How to Hold a Dog Burial
Honoring the memory of a beloved pet can bring closure to someone who is grieving the loss of a friend. Many dog owners feel the pet is part of the family and want to have a memorial service to say goodbye. The service can take the form of a small, intimate gathering or a formal ceremony at a pet cemetery.
- Decide on the kind of service you and family feel comfortable with. The point is to honor the memory of your dog. You could choose a religious ceremony, a few informal words spoken at the gravesite or a simple memorial.
- Decide whether you want to bury or cremate. For a permanent place you can visit, choose to bury, either at a pet cemetery or in your yard. If you decide to bury your pet in the yard, check with the local authorities first for any legal guidelines.
- Choose a funeral site. You can have the funeral service at the grave, in your home or in a crematory reception room. If you cremated your pet, you can have the service when you scatter the ashes. Choose your pet’s favorite shady spot or corner of the yard to scatter the ashes.
- Print a few pictures. You can display these in frames around the service.
- Use CDs with songs that remind you of your pet. You can also use poems that express how you felt about your dog and your relationship. Use inspirational words to begin the ceremony for a meaningful beginning.
- During the ceremony, share happy memories. Talk about the best time you shared with the dog and ask other family members to do the same.