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by Cameron Allahverdi January 13, 2025 7 min read
As the calendar turns to a new year, it brings a sense of renewal and possibility. It's a time for fresh beginnings, heartfelt resolutions, and creating traditions that honor what matters most. For those who have lost a cherished pet, the new year offers a meaningful opportunity to celebrate their memory in ways that feel personal and comforting. Just as the new year symbolizes growth and hope, it can also become a season to embrace healing and reflect on the joy your pet brought into your life. Whether it’s starting a new tradition like lighting a candle in their honor or finding a unique way to keep their memory close, this fresh chapter is a perfect time to reconnect with their memory. As we welcome the New Year and set our intentions for fresh beginnings, let us also take a moment to honor the furry friends who made our lives brighter.
In the United States, pets hold a special place in the hearts of millions. According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), approximately 70% of U.S. households own a pet, equating to over 90 million homes. Dogs, cats, birds, and other companions provide emotional support, companionship, and even improved mental health for their owners.
A 2023 study revealed that over 85% of pet owners consider their pets to be part of the family. This unshakable bond often turns into profound grief when a pet passes away. Yet, it is this same bond that inspires many to find meaningful ways to keep their pet’s memory alive. The holidays, with their emphasis on love and remembrance, provide a perfect opportunity to celebrate the life of a treasured companion.
The start of a new year can amplify the ache of missing loved ones, including the cherished pets who were once an integral part of our lives. A quiet corner where they used to nap or the absence of their playful energy during celebratory moments can leave an undeniable void. These feelings of longing are a natural part of honoring the bond we shared and the love they brought into our lives.
Yet, the new year also symbolizes hope, growth, and the opportunity to honor their memory in meaningful ways. It’s a chance to create new traditions that keep their essence alive—whether through a moment of reflection, a special keepsake, or a personal ritual that celebrates their impact. Remembering them during this special time ensures that their memory continues to bring comfort and joy.
Here are six meaningful ways to honor your pet’s memory this New Year’s, featuring thoughtful cremation urns and memorial products from GetUrns that help turn remembrance into a celebration of love.
Designating a small, tranquil space in your home as a pet memorial can bring solace and keep their memory close. Place a beautifully handcrafted cremation urn, such as one from GetUrns’ Dog Urns or Cat Urns collections. Hand-made by skilled artisans from high-quality materials, these urns provide a dignified resting place for your beloved pet. Add candles, photos, and mementos to create a sanctuary for reflection and remembrance.
Granite plaques offer a beautiful and enduring way to honor the memory of your beloved pet. Artistically hand-crafted out of stunning black granite, these elegant pet plaquescan be personalized with your pet’s name, a heartfelt message, or even a favorite photo. Granite plaques are a meaningful way to keep their memory close, perfect for placing in a special garden, a dedicated memorial space, or even as part of your home decor.
Pet cremation jewelry allows you to carry a piece of your pet’s essence wherever you go. GetUrns offers a range of options, including pendants and bracelets, designed to capture the eternal bond between you and your pet. These keepsakes are beautiful and a constant reminder of the love you shared, making them a cherished item during the holidays and beyond.
Lighting a candle is a simple yet powerful gesture. Choose a tealight cremation urn, such as one from the Pet Tealights collection at GetUrns. These products combine the gentle glow of a candle with a place to hold your pet’s ashes. Gather your family for a moment of silence or share a favorite memory as the candle burns, celebrating the light your pet brought into your life.
The Porcelain Pets collection at GetUrns offers timeless tributes for those who appreciate delicate artistry. Each piece is hand-crafted with care, embodying your pet's unique personality. Whether it’s a porcelain dog or cat urn, these items make a stunning addition to your home and a loving reminder of your furry friend.
For a deeply personal touch, consider the UV portrait urns from GetUrns, which combine advanced printing technology with timeless design. These urns vividly showcase your pet’s photo, preserving their memory beautifully.
