
A pet epitaph is a memorial for your pet that is engraved on a headstone or on a box containing the his ashes.
Pet Epitaph
Losing a pet can be just as hard as losing a close family member or friend. These days, many pet owners choose to keep the memory of their furry friend with a pet epitaph. This is an inscribed plaque or box with a short area of text that honors your pet. It could also function as a place to keep your pet's ashes or as a name marker at a pet cemetery. The epitaph comes from the heart and serves as a reminder of your beloved pet. A pet epitaph usually contains the following:
- Your pet's name or nickname
- Drawings or symbols of your choice
- A short poem or quote
Ideas for Inscription
Choosing what to put on your pet epitaph should be done carefully. There are a number of choices, such as birthday or death date, funny nicknames or sayings related to your pet, drawings of your pet, or a symbol, such as a dog bone or paw print. You could also write out a poem or use a saying that rings true about your pet. Some epitaphs for pets might be heartfelt, while others are humorous and lighthearted.
For example:
- "Rover was a true friend, always loyal, ready to please, and wagging his tail."
- "To the memory of Rover. May you find many bones and lakes in doggie heaven. You will be forever loved."
- "If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again" -Author Unknown
Tips for Choosing an Epitaph
Here are some tips for choosing the epitaph for your pet.
- Decide how much you want to spend: Some pet epitaphs are on the lower price range, starting at fifteen dollars, while others are sixty dollars or more.
- Help for choosing what to say: While most companies who do inscriptions offer poems to choose from, you can also get create and do it yourself. Have children or friends send you thoughts about the pet and make it personal.
- For quotes and sayings: Remember, if you use a sympathy quote from another source, add the name. This is the usual way of attributing back to the original source. If you don't know where the quote came from, leave it blank or use "Author Unknown."
Where to Shop
Here are some places online that offer memorials for your pet. You can also ask your local veterinarian if they offer anything similar. Many vets who euthanize pets will provide the ashes in an engraved box for an extra fee.
- Etched in My Heart offers a plaque with poem choices and a photo of your pet.
- Pet Heaven Express has a variety of pet memorial keepsakes.
- Northwest Stonewise has small to large memorial stones.
A Memorable Gift
Giving a pet epitaph is a great gift idea for a mourning pet owner who recently lost a furry friend. The plaque can serve as a touching memory..