The Holiday season may bring joy, but it can also deepen the sorrow of pet loss grief. Pet loss grief is often an isolating and difficult journey because it’s what’s called a “disenfranchised” form of grief, meaning a person may not feel they have the right to grieve since it’s not socially recognized.
The healing power of memorial items and gifts can bring a sense of connection, comfort and peace to help ease the process. Gifts not only honor the bond – they can also help this form of grief be shared and acknowledged.
“One of the most significant benefits of memorial items is the tangible connection they provide. The physical presence of a keepsake, such as a piece of jewelry, an urn, or a custom-made artwork infused with cremains, allows pet parents to keep a part of their pet with them. This connection offers a sense of closeness and helps with healing,” said Dr. Laurie Brush, founder of Heaven at Home Pet Hospice and the Heaven at Home Aftercare Center.
In addition to water cremation services, the Aftercare Center offers grief support resources and a selection of memorial items ranging from traditional urns to miniature urn jewelry, custom commemorative candles and glass artwork from partners. The team collects commemorative nose prints, paw prints, and fur and whisker clippings to include in cremation packages.
One partner the team loves working with is Jennifer Waters, founder of Dogkind Candle company, who knows all about pet loss grief. The former Grand Rapids pet photographer turned to candle making throughout a long winter of loss. Her beloved pups Lily, Georgia and Archie each crossed the Rainbow Bridge, one right after another. Her aromatic and therapeutic memorial candles were born during that dark time and now provide customized comfort to fellow pet parents.
Another partner has developed a network of more than 40 individual artisans to create custom cremation ash keepsakes, including glass sculptures, touchstones, orbs and suncatchers. Spirit Pieces, founded by Dave Blake in 2014, has worked with more than 75,000 families to help them through the grieving process.
“Through our work with the West Michigan Pet Loss Grief Support Group, we know that healthy healing is promoted through memorialization,” said Dr. Laurie Brush. “We want our clients to have a wide range of options to celebrate the years of love, comfort and joy their beloved companion animals gifted them.”
For details on partners, help with commemorative gifts, or information about water cremation, please feel free to Contact Us Via Webform or call 616.498.1316.