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There is no love quite like the love we have for our pets. They are our companions, our comfort, and often, our most loyal friends. Whether it's the wag of a tail when you walk through the door or the gentle purr of a cat curling up on your lap, pets bring a special kind of joy that stays with us long after they're gone. When we lose them, the space they leave behind can feel enormous. Creating something beautiful to remember them by can bring a sense of peace and closeness. Ashes jewellery for pets offers a truly personal way to keep their memory with you each day. It is more than a piece of jewellery. It is a connection, a comfort, and a heartfelt tribute to a beloved friend. What is Pet Ashes Jewellery? Pet ashes jewellery is exactly what it sounds like: jewellery made using a small amount of your pet's ashes or fur. It can take many forms, including pendants, rings, bracelets, or charms. Each piece is carefully handcrafted to be as unique as the pet it honours. For many of my customers, the idea of wearing a necklace for ashes or a ring that holds a piece of their furry friend offers reassurance during difficult times. It allows you to carry their presence with you in a subtle but meaningful way. Why Choose Jewellery Made from Pet Ashes? When someone loses a pet, the grief can be just as intense and long-lasting as any other form of bereavement. The quiet routines, the empty bed, the missing paw steps on the floor — they all remind us of the absence. Ashes jewellery helps to fill that space with a symbol of love. It is a memorial gift not just for yourself but also for friends or family who are mourning a much-loved companion. Each piece I create is designed to offer comfort, connection, and a physical way to hold on to those memories. As a small independent business, I personally handcraft every piece of jewellery. I understand how precious your pet was to you, and I treat each commission with the respect and care it deserves. Popular Styles of Pet Memorial Jewellery Necklace for Ashes A necklace for ashes is a popular choice because it is discreet and wearable every day. It can be shaped like a heart, a paw print, or a simple circle. Inside, a small chamber or setting holds a portion of your pet's ashes, resin-infused material, or fur. Paw Print Jewellery Similar to fingerprint jewellery, paw print jewellery is an increasingly popular way to memorialise a pet. If you have a clear image of your pet's paw, it can be engraved or even imprinted into the metal of the jewellery, often alongside their ashes. Ashes Rings and Charm Bracelets Rings are a delicate and intimate option, often chosen for pets who were incredibly close to their owners. Bracelets with charms offer a more customisable option, where multiple pets or memories can be celebrated in one piece. Jewellery Made from Ashes and Fur Some clients choose to include fur alongside ashes in their memorial jewellery. This can create a layered effect in the resin and offer a more textured look, adding another deeply personal element to the piece. How It Works If you're new to the idea of ashes jewellery, you might be wondering how it all works. Here is a  quick overview of the process: Initial Contact – Reach out through my website or by email. I will guide you through the available options and answer any questions. Sending Ashes or Fur – I will send you a small kit with everything you need to send a tiny sample safely and respectfully. Design Process – We can discuss your preferred style, metal, colours, and any personal details you'd like included. This could be engraving, birthstones, or even a special message. Crafting Your Piece – I will begin the creation process. Each piece is made by hand in my workshop with great care and attention. Final Touches and Delivery – Once finished, your jewellery is carefully packaged and returned to you by secure post, ready to wear or gift. A Personal Story One of my recent clients lost her golden retriever, Alfie, after twelve beautiful years together. She wanted a necklace that would feel like a gentle reminder of him, especially on difficult days. We created a silver heart-shaped pendant with a tiny amount of his ashes and a paw print engraved on the back. She wrote to me later to say it brought her comfort every time she wore it, like he was right there beside her again. These are the stories that stay with me. They are the reason I do what I do. Choosing the Right Piece for You Choosing a memorial gift for yourself or someone else can feel overwhelming, especially when you are grieving. Here are a few things to consider: Style – Do you want something minimal or decorative? A pendant, ring, or bracelet? Metal – Sterling silver, gold, or platinum are all options depending on your preference. Personalisation – Consider engraving names, dates, or messages. Use of Ashes or Fur – Some people prefer to use just ashes, others just fur, and some use both. If you're not sure, I'm always here to help guide you through the options. There is no rush, and no pressure — this is your tribute, and it should feel right for you. In Closing Ashes jewellery for pets is one of the most meaningful ways to honour a beloved animal and keep them close. It is a deeply personal memorial gift that brings comfort not just now, but for years to come. As someone who creates each piece by hand, I consider it an honour to be part of that journey with you. Whether you're choosing a necklace for ashes, a fingerprint-style paw pendant, or something entirely unique, I will craft it with care, sensitivity, and the utmost respect. If you’re thinking about a piece of pet ashes jewellery, or simply want to ask a few questions, please feel free to get in touch. I’m always here to help. You can also explore the full collection of pet ashes jewellery here: Pet Ashes Jewellery Collection With love, Julia Ashes Memorial Jewellery[

