Condolence Gifts for the Death of a Pet
Here are four tasteful ways to show that you understand the love your friend had for her pet.
The death of a pet can be a painful, and sometimes lonely, occurrence. If you've ever lost a beloved animal companion, you know how difficult it can be. Most people don't fully appreciate or understand the bond somebody can have with their pet, and so they don't truly know what to do or say after the animal has died.
The best thing you can do is not make light of the loss. Show that you're thinking of your friend during this sad time by sending a sympathy card or calling to see if they need to talk. If you're close with the person, or the pet, (i.e. petsitter, veterinarian, rescuer) and you'd like to send a tasteful gift to express your condolences, I've got some suggestions for you.
Pet memorial stones
I've never been one for ostentation, and I love the simplicity and natural look of these pet memorial stones. Whether made from smooth river rocks or New England blue slate with their irregular sides, pet memorial stones look lovely in a garden, as part of a path, or surrounded by a flower patch. They're available in many sizes and offer space for short inscriptions.
Handpainted or hand drawn pet portrait
I have a friend who made a beautiful small painting for me on the death of a pet of mine. Created off a real photo of my beloved Franklin, the thoughtfulness and wonder of it nearly took my breath away. Suffice to say, I still have the painting. If you're not as talented an artist as my friend, there are many pet portrait painters on the Web who you can commission to make a one-of-a-kind remembrance for you.
Photo Album
Even if you're not crafty, you can put together a simple photo album with pictures of your friend's pet in happier times. Buy an album and do it yourself, or upload the photos to sites like Snapfish or Shutterfly and create an album online. If you can't get access to any of your friend's photos, simply purchase an album and put a handwritten note inside, and give it to your friend. Offer to help them put the album together when they're ready.
Donation in memory of the animal
The gift that I usually give to friends who have lost a companion pet is a donation to a local or national animal group in the pet's memory. I've got a few special groups that I like to support, or I give to a group that the friend supports. If your friend adopted their pet from a shelter or rescue group, they'd most likely appreciate a donation to that group in honor of their pet's life.
Losing a furry friend is very difficult. Show that you care with one of these expressions of sympathy for the death of a pet.