Pet Ashes – 7 Ways to Memorialise Your Pet
Pets are family and after they pass we want to honour them in a dignified and special way. If you've decided to cremate your pet, there are many things you can do with the ashes to make a beautiful lasting memory of the time you shared.
Friends of Sweet Goodbye recently told us that they mixed some of the ashes of their cat, Felix, into concrete and made stepping stones that they laid in their garden, which got us thinking – what other options are there?
Here are our top 7 ideas, from traditional to things you may never have heard of.
Scatter Their Ashes Somewhere Special
The scattering of pet ashes is a popular choice for families, it can be a cathartic ritual.
Think about the location you scatter your pets ashes, maybe their favourite beach or park – and if it’s a public place - if you need to get permissions. Consider the weather too, as choosing a wet and windy day will make the act of scattering challenging and unpleasant.
You may want to make it into a ceremony and invite friends, or leave it as a solemn occasion.
There are urns on the market that are specifically design to scatter ashes. Not only do they look good, but they provide a more dignified way to say goodbye.
Keep Them With You At Home
Many pet owners choose to keep their pet ashes at home. Storing them in a specially selected urn on display with other memorabilia.
Urns come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are made from a wide selection of materials.
Creating a shrine with pictures, trinkets and urn may be part of a farewell ritual and assist in the grieving process.
This constant on-show reminder becomes a talking point for family and friends, providing may opportunities to reflect as you share stories of the time spent with pet.
Make a Piece of Jewellery
There are many jewellery items that can be made from or incorporate your pets ashes.
Miniature urns and pendants enable you to take your pets ashes or fur and use them as a necklace or charm bracelet.
Some jewellers offer custom made pieces enabling you to add other gems or gold from pieces you may already have.
Another option is resin jewellery - both durable and customisable, and something you can craft yourself.
From miniature urns to glass beads, you can even use the cremated remains to grow a genuine diamond.
Send them into space
If you are looking for the ultimate celebration of your pet, you can send their ashes to outer space (we told you there was some different ideas in here!).
A small portion of your pets ashes are placed in an engraved space capsule then sent to outer space on a mission of our choice. You can attend the launch in person or even consider doing a flight together.
You also get a certificate with the mission details that you can proudly display and show your family and friends.
Turn Their Ashes Into Fireworks
Whilst only a relatively new concept, turning your pets ashes into fireworks and having a fireworks display is becoming more popular especially in the USA, UK and Australia.
These are commercial grade fireworks so they must be controlled professionally and are usually offered as part of a service package.
With regulations around the use of fireworks varying from country to country, you need to do your research to find a provider.
Get a Tattoo
Here’s an idea that will be with you forever and wherever you go: Use your pet's ashes in a memorial tattoo.
The process works exactly the same as it would for human remains where cremated ashes are given to an experienced artist to blend into the ink and then used in your design.
It’s important to do your research and find a reputable tattoo artist who has experience with this process and check that you have the correct amount of ashes.
With the right preparation and guidance, mixing pet ashes with tattoo ink can be a beautiful way to remember and honour your furry friend.
Create a Piece of Art
Whatever style of art you like, you will find a way to use your pets ashes.
From mixing ashes into paint and then creating beautiful portraits of the pet and your family to creating a sculpture from glass that encases the ashes - there are endless ways to incorporate your pets ashes into a piece of art.
Having the ashes of your pet gives you the freedom to chose when, where and how you want to memorialise your beloved pet. And with so many options available, you should have no trouble finding the option that best suits you and your bestie.