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Pet Memorial Tree -Honor a Loved Companion

“It takes a special pet to make us care so deeply and miss them so greatly.”

Small dog and cat cuddling at home

We Love Pets

It seems to be undeniable that Americans have a love affair with pets. Over 100 million households in this country have at least one pet. Dogs are the most common household pets, with over 60 million, with cats coming in second place. But let’s not forget about fish, birds, small animals (gerbils and rabbits for example), reptiles, and horses. Just take a walk around the neighborhood on a nice summer night and this fact will be confirmed, at least in respect to dogs. America’s deep affection for pets is a testament to the unique bond humans share with animals. This bond was developed thousands of years prior as confirmed on ancient hieroglyphic rock etchings in ancient times. Dogs were valued for their loyalty and skills in hunting and protection, while cats were cherished for their ability to control disease carrying vermin.

One of the most significant shifts in the perception of pets, at least in recent times, is their transition from being mere animals to becoming family members. From the wagging tails of dogs to the soothing purrs of cats, pets have become integral members of many households across the country. A survey conducted by Harris Poll found that 95% of pet owners consider their pets part of the family. This sentiment is reflected in the way people celebrate their pets’ birthdays, include them in holiday festivities, and even create social media profiles for them. Visit a restaurant patio and most likely you have shared it with a dog or two. Drive down any road and it is common to see a dog’s head sticking out of the passing car’s window. Take a plane trip and there is a good chance that you have boarded along side an accompanied pet, whether you wanted to or not. And a big amenity for any community, whether to maintain residents, or to attract new residents, is the local dog parks. The proliferation of these parks around the country in the last decade is staggering. The city of Boise, Idaho leads the way with over seven dog parks per one hundred thousand residents.

Health Benefits of Owning a Pet

Several factors have contributed to the rise in pet ownership. Numerous studies have highlighted the health benefits of owning a pet. Pets are known to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. The simple act of petting a dog or cat can release endorphins and lower blood pressure. Additionally, pets encourage physical activity; dog owners, for instance, are more likely to engage in regular exercise through daily walks. During the COVID-19 pandemic, pets played a crucial role in providing emotional support. As people faced isolation and uncertainty, pets offered unwavering companionship and comfort. Animal shelters across the country reported a surge in adoptions, as individuals and families sought the solace that pets provide.

Pet Loss Tree - Dog Over The Rainbow Bridge

Losing a Pet

The downside with the infatuation of owning pets is that they don’t typically live as long as humans. The average life span for a dog is 10-13 years depending on the size and breed. Ask any dog lover and they will tell you that they will go through mourning several times in their lifetime due to this short canine lifespan. Losing a pet is a profound and heart-wrenching experience. For many, pets are not just animals but cherished members of the family, providing unconditional love, companionship, and joy. The death of a beloved pet can evoke intense emotions, and navigating the grief that follows can be challenging. I have addressed this challenge in a prior blog, 3 Tips for Grieving the Loss of a Pet.

Man and dog sitting in a forest of Cherry trees

Pet Memorial Tree

I have noticed in the last year since that blog was published how many more people are planting a pet memorial tree in order to create an everlasting tribute for their pet or for their friends or colleagues who have lost a pet. Planting a pet memorial tree to honor a faithful dog companion is the most common given the close connection between dogs and trees. What dog would not want to be memorialized with their own tree?!

The Gifted Tree makes it easy to plant a pet memorial tree. We have a number of beautiful hand-crafted tribute options which will resonate with the recipient and show you care. Some of the tributes are pet specific such as the Paw Prints premium sympathy card and a selection of pet loss animated digital eCards. As an added bonus, The Gifted Tree has a list of pet condolence messages to include on your tribute if you are struggling to find the right words to write on the tree planting certificate. Whether you’re looking for a more meaningful way to remember your own beloved pet after they’ve crossed the rainbow bridge or you’d like to send a tribute to a friend or family member who has lost a faithful companion, a memorial tree planting for the loss of a pet will create a perfect remembrance gift and a lasting legacy. Planting a tree in honor of a dog, cat, bird, or other animal is an enduring pet memorial gift.

Dog noses emerging from a heart-shaped blanket

 

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3 Tips For Grieving The Loss Of A Pet

Pet Loss Tree - Grieving The Loss Of a Pet

 

 

If you are like me, dealing with the loss of a pet is one of the most difficult things we will ever handle. Pets are a family member and bring so much comfort and unconditional love, it is totally understandable that losing them can be emotionally devastating. Our pets play such an important role in our daily lives, as 70% or more of US households have a pet, it is very painful when we lose our pets. And to compound things, if you are a dog owner, again like me, losing “man’s best friend’” will happen a number of times over your lifetime as one is more likely to get a new dog when the old one crosses the rainbow bridge. Thus, pet loss grief is a reoccurring theme.

