Saying goodbye to a pet hurts. A dog who waited at the door every morning for years, or a cat who always curled up on your lap, leaves a big gap. That is why many people look for a way to keep the memory alive. In this article you will find nine ideas for a lasting keepsake, plus tips if you want to comfort someone else.
Why a keepsake helps you grieve
Grieving a pet is real grief. A tangible keepsake gives your thoughts somewhere to go. It helps you think not only of the last, difficult days, but of the years when your pet was healthy, stubborn and full of joy. There is no right or wrong choice: the best keepsake is the one that suits you.
9 ideas for a keepsake of your pet
1. A paw print
Many vets and pet crematoriums offer to make a paw print in clay or plaster. Feel free to ask, even if it is not offered as standard. An ink print on paper can be framed later.
2. A tuft of fur or a whisker
Small, but very precious to many people. Keep it in a locket, a small glass vial or a little box.
3. The collar or harness
Hang the collar and name tag on a hook by the front door, or put it in a shadow box together with a photo.
4. A memorial portrait
A portrait on the wall means you see your pet every day as they were: at their best. At Get Your Print Together you can turn a favourite photo into a memorial portrait in the Heaven style: a calm, loving portrait among soft clouds, with your pet's name if you like. You first receive a free preview and then choose a poster or download.
5. A photo book or memory box
Gather the most beautiful photos, from puppy or kitten to your last summer together. Sorting through photos is also a way of saying goodbye for many people.
6. Plant a tree or shrub
A tree or shrub in the spot where your pet loved to lie keeps growing. Some people bury the ashes or a favourite toy by the roots.
7. A piece of jewellery
There are pendants and rings that can hold a little ash or fur, or that can be engraved with a paw print.
8. A letter to your pet
Write down what you miss, what made you laugh and what you are grateful for. Keep the letter with the photos, or read it aloud during a small farewell moment.
9. A donation to an animal shelter
Donate the leftover food or the beds, or give an amount to a shelter. That way the love for your pet lives on with another animal.
A sympathy gift for someone else
Has a friend, colleague or relative lost their pet? A small, personal gesture often says more than a big present. A card in which you mention the pet by name and share a memory is almost always appreciated.
If you want to give something lasting, a portrait of the pet is a very special sympathy gift. Gently ask whether you may use a photo, or pick one that has already been shared. With a digital download you can frame the portrait yourself so you can hand it over in person. Read more about styles and prices in our article on a custom pet portrait from a photo.
When should you make a keepsake?
There is no fixed rule. Some things, like a paw print, are best arranged straight away. For other keepsakes, such as a portrait or photo book, it can be good to wait until the first sharp pain has eased a little. Take the time you need.
Tips for the photo for a memorial portrait
Often you no longer have the perfect photo, and that is fine. Choose a photo in which your pet's face is clearly visible and the eyes are sharp. An older photo works too, as long as it is not too blurry or too small. Our article on the best photo for a pet portrait has more tips.
