Pet Loss and the Holidays

love and compassion / By /
marie-blog
One of my own sweet angels, Marie

I am so very sorry to hear about your loss. Losing a pet can be a difficult and emotional experience, especially during the holiday season. However, it’s important to remember that you are not alone and that there are ways to celebrate the holidays while still honoring your pet’s memory. You can do this!

Here are a few tips to help you celebrate the holidays while grieving the loss of your pet angel:

  1. Create a memorial: Consider creating a memorial for your pet. This could be a special ornament, a photo album, or a scrapbook. You could also light a candle in their memory or create a special place in your home where you can remember them.
  1. Volunteer: Volunteering at an animal shelter or rescue organization can be a great way to honor your pet’s memory and also therapeutic for yourself. If that is more than you can handle, donating to an animal charity in their name can be a little gift to their memory..
  1. Spend time with loved ones: Surrounding yourself with loved ones can be a great way to find comfort during the holidays. That doesn’t mean it needs to be family, either, just people who share your same heart (this is why volunteering at a shelter can benefit you as well, you all love animals.) It is ok to share the stories and memories of your pet with family and friends.
  1. Take care of yourself: Grieving is a process, and it’s important to take care of yourself during this time. Make sure to get enough rest, eat well, and exercise. But go beyond that. Set boundaries, buy yourself a holiday present, be ok with saying ‘no’.
  1. Celebrate your pet’s life: Finally, remember to celebrate your pet’s life. While it’s natural to feel sad during the holidays, it’s also important to remember the joy and happiness that your pet brought to your life. 

If you need, here are some reputable sources that can provide additional support and guidance:

I hope these tips and resources are helpful. Remember to take things one day at a time and to be kind to yourself during this difficult time.

With love,

Alex

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A Few Pet Loss Resources for You.

custom pet urns blog, love and compassion, pet loss / By /
Dog Annie Oakley

I am so very sorry to hear that you are going through the loss of your amazing, sweet, wonderful pet. I know how hard it can be to say goodbye to a furry friend who has been with you for a long time (or even just a short time, it can be just as hard). Pets are more than just animals; they are our family members who give us unconditional love and companionship.

Losing a pet can trigger so many emotions, sadness, anger, guilt, denial, loneliness. You may feel like no one understands what you are going through, or that you have to hide your grief from others, but I get it. You may wonder how you can cope without your pet, or how you can honor their memory.

The first thing you need to know is that your grief is normal and valid. You have the absolute right to mourn your pet and express your feelings in any way that helps you heal. There is no set timeline or formula for grieving; everyone experiences it differently and at their own pace. The important thing is to be gentle with yourself and seek support when you need it.

There are many resources available to help you cope with the loss of a pet, such as:

  • Pet loss hotlines and support groups: These are places where you can talk to someone who understands what you are going through and offer you emotional support and guidance. Some of them are available 24/7, while others have specific times and formats. You can find a list of pet loss hotlines and support groups at The Humane Society and at Best Friends.
  • Online resources: These are websites that provide information, advice, and tools for coping with pet loss. Some of them also allow you to share your stories, photos, and tributes to your pet with other pet lovers. Psychology Today has some good information, a list of pet loss grief counselors, and this one is good for what to do when your pet dies at home.
  • Books and videos: These are media that can help you understand your grief, find comfort, and learn from others who have gone through the same experience. Some of them also offer meditation, relaxation, and healing techniques: Missing Pieces… Broken Heart : A Recovery Guide for the Grief and Sorrow of Pet Loss and for children: When a Pet Dies, by Mr. Rogers, he was our guide as children, and I only recently learned he authored this book on pet loss.

Remember that you are not alone in your grief. We are here for you. There are many people who care about you and want to help you. You can also find comfort in the memories of your pet and that love you shared. Your pet may be gone physically, but they will always live in your heart. Forever.

I wish you peace and healing as you cope with the loss of your pet, 💕

🌿Alex

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A Forever Bond, Remembering Ben

custom pet urns blog, dog urns, pet loss / By /
Annie Urn Blog

“Once upon a time, in a cozy suburban neighborhood, there lived an imaginative and compassionate eight-year-old boy named Jacob. Jacob had a heart full of love and an unwavering spirit, but his most cherished companion was his loyal and playful four-legged friend, Ben.

Ben, a golden retriever with a heart as golden as his fur, had been a part of Jacob’s life since the day he was born. From their very first encounter, an instant bond formed between the two. They shared countless adventures, joyful moments, and quiet companionship. Ben was Jacob’s confidant, playmate, and the source of endless love and affection.

One day, however, the family received the heartbreaking news that Ben’s time in this world was coming to an end. Jacob’s parents, understanding the depth of their son’s bond with his furry friend, knew they needed to find a way to bring peace and solace to his tender heart.