Memorial Gift Ideas For Lost Loved Ones The loss of a loved one can be painful and distressing, and the prospect of saying goodbye is likely to be heart-wrenching. It's almost inevitable that you'll have friends and family who you'll only have to say goodbye to once and others who you'll have to say goodbye to over and over again, and the difference in goodbyes is striking. Suppose you've experienced the permanent loss of a loved one. In that case, you may wonder how you can remember their memory with physical memorial ideas that will help ease your pain and treasure their memory and represent the place they held in your life. Reading this post doesn't mean you should buy memorial gifts for everyone who has passed away in your life. It just means that, as a grieving person, you should know about memorial gifts so that you can buy a gift that will help you remember them and help you heal. Even if you don't plan on buying memorial gifts for everyone who has passed away in your life, you may still want to know about their meaning so you can choose a gift that will be meaningful to you or pass on the information to someone who may have recently lost their loved one. What Is a Memorial Gift? Memorial gifts are thoughtful gifts that are given in memory of someone who has died. They are often given to family members, friends, and loved ones who have lost a loved one. Memorial gifts are often given to honour a life that has been lived and to celebrate that life. They are typically given as a gift from a friend or family member to someone who has lost a loved one, and they are normally gifted as an expression of empathy and condolence. Memorial gifts are often given in the form of a charitable donation. Still, they can also take the form of a physical entity that the person who has lost a loved one can keep as a permanent reminder of the person they have lost. Why Buy a Memorial Gift? People often ask why you should buy memorial gifts for a loved one instead of giving monetary donations to memorialise the person you're giving the gift to. The answer is simple: money isn't the only way to show that you care. Memorial ideas are often a more meaningful way to show your loved ones that you care. Monetary gifts can sound insincere and obligatory if you're not careful. Most people don't have the money to give to every person who has lost a loved one, so monetary gifts can feel like an insult when given to someone who has lost a loved one. You can also buy a meaningful gift that will help ease your grief and help your loved ones remember the person they've lost.  You can buy a keepsake, a memento, or a gift that will help ease your loved ones' pain and their memories of the person they've lost. How to Choose a Memorial Gift It's hard to know what to give to someone who has lost a loved one. There's no correct answer, and there is no single item that will make everything feel better. It's almost as if the right gift is a feeling that can't be explained or understood. But, the right gift doesn't have to be expensive or time-consuming. It really can be as simple as a thoughtful, kind gesture. Making sure the gift you are giving is representative and suitable for the person it's being gifted to and the person it represents are the most critical parts of choosing a memorial gift. You can follow a few guidelines to help you choose more meaningful memorial ideas for the person you're giving the gift to. Here are some suggestions on suitable and meaningful gifts: Private Memorial Bench Do you want a memorial bench in your garden? Memorial benches are usually found at public locations, like parks and riversides. You might choose to have one put in the most significant place for your loved one. However, if it's on public property, the bench may not always be available for use by you or anyone else who would like to sit there and think about their dearly departed loved ones. If this seems too impersonal for where you'd prefer memories of them could live inside of your heart forever instead, consider getting a garden memorial bench made just for your private outdoor space. Create A Memorial In Their Resting Space You can contact the crematorium to find out more information about how to order a plaque or have the last resting place in their garden of remembrance. The plaque, stone, or garden marker can be engraved with whatever you like, whether that is a poem, a favourite quote, or a short message. You can also place flowers or other decorations at this location to help you to feel closer to your loved one. Design A Keepsake Urn You could also look into getting a keepsake urn. These are often made of ceramic or other materials and can be designed with different themes and styles. You can put a piece of your loved ones' favourite jewellery, a treasured photograph inside, or anything else they might have treasured; there are no hard and fast rules here; this one can be incredibly personal. You can have this urn close to you, maybe in your home, and it can help you to always have them close to your heart. Keepsake Jewellery There are many different types of jewellery that you can have your loved one's ashes placed into. You can have them placed into a piece of jewellery such as a ring, pendant, bracelet, or a piece that you can wear every day. Some people like to have their loved one's ashes turned into a piece of jewellery so that they can keep them close to their hearts. There are a few different ways that you can have your loved one's ashes turned into jewellery. One of the most popular ways is to have them mixed into resin and cast into a piece of jewellery, such as necklaces for ashes. Make A Scrapbook Of Their Life Scrapbooks are a great way to preserve memories and keep them close to you, and they are an excellent gift idea for anyone, even if they don't have a lot of money to spend. You can make a scrapbook with newspaper clippings, photos, and anything else that reminds you of that person. You can also make a scrapbook for that person as a group activity with their friends and family. Scrapbooks are memorial ideas that don't have to