A memory box is a heartfelt way to honor your pet while embracing the essence of new traditions. Fill the box with keepsakes that remind you of them, such as: photos, their favorite toys, or holiday cards that featured them over the years. Place it in a special spot in your home, where it can serve as a cherished reminder of the joy they brought into your life.
To make this tradition even more meaningful, consider incorporating other activities in their honor. Bake their favorite pet-friendly treats to share with other pets in your community or create a scrapbook filled with cherished memories. Sharing these traditions with loved ones not only keeps your pet’s memory alive but also provides comfort and strengthens the bonds between family members as you celebrate the love and joy they bring to your lives.
Giving back during the holidays can be a cathartic way to channel grief into positive action. Consider donating to animal shelters or sponsoring a pet in need as a tribute to your departed companion. Many shelters also have programs where you can contribute to a pet’s name, helping other animals find the love and care they deserve.
You could also volunteer your time by walking dogs, playing with cats, or assisting with adoption events. If you have a talent for crafting or baking, creating handmade pet toys or treats to donate can be a heartfelt way to honor your pet’s memory. These acts of kindness not only provide comfort to animals in need but also allow you to transform your loss into hope and joy for others, making this season of giving even more meaningful.
The loss of a pet doesn’t just affect the immediate family; friends and loved ones often feel the impact too. Comforting someone in their grief could be a meaningful act of kindness.
Here are a few ways to offer support:
1. A Thoughtful Gesture: Give them a personalized keepsake, such as pet ashes jewelry, to let them know you understand their pain and cherish their pet’s memory.
2. Share Stories: Encourage them to talk about their pet. Sharing fond memories can be healing and a beautiful way to keep their essence alive.
3. Be Present: Sometimes, the best comfort is simply being there. Offer a listening ear, a warm hug, or companionship during a difficult moment.
By offering your support, you not only help ease their grief but also honor the bond they shared with their beloved pet, turning your kindness into a lasting tribute to their cherished companion.
Rituals can play a significant role in processing grief. Whether it’s setting aside time to look through old photos, writing a letter to your pet, or holding a small ceremony, these practices allow you to express your emotions in a meaningful way. Including these rituals in your remembrance can bring a deeper sense of connection, gratitude, and solace.
For many, pets are integral to family traditions. Whether they were the first to greet you at the door during family gatherings or had a special spot in photos, their presence is felt in countless ways. This new year, consider creating a special tradition to honor their place in your family. From dedicating a toast to their memory to sharing a favorite story, these moments ensure their essence remains a part of your celebrations.
Grief can feel isolating, but sharing your experiences with others who understand can be incredibly comforting. Join local or online pet memorial groups where members share stories, photos, and support. There is never a wrong time to connect with these communities, reminding you that you’re not alone in your journey of remembrance.
These support groups often become more than just places to talk, they turn into safe spaces where you can freely express your feelings and celebrate the special bond you had with your pet. Many of these communities offer creative ways to honor your pet, like virtual candle-lighting ceremonies or sharing ideas for memorials. Sometimes, it’s simply about being there for each other, listening, and offering support. By joining these groups, your grief can become part of a shared journey, where comfort and hope grow from the collective love, we all have for our furry friends.
If you have other pets, involve them in your remembrance activities. Bake special treats or take them to a festive event. These actions can not only strengthen your bond with them but also help in the healing process by focusing on the love and companionship you still share. Including them in your pet’s memorial traditions allows you to create new, positive memories while honoring the past. For example, you can take them on a walk in a place that holds special meaning or set aside a moment to reflect together. These acts can create a sense of continuity even as you process the grief of loss. By celebrating your current pets and the special bond you have, you foster healing while continuing to cherish the pets who are no longer with you.
This new year, let us celebrate the joy our pets brought into our lives and the love they left behind. By finding meaningful ways to honor their memory, we can turn sorrow into a celebration of their enduring presence in our hearts.
At GetUrns, we understand the deep bond between pets and their families. Our collection of cremation urns, pet tealights, and jewelry is designed to help you cherish their memory with grace and dignity. May this upcoming year bring you peace, comfort, and the gentle reminder that love transcends all boundaries, even those between worlds.
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