Dogs have been part of my life for as long as I can remember, which means loss has been part of it too. With the number of dogs we've shared our home with over the years, we've learned that loving a lot of dogs also means saying goodbye far more often than we'd like. I could write for pages about preparing for loss or learning to live with it, but that isn't really where I want to focus.
What I'd like to talk about instead is the ways we choose to remember them.
Instead, I'd like to talk about memorializing our pets in a meaningful way that allows us to hold onto the beautiful, joyful memories. I think that looks a little different for everyone. What feels meaningful for one person may be completely different for someone else, and I don't believe there's a right or wrong way to remember a dog you loved.
Our Family Memorial
We've always chosen private cremation. In the beginning I wanted a special urn for every dog, but over time that simply wasn't sustainable. Many years ago we had a custom family urn made that holds everyone together. It sits in our family room, and to me, having their ashes there feels like they've come home.
For some people, a memorial might be an urn. For someone else it might be a favorite photograph, a paw print, a garden stone, or a tree planted in their dog's honor. The object itself isn't what's important. It's what it represents.
Why Their Collars Matter So Much
The other thing that's incredibly important to me, and honestly the most important, is their collar.
Collars have always meant more to me than something a dog wears. They reflect personality. They say someone belongs and that they're loved. We literally started a collar company because of the place collars hold in my life.
When we lose a dog, their collar becomes the one tangible thing I can still hold. I can't begin to describe the comfort that brings.
Years ago I had the idea of creating a family totem pole to hold their collars. When a tree fell in our yard and left behind the perfect trunk, that idea became reality. Today it stands in our home as a reminder of every dog who has shared our lives.
It's probably the most meaningful memorial we have.
There Isn't One Right Way to Remember
I know those are unusual solutions, and they're probably only practical for people with large packs like ours. But the idea behind them is universal.
Whether it's ashes, an urn, a favorite photo, a collar, or something entirely different, I think memorials help us stay connected to the ones we loved so deeply and never get to keep long enough.
Memorials aren't about holding onto grief. They're about holding onto love. They give us a place for our memories to live, especially on the days we miss them the most.
Looking Ahead
For quite a while I've wanted earthdog to create something for this chapter of life. Something that brings together the pieces that have meant so much to me over the years.
I think we're getting close, and I hope it becomes something that offers comfort while also celebrating a life that was full of joy. But before I get ahead of myself, I'd love to hear from you.
Would something like this be meaningful to you? How have you chosen to remember the pets you've loved? If there's interest, I'd be happy to share more about the memorials we've created over the years and the small traditions that have helped us find light when it didn't seem possible.
Nothing takes away the pain or loneliness of losing them. But when you're ready, the memories have a remarkable way of bringing them back into your heart.
Every memorial tells a story. If you'd like to share yours, please leave a comment below. I'd love to hear how you've chosen to remember the pets you've loved.
I'd love to hear your thoughts.