A simple ritual helps those mourning the family cat
Sable, my ocicat. Photo by Mike Soltis
A person can get so attached to a pet. When one of my dogs died, I think I mourned for a year. This isn't something you tell everyone. Only animal lovers understand that a person can form such a strong bond with a pet.
So how do you celebrate your pet's life? And what do you do with your dead pet? We had a little ceremony of burying our cat in the yard. Several neighbors and their kids joined us as Mike dug the hole and placed Sable deep inside.
There is something that connects you to Earth when you and your kids bury your dead animals. It's simple and humbling, all in one small dirt hole in your yard.
Everyone who attended our small funeral was a cat and dog owner and all had lost favorite pets over the years. Tears flowed as our friends remembered their most recent pet losses. Then the conversation turned to some close family members who had died and what we did with their ashes. It was interesting to note that many loved ones are still close to home, if not still in the home.
The ceremony didn't last long. The kids moved on to the lake and swimming. Mike will be thinking about his ocicat for years to come. Grieving the loss of your pet is normal. Sometimes it just helps to talk about your pet and remember him in a fond way.
If you're a reader, check this out: Robert Pasick, a local Ann Arbor resident, wrote a book 10 years ago that he has recently republished called "Conversation with My Old Dog." These are short poems and stories that document talks with his dog. I'm sure any pet owner will find these one-sided conversations very relatable.
What has helped you mourn the loss of a beloved pet? Leave a comment below and share your story.
Lana Hawkins is a dog owner and runs the Ann Arbor Dog Blog. Visit us for dog care advice, products and reviews of local dog care professionals.
Comments
interested
Wed, Aug 25, 2010 : 9:48 p.m.
I cremated my beloved cat who past just over four months ago. She stays on my television mantel in an urn, with her picture and one of her favorite toys next to it. Some days are okay, others I can find myself sobbing repeating to myself, "Where is she, and why isn't she here!". My personal memorial occurred just after a week she past. www.petloss.com has a global memorial online every Monday evening at 10pm eastern time. One can follow along the dialogue displayed in the chat room. I played music in the background, followed the instruction provided. It was a cathartic experience. I am still figuring out ways to memorialize my old friend. I will never have a cat quite like her...I will miss her forever.
Deb Kern
Wed, Aug 25, 2010 : 12:24 p.m.
We are sorry for your loss. Many visitors to the Humane Society of Huron Valley tell us that they are not ready to adopt yet because they are still grieving their loss but they still like to visit the animals. It's very hard to lose a pet and talking about it can help many people. You do not have to suffer alone. If you need a FREE DROP-IN pet loss support group to help you, please check out the events calendar at HSHV.org. The next group meets on Sunday, September 19 from 1 to 2 pm.