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Loss is an inevitable part of owning a dog, but it’s still incredibly difficult to say goodbye to your friend. If and when you feel ready to memorialize your canine pal, you may want to consider a physical tribute or memorial.
Pets are the members of the family who supply unconditional, uncomplicated love, and for many people, losing a pet comes with a somewhat unexpected wave of deep grief. Though supporting a loved one in their bereavement doesn’t require giving a gift, a thoughtful memorial to their pet acknowledges their loss and helps them remember their furry companion with fondness. We chose the gifts on this list—many of them as unique as the animal they commemorate—with that in mind.
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Best Overall: Willow Tree Hug Plaque ($25)
Best Budget: Carson Industries Faithful Angels Dog Statue ($14)
Best Frame: Pawprints Left by You ($22)
Best Memorial Stone: ADFSTONE Pet Memorial Stones Personalized ($24)
Another Great Memorial Stone: Pawprints Remembered ($25)
Budget Photo Frame: Pearhead Forever In my Heart Pet Memorial Frame ($10)
Price at the time of publish: $25
This artisanal plaque captures the heartwarming scene of a child embracing a dog, serving as a meaningful tribute to a departed pet.
Crafted by the talented artist Susan Lordi in her Kansas City, Missouri studio, each piece is meticulously hand-painted, reflecting a genuine labor of love and attention to detail.
These artful creations stand as a beautiful representation of the deep bond and affection we share with our beloved pets.
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Price at the time of publish: $14
This canine figurine serves as a wonderful memento to cherish the memory of your loyal dog. Crafted from hand-painted resin, it mimics the appearance of stone, offering an attractive and cost-effective option. This figurine is a considerate gift for those grieving the loss of their cherished companion. Its compact size allows it to easily adorn a bookshelf or be included in a shadow box alongside other keepsakes.
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Price at the time of publish: $22
The Pawprints Pet Memorial Frame offers a lovely way to commemorate your dog or extend condolences to someone experiencing the loss of their beloved companion. The memorial includes a heartfelt sympathy poem composed by Teri Harrison and includes a metal tag that can be engraved or substituted with your dog’s own tag. Alternatively, you can choose to have it with an ash vial instead of the tag. According to reviewers, this memorial is unanimously considered a beautiful and thoughtful gift for anyone going through the grieving process after losing a dog.
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Price at time of publish: $24 (for 5" x 5" stone)
Whether your dog is laid to rest in your yard or elsewhere, this memorial stone serves as a poignant marker commemorating their time on this planet. Crafted from glossy black granite, it exudes a premium appearance and tactile quality. The stone is available in five different sizes, providing options to suit your preferences. Customization features include the addition of your pet’s image, the inclusion of their name, and the opportunity to include a personalized message. Simply select your preferred image, upload it to your computer, and choose from two levels of enhancement. Opting for a high-resolution image is recommended. It’s important to note that the image is etched onto black granite, so it won’t retain color as a physical photograph would. Overall, this item stands out as a striking and exceptionally durable way to fondly remember your dog’s legacy.
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Price at the time of publish: $25
The Pawprints Remembered Pet Memorial Stone includes a personalized picture frame where you can place a cherished photo of your beloved dog. It offers versatility, as some individuals opt to use it outdoors as a headstone, while others display it indoors as a photo frame. Crafted from weatherproof resin, it mimics the appearance and functionality of an authentic stone.
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Price at the time of publish: $15
This wooden urn offers a high level of customization, featuring a slot for inserting a photo of your dog. The photo slot dimensions (2 1/8 x 3 5/16 inches) may require some trimming of your printed picture. Once resized, the photo can be placed between two included glass pieces, providing both protection and a polished finish.
The urn allows further personalization with your pet’s name elegantly carved into the front of the wooden box. Above the name, a heartwarming image portrays a heart intertwined with two paw prints, while a touching quote beneath honors your pet’s life and the love you shared. Additionally, you have the option to include the years your pet lived for added personal touch.
Constructed from durable solid wood, this box-style urn offers excellent value for its sturdiness and personalized features. With a capacity of up to 80 pounds of ashes, it accommodates most breeds. The urn is easy to open with a screwdriver, providing access to the compartment where the ashes can be placed—no additional installation is required.
