Besides cats and dogs, horses, birds, reptiles and rodents are just a few of the many types of animal companions we all love and nurture.A March 7, 2006 PewResearchCenter survey of 3,014 adults nationwide finds that a majority of human owners consider their pet to be family.[1]Nearly six-in-ten (57%) of all adults in this country own a pet or pets of one kind or another, with dog owners (39% of all adults) outnumbering cat owners (23%) – and owners of all other pets trailing far behind, the Pew survey finds.Fully 85% of dog owners say they consider their pet to be a member of their family, and most cat owners (78%) feel the same way.[2] When it comes to the loss of a cherished family member, such as a beloved pet, the family may choose to deal with death in their own way, both individually and as a group.A funeral may help adults and children facilitate understanding and acceptance of a loss. A funeral is: §A part of the mourning process §A ritual that enables a person to confront a death §A point to begin or to continue coping with the loss of a loved one §A chance to say goodbye In our society, funerals serve other important functions by allowing a person to process a death within a socially supportive surrounding.One can express and share his/her feelings of grief, loss, and sadness.The life of the deceased is remembered and celebrated.The finality of death is put in perspective, and thus it may be possible for survivors to attain closure. A pet’s memorial does not need to be elabourate.Each person attending may say or write a few words in honor of the pet.You may choose cremation or burial. (* PLEASE NOTE: Consult your community regulations regarding animal burial.)Although there are dozens of commercially available options, you can choose to be creative and personal, too:
Decorate your pet’s favorite dish and use it as a headstone
Place a toy or accessory (bridle, collar, brush etc.) with your pet
Plant a tree, plant, or seeds where your pet is laid to rest
Involve family members by having them each contribute a flower to a bouquet
Collaborate on a finger painting, drawing, collage or other piece of art to commemorate your pet
For more information and suggestions to personalize a memorial for your pet, please contact Venus Kitagawa-Stojsic or see www.ceremonyceremony.com/animals . ### Venus Kitagawa-Stojsic is certified by the Celebrant USA Foundation and she is an ordained non-denominational minister. With over ten years experience in ceremony, public speaking, and leading groups, Venus’ duty is to craft a one-of-a-kind, personalized, custom-written ceremony to reflect her subjects and clients.ALL values, cultures and tastes are honored, from the unusual to the traditional.Visit www.ceremonyceremony.com or call 714.521.4292. SERVING NORTH ORANGE COUNTY, GREATER ORANGE COUNTY, LOS ANGELES, LONG BEACH, INLAND EMPIRE, AND SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA.
[1]Gauging Family Intimacy: Dogs Edge Cats (Dads Trail Both), PewResearchCenter Social Trends Report, March 7, 2006.From internet website http://pewresearch.org/pubs/?PubID=303 browsed on 1 May 2007.
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Wedding, re-marriage, commitment, GLBT, vow renewal, new baby, welcoming / adoption, coming of age, step-family tribute, new dwelling / home / business, birthday, graduation, tribute, job transition, memorial, funeral / end of life, divorce, special achievement, pet / companion animal, civic or corporate event, any other secular or spiritual event.
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