Because our pets are such valued members of the family and have gotten us through some difficult times, it is not unusual to be hit hard by this loss. Our furry friends hold a special place in our hearts, and their passing leaves an indelible void. Grief is a natural response to this loss, and it’s essential to navigate through the emotions in a healthy and supportive manner. In this blog post, we will explore three strategies and coping mechanisms to help you and your family deal with the death of a family pet.

1.      Acknowledge and Validate Your Feelings

The first step in coping with the death of a family pet is acknowledging your emotions. We love our pets because they’re by our side through thick and thin. They’re loyal and loving; they never fail to make us smile, even when times are tough. For dog owners, who does not remember arriving home after a tough day at work, walking in the house to a wagging tail and kisses on your face. The loss of a pet is devastating in a way that few people understand if they haven’t also had the experience of losing a pet. It’s common to feel a range of emotions such as sadness, grief, guilt, and even anger. These emotions are completely normal, and you need to realize that this grief is valid and real.  Allow yourself and your family members the space to express these feelings without judgment. Remember, it’s okay to grieve the loss of your beloved pet.

2.      Communicate and Share Memories

Pet Loss Tree - Dog Walking In The ForestSharing memories and stories about your family pet can be a healing experience. Sit down as a family and reminisce about the happy moments, funny antics, and the unconditional love your pet brought into your lives. Open communication creates a supportive environment where everyone can express their emotions and find solace in these shared memories. However, as you remember the great times together with your animal, recognize that everyone grieves differently and in a different timeframe. We don’t want to be judgmental if a family member is not feeling the same as you. Doctor Amy Sullivan, a psychiatrist at the Cleveland Clinic emphasizes, “What’s important is that we recognize that people are experiencing these feelings, and we support them and guide them in each of these different emotions.”

Furthermore, if need be, tap your support system from outside your family group. Reach out to friends, family, or fellow pet owners who have experienced a similar loss. They can provide understanding, empathy, and valuable advice. Additionally, consider joining a pet loss support group either in person or online, where you can connect with others who are going through similar grieving processes. Try Googling “pet loss support group near me” and you should be able to learn about a number of support possibilities near where you live.

3.      Create Physical Memorials

Pet Loss Tree - Dog Over The Rainbow BridgeConsider celebrating the life of a departed pet by creating a memorial for your pet or for a friend’s pet that has passed. Physical memorials are one of the easiest ways to remember a pet. Planting a memorial tree has become a popular and perfect way to honor the memory of a lost pet. A memorial tree for a pet sends the message that you understand and that you’re there during this difficult time. (What dog would not want to have a tree planted in its memory? Especially if your dog enjoyed being outside and taking walks in the woods.) Whether you’re looking for a meaningful way to remember your own beloved pet after they’ve crossed the rainbow bridge or you’d like to send a tribute to a friend or family member who has lost a faithful companion, a memorial tree for the loss of a pet will create a perfect remembrance gift and a lasting legacy. Planting a tree in honor of a dog, cat, bird, or other animal is an endearing and enduring pet loss gift and one that provides many benefits to our planet as well.  Engaging in these memorial activities allows you and your family to pay tribute to the love and joy your pet brought into your lives or those of a friend. The Gifted Tree allows you to honor a beloved companion by planting a tree in US National Forests to create a memorable pet memorial. Several unique and handcrafted tribute designs and pet loss cards are available to send to yourself or to the family of those who lost a family pet. One aspect I really like about the website is if you are struggling to find that perfect pet loss message to include with a tribute, there is a full page of pet loss quotes and poems that you can use. One of my favorites is: “Somewhere between hello and goodbye, there was love, so much love.”

Conclusion

Pet Loss Tree - Sad Looking CatLosing a family pet is an incredibly challenging experience, and coping is a process that can take a long time. But with time, support, and self-care, healing is possible. Remember that grief is a unique journey for each individual in your family, and everyone may cope with it differently. Be patient and understanding with yourselves and each other as you navigate this difficult time. Cherish the memories of your furry friend and allow their love to continue to bring warmth and joy to your lives. As Dr. Sullivan concludes herself “I don’t think you ever move on — you move forward, and the relationship you have with each pet is different. No one’s going to replace that.”

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