be expensive, and they don't need to be fancy. Putting together a scrapbook is a great way to preserve memories and share stories with one another. It's a thoughtful gift that anyone can make and enjoy. Honour Their Name Permanently A piece of art, a sculpture, or a star named after your lost loved one can be a thoughtful and meaningful gift that can be treasured for years to come. You can choose something that has personal meaning to you, your lost loved one, or both. While some people may think that this choice is too obvious, however, you can make it even more meaningful by selecting something that has significance to the both of you; you can make it more personal by choosing something that has a great importance to you or your lost loved one. Plant A Memorial Shrub Or Tree If you are looking into planting a tree or shrub in memory of a loved one but do not have any trees in mind, there are plenty of resources available to help you select the right one. Most nurseries and garden supply shops have books and catalogs that offer information about various types of trees and their symbolism, so you will be able to find the right one for both the person you are remembering and their meaning. There are also plenty of websites that offer guidance on how to select the right tree for a memorial. Final Words: Knowing How to Remember Those You Love With Memorial Gifts Memorial gifts are gifts that are given in memory of someone who has passed away. They are often given as a gift from a friend or family member to the person who has lost a loved one, and they are normally gifted as an expression of empathy and condolence. Memorial gifts are often given in the form of a donation. Still, they can also take the form of a physical gift, a personalised gift, or a keepsake. These memorial gifts can be a meaningful way to remember and honor the people in your life who have passed away. They can be a thoughtful way to help ease your loved one's pain and make their memories of the person they've lost be a little more permanent. 

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] How to Celebrate Your Pet's Life and Keep Their Memory Alive With A Memorial Introduction It's never easy when you have to say goodbye to a family member—whether that person is human or animal. For many of us, our pets might be the closest thing we have to a family, and because they are so special to us, it's important to find ways to celebrate their life and keep their memory alive long after they leave this world. Though not the same as humans, animals experience the same kind of life that we do within our families, so grieving over losing a pet is just an automatic response for us humans who love and adore everything about them. This love, affection, and appreciation we feel for our beloved animals can make it really difficult for pet owners who want to come up with a way to honour their pet's life after they have passed and help them grieve correctly and move on. This guide will show you ways to take care of your emotional needs while honouring your pet's memory with some helpful pet memorial tips and suggestions. How to Cope Well With the Loss of a Pet The emotional toll of pet loss can be intense. Some pet owners experience denial, while others may experience anger, sadness, or guilt. All of these emotions of grief and sadness, and a whole lot more, are a natural part of the overall grieving process, and it's important to let them run their course. It's also vital to ensure you look after your own physical health as you grieve so that you don't become ill and have to deal with two problems instead of one. Though everyone copes with loss in their own way, here are some tips that may help you work through your grief: Spend time with other people who've lost their pets Volunteer at a shelter that houses animals in need Creating a personalised pet memorial. Honour your pet by donating in their name Get a new animal companion Take time out for yourself every day It is important to understand that everyone will be different when it comes to creating pet memorials. What feels like the best option to one pet parent may seem absurd to another. A memorial for your pet is whatever you feel honours them best, both in character and the place they had in your life. There really is no such thing as the right or wrong to remember your pet, and it should be something that is incredibly personal to the relationship you had together. Ways to Celebrate Your Pet's Life When we say goodbye, we often do so by celebrating a pet's life who has passed on. Most people take the opportunity to share their favourite memories of the pet they have lost and pay tribute for all they did in their lifetime. The same is true when saying goodbye to our beloved people, so in essence, the ways to remember them can have some similarities in regards to pet memorials; we can celebrate the time spent together with them, and we share our favorite memories of them. There are many ways to remember and celebrate your pet's life after they pass on. Here are some ways to do so. Create a Pet Memorial Garden A pet memorial garden is a perfect way to honor your pet's memory. You can commemorate their life with a ceremony or some type of service in the chosen space, which will help the family and friends who were also close to your pet have some closure about the loss. If you don't want to do something that formal, you can simply create a pet memorial garden for them. This could be something as simple as setting up an area in your garden where you can leave items that remind you of your pet, like their favourite toy and food bowl. This type of shrine will help keep their memory alive for you as well as for others who knew them well. Find a New Friend Getting another pet can be one way to get over the loss of an old friend, but this isn't always possible. However, if it is, then it can be the perfect way to remember them and have another pet in your life again. Other options are also available for those who don't