A pet's death can be a source of great grief; a memorial service helps mourners to acknowledge the pet's role in their lives and to say goodbye
When a beloved pet dies, the family it leaves behind feels grief and sadness, perhaps nearly as much as if a human being had died. Sometimes the family will bury the pet and say a few words over the grave. Although rudimentary, this sort of pet memorial is a positive acknowledgment of the important part the pet played in the family.
Increasingly, though, pet owners are opting for formal burial or cremation for their valued companions. Not only do these procedures impart a sense of respect for the animals, they also give the owners a measure of closure. Pet crematoria and pet cemeteries have become almost as common as those for human beings, and their operators are usually pet lovers themselves, respectful of the feelings of loss that the owners are feeling.
Along with burials and cremations, owners may decide to honor their pets with a memorial service. Far from being an indulgence, a memorial service can help people to acknowledge publicly their deep sense of loss and grief, and to honor an animal that played a major part in their lives.
Celebrants work with the bereaved pet owners in much the same way as with a family suffering the loss of a human family member. A celebrant will conduct an interview to learn about the pet and the wonderful life it shared with the owners. and help the family to choose readings and music, much the same as for a funeral service. The celebrant will tell the story of their beloved pet from the time they first spotted it in the pet shop or animal shelter or breeder's farm, until the very last moments of its life. Pets develop unique personality traits that are fondly remembered, and usually entertain and amuse their owners, and the celebrant will share in reconstructing the pet's life and writing a deeply meaningful, moving story, or gleefully retelling the mischievous antics that made the animal a special, unique member of the family. Did Cleo the dog love to howl along with the fire siren? Did Teddy the cat run to the door and meow for her every time she went outside for a walk? The endearing traits that made pets such an integral part of life will be remembered, retold, and memorialized in the service.
A celebrant will also respect the grief and honor the life that has ended by performing the ceremony at the gravesite, crematorium, or any other site chosen for the memorial service. Recognizing the central role that many animals play in their families' lives, a celebrant will write a service that speaks to their hearts and honors their loss.