Together, the family embarked on a journey to create a beautiful memorial for Ben, a lasting tribute to the remarkable bond they shared. They decided on an intricately designed dog urn, crafted with love and adorned with engravings of the adventures they had together. It was a vessel that would forever hold Ben’s ashes, symbolizing his eternal presence in their lives.

The day the urn arrived, Jacob’s family gathered in their backyard, a place where Jacob and Ben had spent countless hours exploring, playing, and finding solace. They carefully placed the urn in a spot that overlooked their favorite tree, under whose shade they had shared many stories and dreams.

As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow upon the yard, Jacob’s family gathered in a circle, holding hands. They shared stories of Ben, laughter mixed with bittersweet tears, and the profound impact he had on their lives. Each memory painted a vivid picture of the love and joy that had blossomed within their home.

With candles flickering and tears glistening in their eyes, they took turns speaking about the lessons they had learned from Ben’s unconditional love. Jacob, with a brave smile on his face, shared how Ben taught him to be kind, patient, and always ready for an adventure. He spoke of the countless secret hideouts they had built together, the ball games they played, and the comforting presence Ben offered during his toughest days.

As the night sky sparkled with stars, the family lit a candle for Ben, illuminating his memory and the impact he had on their lives. Together, they took a moment of silence to reflect on the immense love they had shared and the indelible mark Ben had left on their hearts.

From that day forward, the family found comfort in knowing that Ben’s spirit lived on, forever etched in their memories. Jacob, especially, found solace in the fact that Ben’s ashes resided in the beautifully crafted urn, a symbol of their unbreakable bond and a reminder that love transcends the boundaries of life and death.

In the years that followed, Jacob’s family continued to honor Ben’s memory by fostering the values of love, kindness, and compassion that he had instilled in their hearts. Of course they adopted another furry friend, not to replace Ben, but to carry on his legacy of unwavering devotion and bring joy into their lives.

As Jacob grew older, he cherished the memories of his beloved Ben, understanding that their bond had taught him profound lessons about love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit. Ben’s memorial became a sacred space, a tangible reminder of the enduring connection they shared and the healing power of remembering a cherished companion.”

Sometimes sweet and childlike is the best,

With Love, 🌿Alex

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Love and Compassion in Loss

custom pet urns blog, love and compassion, pet loss / By /
pet love, loss, and compassion

Compassion and love are intertwined threads that weave the tapestry of our souls. In their gentle embrace, hearts open wide, offering solace and understanding to all beings. They are the balm that heals wounds unseen, whispering words of comfort in moments of despair. With compassion, we extend a hand to uplift others, sharing their burdens as if they were our own. Love’s radiance illuminates the darkest corners, uniting us in a profound sense of belonging and reminding us that we are all interconnected. Let us nurture these sacred qualities, for they hold the power to transform lives and cultivate a world brimming with kindness and harmony.

In the embrace of compassion, we recognize the inherent worth and dignity of every individual, regardless of their flaws or struggles. It is a force that sees beyond the surface, diving deep into the depths of someone’s being, and finding beauty even in their imperfections. Love, too, knows no boundaries or conditions. It is a boundless wellspring, overflowing with tenderness, forgiveness, and acceptance.

When compassion and love guide our actions, we become beacons of light in a world that often feels lost and divided. We extend a helping hand to those in need, lending our voices to the voiceless, and standing up against injustice. With love as our compass, we navigate the complexities of life, seeking unity and understanding amidst diversity. We become catalysts of change, inspiring others to embrace empathy and generosity, creating ripples of love that spread far and wide.

Let us carry the torch of compassion and love, and let it ignite the flame of kindness within us and those around us. For in this sacred dance of the heart, we become vessels of healing, compassion, and transformation, nurturing a world where love reigns supreme and every soul is cherished.

Sending love,

Alex

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Why to Choose a Custom Pet Cremation Urn for Your Pet

custom pet urns blog / By /
marie for pet urn blog

I know losing a beloved pet can be one of the most difficult experiences we go through in life. As pet owners, our pets become a cherished part of our families and bring us such joy and companionship. When it’s time to say goodbye, it can be helpful to find ways to honor and remember our furry friends. That’s where one of my custom pet cremation urns can come in.

A custom pet cremation urn is a beautiful and meaningful way to honor the memory of your little angel. My urns are carefully crafted to hold the remains of your pet’s ashes, providing a comforting and loving resting place for them. While many pet owners choose to scatter their pet’s ashes or keep them in a simple container, a custom urn can offer a more personalized and healing experience. I focus on this healing as I create that special urn for you.

One of the benefits of a custom pet cremation urn is that it can be tailored to suit the unique personality and character of your pet. Perhaps you had a dog who loved to run and play in the great outdoors. A custom urn with the addition of a bone, toy, heart, or paw print could be a fitting tribute to their adventurous or loving or funny spirit. Or maybe you had a cat who loved to lounge in the sun and watch the world go by. A custom urn with the rays of the sun could be a beautiful and comforting way to remember them.