want another pet right away. There are so many different pets out there waiting for forever homes—you could adopt a cat or dog from a shelter or even rescue one from a farm or broken home. Create A Grave Marker Pet Memorial Plaque Even though they're not here anymore, our pets want us to move on with our lives and not dwell sadly on the past too much. They would want us to continue living and enjoy life after they leave this world. An excellent way to make sure we're doing that is by creating a permanent grave marker pet memorial plaque to show that they will never be forgotten, and their final resting place is marked in honour of them. A permanent pet memorial will allow you a specific place to be to reflect on the pet you have lost. Depending on where this is, you can leave pet memorial gifts or tell them your secrets, just like you may have done if they were still with you. Keeping Your Pet's Memory Alive The most crucial step in mourning your pet is getting them a proper burial or cremation. To do this, you will need to find a spot for them to rest. The best place for their final resting place is somewhere close to you—it's a place they are familiar with and should be comforting for you. You might want to consider putting up a pet memorial stone or planting flowers where they used to enjoy spending time. Another option is to donate your pet's favourite toy or blanket or purchase one of their favourite treats and save it as a treat for another animal friend in the future. You can also have a celebration of life ceremony like you would for human family members. This can be done but burying your pet, giving them an honorary headstone, or holding an event where you tell stories of how they impacted your life. There are many ways to commemorate your four-legged family member and keep their memory alive in both happy and sad ways. Donate In Their Honour Recently, you lost your pet. You're heartbroken, but you know that this is an opportunity to give back in a way that will make an impact on someone else's life, so why not donate? When you are amidst losing a pet, it can be hard to know what to do with all of the pain and sadness. One option is to donate money or goods in their honour. Your donation will help a charity or non-profit organisation continue its excellent work. Giving back can provide some closure for your grieving process, and it might also help someone else who is struggling with the loss of their pet. Conclusion We know that the loss of a pet is an emotionally challenging situation. The memories of losing your pet may feel so raw it's hard to even think about anything else. The best way to cope with this is by finding ways to celebrate your pet's life and keep their memory alive by finding ways to celebrate your pet's life. This may include holding a memorial service, planting a pet memorial garden, or making a personalised pet memorial gifts. Such as dog memorial gifts or cat memorial gifts. There are also alternatives to traditional memorials, such as creating a permanent reflection space, donating to a charity in your pet's honour, or even by volunteering at an animal shelter. However you decide to celebrate your pet's life, try to find a way that complements you and your pet's personality. You'll be able to keep the good memories of your pet alive and live with their memory for years to come. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] How To Remember A Loved And Missed Mother or Mother Figure On Mothers Day Mothers day is a day to celebrate the memories we've made with our mother or mother figure. This day is a time to reflect on those precious memories and come up with great ways to honour the mother or mother figures that we've lost. Mothers day can be difficult, but there are some ways you can make it memorable by remembering your loved one in a unique way. There are many different ways memorial and remembrance gifts can be given, made, and received. While this process of giving, making, and receiving gifts may seem like something you are not ready to do, it can really help in the processing and healing from losing that special lady from your life. The gifts, or remembrance givings, as we like to call them, are not meant to be offered or received as a replacement for losing your mother or mother figure on mothers day, but more to aid the memories you have together, through the trials of life, the bumps in the road in the relationship bond and more importantly, the smiles and love you shared together in the times that you will hold in your memory box of your life, and theirs. While a lot of people would automatically give or receive an extravagant piece of jewellery or something special they owned while they were alive, which is not wrong by any means, you could also create memories of their life and put it in a physical or experience format, so there is more of a more visual reminder of their precious memories, for instance. These ideas are all creative and unique ways to remember your loved one on this day, and if you're looking for more special and unique ideas, read on. Here are some interesting options for memorial gifts to remember your mother or mother figure on mothers day. Memorial Gifts To Remember Mum Photo Montage You can make a remembrance gift of a photo montage of your loved one's life and put it in a frame for the family. This gift would be a touching way to remember your loved one, as well as a great conversation piece around your loved one when you have guests over. This type of gift has so much more meaning than it does expense, and it can be something that you and your loved ones can look on in many years to come with fond memories. Keepsake Clothing Items Everyone always remembers a beautiful or favourite piece of clothing that reminds them of their mother or mother figure. That favourite piece of clothing, maybe a scarf or even a cardigan, could be made into a memorial gift like a unique cushion or even an outfit for a bear to remind you of them. This can be such a massive comfort around mothers day and can be especially useful for younger family members to have to remind them of the loved one they have lost.  