Why Pet Remembrance Day Matters
Every year on the 5th of July, pet owners up and down the country take a moment to remember the pets they have loved and lost. This is known as Pet Remembrance Day, and it’s a significant part of the calendar for organisations like Cats Protection.
When we lose a pet, only other pet owners can ever truly understand the pain and loss. Non pet owners might be quick to tell you to move on and forget about it, but it isn’t always this easy.
Pets quickly become part of our lives and important family members. Perhaps the biggest way we feel their loss is through a change in routine. It’s not uncommon to shape our lives around our pets, allowing them to become the foundation of our day to day lives. When they are gone, there’s a fundamental part missing.
This is why it is so vital to take the time to remember beloved pets every year.
What is Pet Remembrance Day?
Cat loss is a natural part of cat companionship. They are not meant to be with us forever, so this day is important for paying respects and saying thank you for their love and support. Some people also choose to make this a day of giving, by hosting events to raise money for cat charities.
It’s also the perfect day to find a way to mark the passing of your pet. You might choose this day to scatter their ashes, or to create a piece of memorial jewellery. It can also be an important part of the grieving process, as you’ll have the chance to find closure in this collective event.
How do you mark Pet Remembrance Day?
You can mark this special occasion in any way you wish. While some people enjoy a moment of quiet reflection, others will look for ways to connect with others and share memories of their pet.
These are some of our favourite ways to mark Pet Remembrance Day that will help you to feel connected and close with your dearly departed pet.
- Create a memory box for your cat. This could include photographs and some of their favourite toys. This is a great choice if you like to be able to reflect on your pet’s life often.
- Design a piece of memorial jewellery for your pet. Memorial jewellery contains the ashes of your pet, or a small piece of their fur. This will help you to feel close and connected to your pet, all year round.
- Raise money for an animal shelter or pet charity. When you feel sad about the loss of your pet, the best thing you can do is to find a way to channel this energy in a positive way. This could mean hosting a bake sale for charity, or taking part in a sponsored walk.
- Volunteer at a pet shelter. If you are missing the feeling of interacting with cats, you could ask a local shelter if they are looking for volunteers to help socialise their pets. You might even consider signing up as a foster carer to help ensure more abandoned pets can find their forever home.
Memorial jewellery as part of the grieving process
Designing a piece of memorial jewellery to mark Pet Remembrance Day is a great way to find closure following the loss of a beloved cat. You can use ashes or hair in this jewellery as a way to pay tribute to your pet.
The design process can be very cathartic as you choose an item that connects with your sense of style. Choose from solid metal or glass gemstones to pay tribute to your pet.
You can then personalise the piece with engravings and messages. This could include a paw print or your pet’s name. You might create one piece, or design jewellery for the whole family.
You can wear this jewellery when you want to feel the connection to your pet, and then you can store it safely away when the worst of the grief has passed. Perhaps the biggest benefit of pet memorial jewellery is that it looks like any other piece of jewellery, so only you will need to know about the emotional significance.