7 Tips on how to celebrate your deceased dog – Dogster

Losing a dog is hard because it is one of your closest family members, so holding a memorial service is an important part of the grieving process: here’s how.

“For many people, a memorial or celebration of a pet’s life can be an important, meaningful part of the grieving process,” says Maryglenn Warnock, a certified bereavement counselor. pet and is a funeral curator/pet chaplain currently serving on the advisory board. of the Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary, on the boards of the Nashville Humane Society, and the Pet Community Center.

Maryglenn experienced this first-hand when planning a birthday celebration for her beloved Old English Sheepdog, Garcia. “Celebrating Garcia’s life with those who know him and love him means absolutely the world to me – and it is an honor and privilege to be able to help those in the same position. there. Maryglenn offers the following tips for planning a memorial service:

Choose a location. Whether outdoor, indoor or other venues, honoring a loved one’s memory in a place of special significance can add a meaningful dimension to a service.

Create a guest list. Take a moment to think about the many lives your pet has touched – neighbors, friends, dog walkers, veterinarians and employees, co-workers, grocers, people. pet sitters, etc. There are many well-intentioned people who don’t understand the importance of losing a pet (and there are also those who are ill-intentioned and quick to judge). When making a guest list, I recommend that you don’t invite people of either type. Their presence at such an event can be hurtful. This event is a way to promote healing, and those who don’t sympathize with your mourning won’t have a place there.

Have children role-play. Getting kids involved in a ceremony can be very healing, as it allows them space to acknowledge their loss and also allows them to learn how to grieve in a positive, healthy way.

Speak. Be prepared to say a few words if you want. There’s something incredibly moving when an owner talks about the memories of his beloved pet. I generally encourage owners to at least dedicate a portion of the service to sharing their personal reflections.

Include one person doing the ceremony. Just as there are people who serve people, there are people, like me, who serve as pet handlers. I think there is no greater honor than having a pet owner entrust me with this important role. Delivering a meaningful, personal eulogy for each pet is a role I deeply appreciate.

Do what resonates. Remember that celebrate, or cry – or both. The word “funeral” causes fear in the hearts of many people, as it conjures up images of discomfort, sadness, suffering, etc. But pet funerals, or human funerals for the matter There’s no need to be sad about that. Events can be celebratory, playful, emotional, inspirational – anything that resonates with the owners.

Know that there are no rules. For funerals, people tend to celebrate life in a particular way. Similarly, a pet memorial service can be held in a manner that the owner feels is appropriate. There is no rule that says the event must take place immediately after the pet dies. Also, there are no rules for the service itself. It can be bleak or sad. It can be religious or non-religious. It can take place during the day or at night, in a place the owner feels is appropriate.