Keepsake Ashes Jars Another option is to make up small jars with the ashes in them and give them away as gifts to collectively share them in public places such as parks and beaches to facilitate remembering mum. These gifts would be creative ways to remember your loved one, and they would be something that the whole family can reflect on for years to come. The jars can be made to a really incredible personal level, so they represent the mother or mother figure they have lost: The fabric seal toppers can be spritzed with their favourite scent. The jars can be decorated with their favourite colours. They can even have personalised message labels attached to the jar, reminiscing the favourite memory you have or the message you'd like to leave her. So personal and so sentimental. Ashes Into Jewellery While we are looking at including ashes in memorial gifts or keepsakes to remember your mother or mother figure or gifting to someone who has lost theirs, we are looking at a more permanent memorial of the lady who has been lost. In recent years, turning the ashes of a loved one into a piece of jewellery as a permanent and wearable comforting memorial has become so popular, and we can see why. For instance, a Necklace for ashes would be made to incorporate the ashes of your mother or mother figure inside a beautiful necklace and specifically designed so it can be worn as a reminder of your lost one, but always holding them close to your heart as they are right there in life with you, immortalised in a piece of jewellery. This is such a comforting idea as a memorial gift and can bring great comfort to those people who have lost their mother or mother figure. Baking Gifts And Memorial Meals While this may not seem much like a physical gift to memorialise your mother or mother figure or to offer someone who has lost theirs, this can be such a touching memorial to both yourself and to your friends and family to remember that special lady on the day that is designed to belong to her. Memorial meals can be arranged ahead of time to ensure those who wish to attend can do so. You can create the menu to be all about your mother or mother figure or gift the experience to someone who has lost theirs. The meal can consist of everything your loved one either loved to cook or cooked for you or their family. The table can be made up with their favourite colours, and you can reminisce and share the cherished memories together. What better way to spend mothers day remembering mum. Plant A Tree Or Create A Garden Planted In Their Memory. We all want to make the memory of our loved ones feel special on mothers day. One of the best ways to do this is by creating a memorial garden or planting a tree in their memory. A memorial garden can offer your family and friends an escape from everyday life, and it will be a place where you can go and reflect and remember them. It's can a beautiful or a simplistic place of reflection place with flowers, trees, and even water features. Conclusion Memorial gifts are given for a mother or loved one who is no longer with us and are especially important on mothers day. It can be challenging to do, but what better way than this day of reflection and honouring? There are many ways memorials can be given, from making and receiving sentimental pieces of jewellery to providing a meal for your friends and family, just as the matriarch would have cared for everyone. However, suppose you're not ready for that yet. In that case, there is always something expressive and meaningful that you can give your loved ones as a remembrance gift on Mothers Day. These givings aren't meant to replace losing your close family member or friend- they serve as another memory made together through tough times -but they will help heal those people affected and enhance the great memories even more.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

If you have recently suffered the loss of a pet, you will know how difficult this can be. So how can you cope with the loss and memorialising your pet for remembrance? Introduction There is sometimes nothing that can prepare you for the loss of a pet. Whether that pet has been with you for minutes or indeed years, somehow, a pet can become a genuine part of the family very quickly and can provide companionship and comfort in happy and sad times. There is something incredibly special about having pets that makes them become part of the household, and sometimes they can rule the roost too! So, when they pass, it can feel immensely overwhelming and incredibly emotional to get used to life without them in it. We need to learn how to cope with losing a pet while doing some practical things to enable them to be remembered for years to come and remember the happier times when they were by your side. Let’s look at five ways you can learn to cope with losing a beloved member of your furry family. Losing a Pet - 5 Helpful Ways to Cope Create A Memory Box Creating a memory box for your pet that has passed may seem insignificant at the time of the loss, but when you are feeling a little stronger, constructing and filling a memory box for your pet can be a perfect way of reminiscing about them and may allow you to let go a little once the box is closed. Of course, this can be an easy task if you have had your pet for a significant period of time, and you can fill the box with pictures, your pets’ favourite toy or blanket, as well as some of their favourite treats. You can decorate the box with their name, along with any significant dates that you wish to remember. Suppose you have lost a pet that you have owned for a short period of time. In that case, you could still create a memory box for your pet, with their name and significant dates, but if you don’t have any pictures of them, you can write a short description of their colouring, their character, and something they