While some might question the value of pet memorials like dog memorials, whoever has lost a beloved dog recognizes that dog memorials can be agents of healing. There’s a reason why we call them “man’s companion;” dogs offer us unequaled loyalty, unconditional love, and at times, much cause for laughter. We bond with our dogs, and when that relationship is broken through death, it can hurt every bit as much as experiencing the loss of a family member. How can dog memorials be of assistance in healing? There are multiple reasons and each of them are identical ground on why we must do the same for fellow human beings as well.
ASSISTING IN ACCEPTING THE LOSS IS WHAT DOG MEORIALS CAN DO Although we might go through denial particularly when we grieve, it is not therapeutic for us. When we avoid admitting the loss, then we are only continuing to hurt ourselves. Creating a memorial of some sort actually makes us face the fact that we have, indeed, suffered a great loss when our dog died. While it can be debilitating in the moment to acknowledge this, in the scheme of things it moves us nearer to healing.
THE FEELING OF APPRECIATION ARE SOME OF MANY THING DOG MEMORIALS CAN DO One of the ways we find closure when losing someone we love is in recognizing that the life of that person or animal was a gift, and the time we were offered with them is a gift. Pet memorials like dog memorials are one way for us to provide our thanks for the reward that was delivered to us.
DOG MEMORIALS CAN MAKE US UNDERSTAND THAT LIFE IS FILLED WITH POSSIBILITIES While we often connect memorials with death, certain forms of memorials can also speak as a testament and celebration of life. Once we undergo the stages of grief into acceptance, a dog memorial can help us recall the many happy times we spent. This is the portion of our dog’s existence we ultimately want to remember when the pain decreases, and when done well, dog memorials can help us do just that. What types of dog memorials can help us in valuing life? That is based on the person who experienced the loss. There are some people who consider conventional commemorations like grave markers and pet urns will just rekindle the sad fact that their dog is no longer with them. One alternative that is rising in popularity is to commemorate the dog with a piece of memorial artwork or jewelry, such as a locket with the dog’s fur inside, or perhaps a commissioned work of art. There is one artist that supplies artwork using the dog’s ashes.
Everyone is different, and not every memorial will fit each case. But pet memorials like dog memorials, when done fittingly to the need, can definitely serve as agents of healing.