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"For the fate of humans and the fate of animals is the same; as one dies, so dies the other. They all have the same breath, and humans have no advantage over the animals"
Ecc 3:19 |
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Honoring Your Pet's Memory |
When we lose a precious pet, we also lose one of our closest friends. We can tell by looking at the body of our pet that its Spirit is no longer in the body -- but its body is still dear to us because it was in the form of the body that we were able to recognize our pet's Spirit. An effective Memorial Service which honors the life of your pet, even though that life has taken on an invisible form, can and should be conducted whether or not you have the remains of your pet's body in your possession. A picture or drawing or statue can be used as a gentle reminder of the animal that is being loved and honored through this ceremony.
However, if you do have the remains of your pet, a short ceremony that lays the body or the ashes in a safe and sacred space helps us to bear the weight of our loss more easily. To bury your pet safely, it is best to dig a hole that is at least two feet deep so that nothing passing over or past the spot will disturb it.
Ceremony
We begin with prayer...
God, we thank You for the joy we knew because we were privileged to share a portion of our life experience with _________________ ( use your pet's name). We miss _________________ very much.
In fact, it is difficult for us to believe that (he or she) will not be home when we get there, waiting for us to return with unfailing love and trust.
We acknowledge that the opposite of death is birth, God, and that in Truth, all life is everlasting. We celebrate, therefore, the life of ___________________ during the period of time that we were able to share with (him or her) in our earthly life experience. We celebrate also the new life experience that (he or she) is enjoying, free of all earthly limitations, beyond our sight.
We ask that our memories of ________________________ always be happy ones, because in (his or her) time with us, (he or she) contributed so much that gave us joy.
Time of Sharing
If friends and family members are gathered for this ceremony, now would be an ideal time to sit on the ground around the space you have provided for your pet's body and share some individual memories of time spent with your pet. Tears and smiles are equally welcome. Animals, even after they leave us, awaken in us the best in ourselves, and in that awakening, we express our feelings at the most genuine level. This time of sharing is both sacred and healing and should be granted as much time it takes for each person to feel real closure.
When the time of memory sharing is over, the ceremony closes with this simple prayer...
___________________, we send you now into God's loving hands, knowing that God created you and that God will tend to your Spirit throughout eternity.
God's Light surrounds you, God's Love enfolds you, God's Power protects you, God's Presence watches over you -- wherever you are, God is -- and all is well.
Some Additional Steps for Healing
When you cover the hole in which you have buried the body or the ashes of your pet, it will help if you can select an object to mark the spot, an object such as a small birdbath, a new tree, or a small sundial or fountain. Whenever your eye falls on this lovingly selected memorial space -- and you feel a sense of peace about your pet -- repeat this simple prayer: God, Bless the Animals.
If for some reason you cannot bury your pet or release its ashes, please don't forgo holding a closing ceremony. Saying the words that release your pet into God's loving care make your healing process much easier. To help you find additional comfort, you may wish to select an object to have in your home that helps your remember the joy that your pet brought into your life. Perhaps a beautifully framed picture of your pet would give you comfort, or a small figurine that reminds you of your pet. Whenever your eye falls on your memory piece -- and you find peace -- repeat this simple prayer: God, Bless the Animals...
You may also honor the memory of your pet (or the pet of a friend or loved one) by donating funds in your pet's name to organizations and agencies that help care for, rescue, and support animals, worldwide or in your own community. Such grateful recipients might include a pet rescue service in your community, the Police Canine Corps serving your community, a local animal shelter, The Humane Society or the ASPCA. Such a gift extends the love and joy that every pet gives to the family that loves and cares for it.
To place your Pet's name in our Book of Precious Memories, Click Here
To make a contribution in your pet's name to help continue the work of this Prayer Ministry, Click Here
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