Suffering the loss of pet companions can be heartbreaking. Pets become our loyal friends, and we grow attached to their warm and loving presence in our lives. They may not talk, but they communicate in ways we somehow understand anyway. For those who have known the loss of a pet, Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day on August 28 is a time to look back on every good or goofy time with your pet that you can think of and, hopefully, bring a fond smile to your face.

On the other hand, if you’re still struggling to overcome a loss, using one or more of the following suggestions may help you cope.

Keepsake

If you held onto your pet’s ashes and don’t yet know what to do with them, a keepsake may be a comforting way to go. Many companies offer lockets and other pendants for holding the ashes of loved ones, including pets. Some companies even offer to turn ashes into lab-created diamonds, glass art or other memorabilia.

Photo Album

If you haven’t made one, even digitally, maybe it’s time to. Sometimes the most cathartic way to let go of grief is to embrace it head-on, such as by looking at pictures of the departed. You may even want to consider professional prints you can frame and place in your home or one of the following methods of putting your pet’s photos on display:

•       Commissioning a memory box printed with them

•       Using a photo frame that includes a space for your pet’s collar

•       Having a plaque made from a photo

Artwork

Besides keepsakes or photos, other types of artworks are also options. These may include:

•       Having someone paint or sketch your pet on a canvas

•       Creating a quilt with your pet’s likeness

•       Having a blanket or pillow embroidered with your pet’s name

•       Commissioning a piece of jewelry shaped in the likeness of your pet

Donation

Do you have a favorite animal charity? Giving a donation in your pet’s name may help you find comfort in spite of your loss as you help others. Donations could include giving money to rescue organizations, pet food to homeless shelters or time as a volunteer to the local animal shelter.

If it’s time to say goodbye to your beloved pet, we would be honored to help you through that process. At Pet Hospitals of Hawaii, we have our own crematory, and we welcome you to reach out to us with any questions you have about our related services.