used to love doing on a card and seal it up for the box. A memory box can be truly helpful in remembering everything you loved about your pet and the joy they brought you and show you how to cope with losing a pet by remembering them. Join A Support Group Joining a support group these days is not always about sitting in a circle and taking it in turns to speak your mind or ask a question. Support groups are now places that can be free forums online, in person, or via zoom that link together a group of people who are in the same position as you. This kind of support group allows you to be in the company of people who are experiencing the same feelings and emotions as you, and it’s more than acceptable if you wish to share your thoughts and feelings, or you choose not to; there will be no judgment either way. Sometimes just listening or reading something that someone else has shared can be more than helpful to help you with your grieving, and appreciating the fact that you are not alone can provide a great deal of comfort in your darker emotional times. Here are the top 5 suggestions for support groups that accept any level of engagement but have no judgment if that is none at all. Rainbowbridge.com Forum Healing Hearts on Facebook PetLossMessageBoard.com LetterToPushkin.com PetLoss.com An in-person or virtual support group can be a huge benefit in helping the healing after losing a pet. Plant An “Honour” Tree/Bush Depending on the kind of animal you had loved and lost, it might be appropriate to plant a memorial tree or a bush in their honour, to memorialise them, remember who they were to you personally, and create a place to go to remember them. Your pet may likely have had a favourite spot in the garden, while on their walks or indeed a place they always used to look at from the windowsill, and this would be the perfect designated spot to plant a tree or a bush that can be devoted to their memory that will grow year after year in remembrance. Losing a pet will never remove their favorite spot from your memory, and it may also be possible to get a plant or tree with the same name as your pet, or you can find a favourite tree or bush and have a small renaming ceremony when it is planted. Some common remembrance plants, bushes, and trees include: Roses Ornamental Bonsai Trees Willow Trees Fruit Bushes Cherry Blossom Trees Keeping Their Ashes Close To You Some people find that keeping the ashes of their beloved pet close to them brings them comfort and helps them to remember the companionship they had from them when they were together. These Days, it is really easy to make this happen in 2 main ways, and the one you choose is such a personal choice. Their Ashes In Resin Resin art is incredibly popular right now, and it is a fantastic way to keep your pet’s ashes close to you all the time. The most popular resin option is to have the ashes of your pet combined with the resin and made into a small and decorative frame, so you can then mount a picture of your pet within the very personal frame. Having something physical gives you the knowledge that they are always with you as you look at their picture. Their Ashes Into Jewellery Having the ashes of a beloved pet turned into a beautiful piece of jewellery is becoming a more and more popular option to keep your lost pet close to you. The process is very simple and thoughtful, making sure that a small portion of your pet’s ashes are kept safely in dignified circumstances until it is time to pop their ashes into a piece of jewellery that you have chosen to remember them. You could choose any piece of jewellery available, such as a necklace to keep them close to your heart, or a simple bangle or ring, so you know that they are always with you. Having the ashes of a loved pet turned into something physical you can always keep looking at and keep close to you can bring an immense amount of comfort and security when you feel overwhelmed at the loss. Having something you can see and touch is sometimes a great way to heal the sadness. Keep To Your Pets Schedules and Routines. At the very beginning of grief, you feel a loss that cannot be filed or replaced by anything other than the pet you have already lost. Your pet was likely to have a routine, and this would have been something you had developed together as a unit or amongst your family. One of the best things to do in the early stages of grief is to keep to that routine because losing that too would upset an already terrible situation some more. So, when it’s time to walk, go for that walk. If you had designated feeding times, make sure you stick to those feeding times yourself, and maybe even prepare them a little something to make the loss seem a little less prominent. If your pet had a designated space or a favourite toy or blanket, make sure you keep those things close and safe, and if they had a specific time to play with them or lay down for sleep, make sure you keep those times in your schedule to at least sit and reflect on your pet and understand your feelings around losing a pet. Conclusion Losing a pet can be a really traumatic period of time, and you can feel so many emotions and feelings that can be the first time you understand what grief is and how it feels to lose something close to you. You can do many practical things to remember and memorialise your beloved pet, from talking on forums and virtual reading online of others’ peoples’ experiences and gaining comfort from knowing you are not alone in your grief. By making a small memorial for your pet can also be incredibly healing and will create a place you can go to remember the times you had and what they meant to you. For the ultimate memorial to keep your pet safe and close forever, you can have their ashed set in a resin frame or in a piece of stunning jewellery so they can be with you forevermore. Losing a pet is not easy, and grief can be even more challenging. But with these helpful and practical ways to heal from losing a pet, we hope you can smile someday soon.

