Finding Peace
After the Final Goodbye
After the loss of your precious pet, it is completely normal to feel a complex wave of emotions, including deep sadness, emptiness, or even guilt. Please know that your grief is a testament to the beautiful bond and love you shared with your pet. Allow yourself the grace to have both good days and difficult ones as you navigate your individual path of mourning and start on the tender journey of healing.
Coping with
the Loss of a Pet
OVC Brochure
Compassionate Support
The journey of healing begins with gentle steps.
Helping Children
with the Loss of a Pet
OVC Brochure
Tender Tails
Veterinary Social Worker offering individual counselling and pet loss support groups in Nova Scotia .
Additional Resources
OVC Pet Loss Support main page: https://pettrust.ca/pet-loss-support/
OVC list of books for children: https://pettrust.ca/pet-loss-support/additional-pet-loss-resources/
Tender Tails: https://www.carnegyanimalhospital.com/services/tender-tails-program
Tender Tails Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/share/18F7G5KCFw/
About Grief: https://aboutgrief.ca/topics/grieving-a-pet/
Memorial Ideas
Creating a tribute can be a healing way to celebrate and remember your beloved pet.
1. Memory Book, Photo Album, Framed Collage, or Scrapbook
Create a book, album, or collage with photos, stories, and special memories of your pet.
2. Custom Portrait or Artwork
Commission a portrait or artwork of your pet, or create a piece yourself. This can be a painting, drawing, or digital art that captures their likeness.
We're delighted to recommend the work of Livia of Livia Creates, the talented artist behind the Hearts at Home logo. Working in a variety of artistic media, Livia creates custom portraits and meaningful artwork with exceptional creativity, care, and attention to detail. She takes the time to listen to your ideas and understand your vision to create a one-of-a-kind piece that beautifully captures treasured memories.
Contact Information
Email: livia.cogswell23@gmail.com
Instagram: @livia_c_creates
Facebook: Livia Creates
3. Custom Urn or Pottery Item
Misty Cogswell is the artist behind The Hippie Hermit Pottery, and some of her creations include beautiful, handcrafted ceramic urns and custom pottery pieces. Misty will work with you to design and create a personalized piece that honours the memory of your beloved pet.
Contact Information
Email: thehippiehermit.misty@gmail.com
Phone: 902-691-1049
Instagram: @thehippiehermitpottery
Facebook: The Hippie Hermit Pottery
4. Memorial Jewelry or Keychain
Have a piece of jewelry made that incorporates your pet’s name, a photo, or a small amount of their fur or ashes. You can similarly use customizable keychains and add pet name tags.
5. Written Letter or Journal Entry
Write a heartfelt piece expressing the love and gratitude you feel for the time spent and memories made with your pet.
6. Shadow Box or Display
Assemble a shadow box with your pet’s collar, toys, photos, and a written tribute.
7. Memorial Garden
Plant a tree or flowers in your garden or yard in memory of your pet, perhaps in their favourite area. You can add a personalized marker or plaque.
8. Commemorative Plaque
Install a plaque in a special place or at a pet park with your pet’s name and a tribute.
9. Pet Memorial Service
Hold a small ceremony or gathering to celebrate your pet’s life, sharing stories and memories with loved ones.
10. Custom Blanket or Quilt or Stuffie
Have a blanket or quilt made featuring photos or designs related to your pet. There are even some companies that can make pillows and stuffed animal "clones" of your pet.
11. Video Tribute
Compile a video with photos and videos of your pet, set to meaningful music, to create a tribute that you can cherish.
12. Memory Box
Keep a box with your pet’s favorite items, such as their collar, toys, and any other mementos.
13. Online Memorial
Create an online tribute or memorial page where friends and family can share their memories and photos of your pet.