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Price at the time of publish: $10
Capture and celebrate the memory of your dog with this exquisite photo frame. Beyond showcasing their image, this frame features a heartfelt message engraved on the lower part. Select from six distinct messages, ranging from the straightforward “forever in my heart” to the poignant “Rainbow Bridge” poem. Designed to accommodate any standard 4 x 6 photo, this frame provides a touching way to cherish and honor your beloved pet.
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In this article, I aim to provide you with an overview of ways to preserve memories of your dog while taking a step towards accepting the loss.
Having to let go of your own dog is terrible, and processing the loss is often a real challenge.
However, once the initial phase is overcome, many dog owners consciously or unconsciously engage in behavioral and thought processes revolving around the aspect of remembering and honoring their furry friend.
There are numerous behaviors that symbolize the continued presence of the dog in one’s life:
Many affected individuals have shared these behaviors with me, and particularly in the early stages, such actions are entirely normal and part of the grieving process.
So, if you find yourself wondering whether these behaviors are “normal” or healthy, don’t worry!
However, there will come a time when you think, “I should really clear away my beloved’s things…”
It may take weeks or months for this moment to arrive, but it generally does.
Once this point is reached, it’s significant because it marks an important milestone in your individual grieving process!
The tricky part is that most pet owners who have lost their dog don’t perceive this moment as something positive because it also carries the stigma of “forgetting.”
Objectively speaking, this is nonsense, as hardly any pet owner will ever forget a beloved dog. Yet, for many affected individuals, taking this step requires genuine effort and often multiple attempts.
Therefore, consciously taking this step and creating a memorial for the beloved dog, one that concludes the past but simultaneously signals to your subconscious, “It’s not about forgetting,” can be healing.
Even though the thought hurts that the departed dog won’t return, facing this reality becomes more manageable when there’s an anchor that clearly indicates you can look forward to the future without forgetting the past and your dog.
There are numerous beautiful ways to consciously create a memorial for your furry friend. As always, it depends on personal taste, circumstances, and budget.
Create a Poster or Canvas of Your Dog’s Picture:
Transform a cherished photo of your dog into a valuable poster or canvas.
A large-format poster or picture of your dog, possibly combined with a beautiful frame, can have a “monumental character” and might be the right means to honor your treasure with the emphasis you envision.
Tattoo in Honor of Your Dog:
A tattoo is undeniably a powerful statement but might be the kind of literally enduring tribute you desire.
It can be an image or text tattoo, symbolically simple or extravagant, and less discreet. The beautiful aspect of a tattoo is having it with you at all times. Moreover, you can place it in a discreet part of your body without anyone noticing.
Create a Memory Book for Your Dog:
Anne Seven’s lovingly designed memory book offers a beautiful way to preserve the fond memories of your dog.
Individualized Jewelry:
A piece of jewelry can be an excellent means to honor your treasure, especially for women who like to create a memorial with necklaces or amulets.
The fact that these pieces are worn close to the heart adds a beautiful symbolism.
Personalized jewelry is available in all price ranges, from under 50€ for simple pieces to several hundred euros for a handmade piece from a goldsmith.
Establish a Memory Corner – In the Home or Garden:
Whether in the house or your own garden, a dedicated memory corner can help you metaphorically continue to give your furry friend a place in your life, yet against the backdrop of accepted remembrance.
For the garden, there are personalized memorial plaques that can serve as a substitute for a grave.
How do you deal with the death of a dog?
“The most therapeutic approach to mourning our beloved pets is to let every emotion surface and find a healthy outlet,” as stated by Gatti to iHugDogs. “We frequently overlook that grief is a natural and healthy response to loss. Mourning is a privilege and serves as evidence of the profound love we hold for those we lose.”
Anne Wirth, a freelance writer contributing to iHugDogs, has curated a selection of dog memorialization choices for this piece. The options include a variety of items such as photo frames and garden stones. Many of these options offer customization, and all are crafted from durable materials designed to endure over the years. To provide additional perspective, Anne sought the expertise of Iman Gatti, a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist, who shared insights into the grieving process associated with the loss of a dog.
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