Losing a loved one is a deeply painful, stressful, and overwhelming experience. It often feels like the grief will never cease, and the difficult emotions can ebb and flow over time. That said, eventually you will reach a ‘new normal’ that will be easier to manage, and you will likely start to think about how you can best remember your loved one and honour their memory. Remembering your loved one is a deeply personal experience. Everyone has their own way of honouring and evoking someone who has passed, and what works for one family or individual may not feel right for another. We have listed some meaningful ways of remembering a loved one. You can alter and amend them to create memorial traditions that work best for you. Support A Charity Or Cause Close To Their Hearts Everyone has specific causes and charities that truly speak to their hearts. One of the most meaningful ways that you can remember a loved one is to make a donation of cash or in-kind goods to a charity that they supported (or wanted to support) during their life. If your loved one passed away from an illness or a disease, you could also consider choosing a medical charity that helps raise funds for research and treatments. Purchase Memorial Jewellery Memorial jewellery comes in many different styles and options. For some, an engraved bracelet or a locket containing your loved one’s photo will be the ideal way of remembering them on a daily basis. Others prefer to purchase memorial ashes jewellery made out of a small amount of their loved one’s cremains. When you glance down at your jewellery, you’ll be flooded with memories of your friend, spouse, or relative. Commemorate Them With A Memorial Bench Memorial benches have long been a popular way to commemorate and honour a loved one’s life after they pass.[1] By placing the memorial bench in a in a scenic, peaceful, beautiful, or meaningful location, you can sit and remember the wonderful times you had with the departed. You can contact a memorial bench company who organise the bench for you, but you save a lot of money by speaking with the local council to get permission to place an engraved bench in your desired location. Keep Some of Their Treasured Items When a loved one close to you passes away, the responsibility of dealing with their home and estate may fall to you. While you will likely need to donate, sell, and throw away many of their household possessions, be sure to select some of their most treasured items to keep as meaningful keepsakes for years to come. Plant A Memorial Tree Memorial trees have long been a meaningful and significant way to honour a loved one or an event, and the practice occurs around the world.[2] A tree will blossom and bloom each year, reminding you of the celebration of life on a cyclical basis. You might choose to plant a tree in your garden, but if you want to do so in a park or public garden, ensure that you seek permission from the local council in advance. The planting ceremony can be laden with symbolism and meaning, and you can invite other loved ones to attend. Share Their Photos and Stories In An Online Remembrance Book Like a hard copy remembrance book at a funeral or memorial, you can leave memories and thoughts on an online remembrance book. Share the link with well-wishers who can’t make it to the memorial or funeral service. If you wish to take the online remembrance book one step further, you could also create dedicated online memorial website for your loved one. With a little tech savvy, you can form an online repository for photos, anecdotes, songs, and videos.[3] This is an especially good idea if you want to share memories with family members and friends across the country, and around the world. Don’t be afraid to bring them up and share their stories You might be tempted to avoid bringing up your deceased loved one, but experts say that this can actually prolong the most painful parts of the grieving process.[4] Don’t be afraid to talk about your loved one. This can include sharing your most treasured memories in a formal setting, or simply mentioning them in passing when you are reminded of them. Not only can this be healing for you, it can also help your friends and family members through their own grieving and healing process. Create A Shrine To Their Memory The word shrine is certainly a loaded one, but this term actually refers to an ancient and contemporary Greek custom of marking the passing of a loved one. The commemoration doesn’t end after the funeral; memorial services are held again on the 40th day after death, and then on an annual basis.[5] In addition, Greeks create small roadside shrines adorned with photos, candles, flowers, and religious icons.