If you’ve ever had a fur baby that has crossed over the Rainbow Bridge, it can be devastating and heartbreaking – they leave a void that can never be filled. Although our dog is no longer here to snuggle with us, we can still let their memory live on forever to provide us comfort.
Grieving the loss of a beloved dog can be difficult, but it might help to use that energy to create a lasting memory of your pup. These 13 ideas are the perfect way to celebrate your pet’s incredible life.
No matter how much time passes, the memory of our dogs that have crossed the rainbow bridge will always stay with us. These amazing projects are a beautiful memento.
1. Dog Dish Planter
When a dog has passed away, it’s hard to see the brightness and happiness in life for a while. Help heal your sadness by using your dog’s bowls or dishes to create a welcoming and vibrant planter at the entrance of your home. Colorful flowers are a great way to bring a smile to your face, plus, it’s a lovely memory of your beloved pooch.
2. Felted Pet Hair Beads
Keep a part of your pet with you at all times by creating felted dog hair beads to create bracelets, necklaces, or earrings. Instructables has the full tutorial using cat hair, however, the same can be done with dog hair.
3. Dog Toy Shadow Box
Tonya Wilhelm of GlobalDogTraining.com created a shadowbox spelling out her dog’s name with his favorite toys, along with a few photos. “The first toy in the top left (bunny) was his first toy ever, and a photograph of him with it is next to it,” says Wilhelm. “The other toy (frog) was his last toy. He loved to carry soft toys around ALL the time. So, I took a few of his favorites, washed them, then cut out his name.”
4. Photo Memory Blanket
If sewing is your forte, a patchwork photo blanket is a wonderful way to create a long-lasting memory of your dog. Instructables has a full DIY tutorial, or you can send in pictures and have one made via Etsy.
5. DIY Memorial Headstone
Make a simple, yet beautiful, headstone for your pet to place in your yard or garden. It’s a wonderful way for you to sit and reflect on all of the wonderful memories you and your dog shared. The Haunted Housewife has simple instructions on how to make your own.
6. Handmade Memorial Plate
Create a keepsake that you could either display or use – like a handmade memorial plate. Head to the craft store and pick up markers or paints that are permanent once dry. Everyday Family has a great tutorial using Sharpies.
7. Make A Scrapbook
Scrapbooking is a wonderful way to compile memories into one beautiful book. Craft stores are full of scrapbooking supplies, so gather up your favorite pictures, think about your favorite memories, and get creating. Your memories with your dog make a great coffee table book.
8. Create A Book Shrine
Author Allan Livingston had a wonderful idea by creating a bookshelf shrine for the dogs he has lost. “The top shelf features recitations of the Rainbow Bridge along with their final paw print and lock of hair. The central shelf holds the marble urns containing their ashes, each with a unique plaque with birth and death dates. Behind the urns is a hardcover copy of Dean Koontz’ book Bliss To You. If you’ve read the book, you know why. The lower shelf has a box for each with their picture on top, and inside are the collars with tags and the bandannas each wore as they died in my arms.”
9. Hanging Plaster Paw Print
If you’re lucky enough to still have your dog in your life, take the time to create a plaster paw print for a keepsake when they’re gone. They can be used for ornaments, or simply to hang in your car’s rearview mirror. Find step-by-step instructions at the Full of Great Ideas blog.
10. Collar/Leash Bracelet
If your dog wore a leather or nylon leash or collar, transform it into a beautiful bracelet that you can wear all the time. If you’re super crafty, you can even incorporate their tag as well. See how this Imgur user made theirs here.
11. Framed Photo Collage
If you’re like most dog parents, you probably have a million pictures of you and your dog – okay, mostly just your dog. Take those adorable pictures and memories and create a beautiful photo collage. This collage, created by Ryan Vayo, President of MyPetHarmony.com, made his dog’s bandana the centerpiece.
12. Chain Wallet/Jewelry
Not only did Ryan Vayo create the incredible photo collage for his dog, but he also used the chain from his collar to create a wallet chain. Many people don’t use chain collars any longer, but if you have an old one lying around, this is a wonderful tribute.
13. Collar Candle
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
A candle is a gorgeous symbol for remembering loved ones that we have lost. All you’ll need to do is buy a candle of your choice and cut the dog’s collar to fit the circumference, you may need to add more holes to secure it. This also makes a thoughtful gift for someone who has lost a pet.
