Remembering lost friends on National Pet Memorial Day.

The International Association of Pet Cemeteries designated the second Sunday of September (that’s today) as National Pet Memorial Day.

Today, let’s all take the opportunity to remember lost loved pets, and to celebrate the joy and unconditional love they brought into our lives as our devoted companions.

For those who may have lost a pet recently, no words can salve the raw pain of your bereavement, but perhaps sharing this day of remembrance with others who have grieved might provide some small solace.

Some words of advice when dealing with the loss of a furry family member (yours or someone else’s) include:

• Grief and loss, like love, is a very personal thing and not everyone experiences it the same way. Know that whatever you’re feeling is OK, and that you have the right to process this loss in whatever way works best for you.
• Acknowledge that, for many people, pets are not just animals we own – they are family members and loved just as deeply as a child or sibling. That is a valid love, and the loss is every bit as valid and painful as if we lost any other of our family members. So cut yourself (or your grieving friend) some slack, and be kind.
• Trite as it may be, time WILL take away some of the pain. Let it. And hold on to the special memories.

Some suggestions for marking National Pet Memorial Day

• Write a poem, story, or song about and/or dedicated to your pet, or create a tribute video
• Write a letter to your pet expressing feelings you may be struggling with, tell them how much you miss them, or thank them for the wonderful memories you have
• Share photographs and stories with family or friends; remembering the special times, the love and joy they brought us
• Visit their burial site, hold a remembrance ceremony with family and friends
• Create a living memorial by planting a tree, bush, or flower garden
• Create an online memorial, whether it be on a pet memorial website, blog or other site
• Explore the Internet for pet memorial sites with inspiring stories of love and devotion between people and their companions
• Make a personalized magazine cover for your pet, a great way to catalog the fond memories of the times shared using pictures, and great headlines to share with everyone
• Use this day to volunteer at your local animal shelter or a rescue group
• Use this day to make a donation in memory of your companion to a local animal charity, shelter or rescue group

We at Companions For Life are remembering our own precious pets who have travelled to the Rainbow Bridge as well as the millions of pets across the country who have died at the hands of irresponsible owners, or in shelters for want of a loving home. May those bright souls find comfort at the Bridge and a respite from a harsh world. RIP beloved pets and all those lost, abandoned or abused.

(post by Urbancritter)