[6] You can do the same in your home or garden. Include items and icons that were meaningful to them during their lifetime. Select an Annual Day Of Celebration Speaking of the Greek Orthodox traditions above, many other cultures and religions around the world also take time out of the life at least once per year to remember their loved ones. In many Latin American countries, they do this one day per year, known as ‘Day of the Dead’ (Día de Muertos). On November 2nd each year, which is a national holiday in Mexico, people gather with friends and family in order to collectively remember their lost dead, making offerings to their loved ones, pray, and celebrate. Rather than celebrating all of your deceased loved ones on one day per year, you can make the celebration more personal by choosing to honour an individual each year on a date meaningful to them. You could do this on the anniversary of their death, or choose to focus your celebrations on their birthday. Play their favourite songs, eat some of their most-loved foods, and take the time to tell stories and reminisce about their life. Create A Memorial Quilt Memory quilts are an American tradition that is growing in popularity in the UK.[7] Create (or hire someone to create) a quilt using clothing, bedding, and other textiles that belonged to your loved one. Consider having some meaningful photos printed onto cotton and include them throughout the design. This can be a truly tactile and comforting way to remember your loved one that can be passed down for generations. Display your loved one’s photos in your home A time-honoured way to remember your loved one is to display their photo in a prominent place in your home. While some people are tempted to remove visible reminders of their loved ones from view to reduce the pain of loss, it can actually be more healing to have them in view.[8] Place a few photos in your home or on your desk where you can see them and smile. The grieving process is different for everyone Remember – there is no ‘one right way’ to grieve. Some of these suggestions and ideas will be suitable for you, and others might not feel quite right. Be creative, and do what you need to do to remember your loved one in the best way for you. Suggested Read:- How To Honor Your Loved Ones Who Have Passed Away Create an online memorial Reference list Cloke, P. and Pawson, E. (2008). Memorial Trees and Treescape Memories. Environment and Planning D: Society and Space, 26(1). Greek Boston (2015). What is the Greek Orthodox Memorial Service? [online] www.greekboston.com. Available at: https://www.greekboston.com/religion/memorial-service/ [Accessed 20 Feb. 2020]. Miller, J.T. (2014). How To Make an Online Memorial for a Departed Loved One. [online] HuffPost. Available at: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/how-to-make-and-online-me_b_5459622 [Accessed 21 Feb. 2020]. Patowary, K. (n.d.). The Roadside Shrines of Greece. [online] Amusing Planet. Available at: https://www.amusingplanet.com/2019/03/the-roadside-shrines-of-greece.html [Accessed 20 Feb. 2020]. Saner, E. (2018). Memorial benches – inspirational reminders, or grave eyesores? The Guardian. [online] 14 Mar. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/news/shortcuts/2018/mar/14/memorial-benches-inspirational-reminders-or-grave-eyesores [Accessed 20 Feb. 2020]. Taibbi, R. (n.d.). Six Signs of Incomplete Grief. [online] Psychology Today. Available at: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/fixing-families/201706/six-signs-incomplete-grief [Accessed 21 Feb. 2020]. What’s Your Grief (2014a). Creating a Memorial Quilt: the inspiring work of Lori Mason. [online] What’s Your Grief. Available at: https://whatsyourgrief.com/creating-memorial-quilt-lori-mason/ [Accessed 20 Feb. 2020]. What’s Your Grief (2014b). Photos of Deceased Loved Ones: The Great Debate. [online] What’s Your Grief. Available at: https://whatsyourgrief.com/photos-of-deceased/ [Accessed 21 Feb. 2020]. ‌ [1] https://www.theguardian.com/news/shortcuts/2018/mar/14/memorial-benches-inspirational-reminders-or-grave-eyesores [2] https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1068/d79j?journalCode=epda [3] https://www.huffpost.com/entry/how-to-make-and-online-me_b_5459622 [4] https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/fixing-families/201706/six-signs-incomplete-grief [5] https://www.greekboston.com/religion/memorial-service/ [6] https://www.amusingplanet.com/2019/03/the-roadside-shrines-of-greece.html [7] https://whatsyourgrief.com/creating-memorial-quilt-lori-mason/ [8] https://whatsyourgrief.com/photos-of-deceased/