Another aspect of custom pet cremation urns that can be healing is the opportunity for personalization. I actually sculpt your pet’s name, their dates of birth and passing, or a special message or quote that holds significance for you and your family. This can help to create a sense of connection and closeness with your pet, even after they are gone.

Finally, a custom pet cremation urn can provide a sense of closure and comfort during the grieving process. It can be a tangible way to hold onto the memories of your pet and to honor their life. Seeing their ashes in a beautiful and meaningful urn can provide a sense of peace and acceptance as you navigate the difficult process of saying goodbye.

A customized pet urn can be a healing and meaningful way to honor the memory of your beloved pet. Whether you choose a design that reflects your pet’s unique personality or have the urn engraved with a special message, it can provide comfort and closure during a difficult time. As you navigate the grieving process, remember that it’s okay to take the time you need to heal and remember the love and joy that your pet brought into your life.

With love,

Alex

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Urns for Pets and Compassion

custom pet urns blog / By /
Urns for Pets and Compassion

Urns for pets are containers that are used to hold the ashes of a beloved pet who has passed away. These urns come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and materials, and are either hand crafted or mass produced. They are often used to keep the memory of a pet alive, and remind you of the joy and love they gave you.

Urns for pets can be a source of comfort for pet owners who are grieving the loss of their furry friend. By keeping the ashes of your pet close to you, you can feel a sense of closeness and connection to your pet even after they have passed on to the rainbow bridge.

Compassion is also an important aspect of the grieving process when it comes to the loss of a pet. Pets are considered part of the family, and their loss can be just as painful as losing a human loved one. It is important for others to show empathy and support to those who are grieving, and to be understanding of the deep emotional bond that can exist between a pet and their owner. This is actually quite normal and nothing for you to feel ashamed about.

What you can do when someone else loses a pet, is important to offer condolences and to let them know that you understand the depth of their loss. Listening to them and offering a shoulder to cry on can also be helpful, as can offering to help with practical tasks like arranging the funeral or burial, or even just taking care of some of their daily tasks while they are grieving.

Overall, showing compassion to those who are grieving, including ourselves can help bring comfort during a difficult time and keep the memory of a loved pet alive.

If you know anyone that is looking for an urn for a pet, I also offer gift certificates that can make a beautiful, compassionate gift.

Thank you, be well, sending love,

Alex

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Losing a Loved and Adored Pet

custom pet urns blog / By /
Pansy for Losing a Pet

Losing a pet can be so very difficult and such an emotional experience, as we form such close bonds with our furry friends and consider them to be a part of the family. The loss of a pet can leave a deep and lasting impact on us as owners/guardians, and the grieving process can be surprisingly complex and prolonged, often catching us by surprise.

Some common elements of grief after the loss of a pet can include sadness, anxiety, depression, loneliness, and guilt. Your every day life will be changed. Your schedule will now be different. Your sleep may be challenged and you may feel the pain literally physically. It can actually be just the same as the death of a human friend.

To help cope with the loss of a pet, it is important to allow yourself time to grieve and to express your emotions in a healthy way, so it is good to be a bit prepared. Talking to friends or family, seeking support from a counselor or pet loss support group, or participating in creative or memorial activities such as writing, photography, or art can be wonderful options. Some people choose to memorialize their pet through a memorial service, burial, or an urn, while others may choose to adopt a new pet or get involved in animal-related causes. They are all valid ways to handle this loss.

It is important to remember that the grieving process is personal and unique to each individual, and there is no right or wrong way to cope with the loss of a pet, believe me. What is most important is to give yourself the time and space you need to heal and to find your own path to recovery. It will get better.

Lots of love, and please let me know how I can help heal your heart with one of my urns for pets,

🌿Alex

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It’s Been a Long Time

custom pet urns blog / By /
Pet Loss Strength

Since I wrote a blog post. Years, actually. I have been immersed in the work of creation. When I came back from my couple of year hiatus from sculpting urns, I had to reinvent my process completely. My hands could no longer hold up to hours of welding. And, to be honest, I kept having that nagging feeling that there are only so many years you can weld before things start giving out.

So I switched to something smaller. Something easier. But it just didn’t last. I had to come back to this. Creating art for people experiencing loss is so hard, but I think I accepted that it is such an integral part of who I am.

The wonderful thing is that when I was working on smaller things, I was learning how to sculpt in a whole new way. A way that gave me more freedom to create my vision. And also a way to create my life living in nature. Nature heals. And I think that is what gives me support in working with loss all the time. It brings me back to strength. So I can hold that space for others.

And that is just wonderful.

Love to all,

Alex

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