jewelry
If you want a more discreet memorial to your pet, you could also add the ashes to jewelry. This is the perfect way to say goodbye while still keeping them close. You can choose jewelry with a hidden compartment to hold the ashes.
Pet ashes jewelry is also available in bright colors. According to Paws Into Grace, the ashes can be added to glass gemstones to create a beautiful pendant. Just steer clear of resin jewelry, as this will break down over time.
Plant a tree or garden
If your pet loved being outdoors, your garden could be the perfect resting place. Planting a garden is also very therapeutic and can help you to deal with your grief. Plant the ashes in an urn and then use the space to create a bright and colorful garden.
You can place a memorial stone at the center and then plant lots of flowers and shrubs to create a beautiful memorial spot. You’ll always have a tranquil place to take a moment and remember your pet.
Find a decorative urn
If you want to keep the ashes close by, look for a decorative urn to store them in. You could choose something simple and discreet like an orb or box, or choose a carved design with a cat, dog or horse.
You don’t have to hang on to the ashes forever. In fact, many people only keep the ashes until they feel they have properly grieved the loss of their pet. Once you can think more clearly about what you want to do, you can formulate a plan for the memorial.
Scatter the ashes
Sometimes the simplest option is the easiest. Scattering the ashes in a tranquil and serene place could be the ideal way to find closure. There is something very symbolic about the ashes returning to the earth that can help pet owners to find closure.
Most public parks will be fine with you scattering the ashes, provided you don’t disturb other park users. You could scatter them in a woodland area, by a lake or even out at sea.
Add them to a coral reef
Perhaps the widest option on this list, but one to consider if you love nature and the ocean. Companies are now offering the chance to add your pet’s ashes to a coral block which provides an artificial foundation for coral reefs to grow on.
The ashes become a part of the coral reef and provide a habitat for aquatic life. This could be the ideal option if you are interested in protecting the environment and want to know that the ashes are performing a useful benefit.
