Frequently Asked Questions

How are Pet Honoring Memorials different from Funerals and regular Memorial Services?

For humans, funerals and memorial services are traditionally held close after a death and serve as a way to mourn a loss. Memorial services are without remains present and can be less formal. Both are needed and an important part in grieving and expressing the heavy emotions that accompany death.

Honoring memorial services are usually done later, when it feels right and when one is ready. Some choose to do an honoring service a few weeks, months or even years after a transition. It provides a focused time just to say thank you and honor them. Appreciation and love are the best gifts we can give. Plus, it just plain feels good to say thank you for those that have had great value in our life. The focus here is on honoring and giving thanks for the specialness of that one in our life, the love shared connecting us back to the aspects of that relationship that are a special and a permanent part of us.

Will a Pet Honoring Memorial service help me feel better?

Feelings of loss and separation are a natural part of the grieving process simply because there is a physical loss and we had great love for our pet.  An honoring memorial, when one is ready, can help transcend the heavy feelings and connect us back to the part of that relationship which will always exist. It can help lift us out of the sadness of the loss and be with what is real – the essence of the love and specialness of that relationship.

Is this something we can do as a family? Will my children be able to participate? Absolutely. When a family is ready, many have found an Honoring Memorial Services brings the joy back in remembering a beloved pet. Preparation of the Honoring memorial facilitates discussion, closeness, sharing and many times helps ease feelings of sadness, anxiety and unknowing in their children. It helps children feel more secure and eases sadness of the loss. “For many children, pet death is the first time they will experience grief over death. Handling a pet’s death in a positive way empowers children to handle grief in the future,” says Julia Brannan. I couldn’t agree more. All participants should be given the choice to participate or not. I am happy to help you and your family create the perfect pet memorial. There are many ways to customize these for each individual, family and pet.

Are Pet Honoring Memorial Services just for dogs and cats?

Heavens no! Although cats and dogs are probably the most popular pets, any pet or animal you love is worthy of Honoring. Many people have loving and deep relationships with horses, rabbits, birds, reptiles, gerbils, lizards, ferrets, pigs …..just to name a few. Honoring Memorial Service are done for people, too! In fact, any being you have love or appreciation for is worthy of honoring.

What if I have more questions?
Just contact me and we’ll chat. I LOVE talking pets and honoring. 

I’d be delighted to create and officiate a Pet Honoring Memorial service to honor your pet!

In kindred spirit,

L. Leigh Love

L. Leigh Love offers Pet Honoring and Animal Communication sessions to honor our pets since 2008. She is proud to be a pioneer in this area. She is the author of the award-winning children’s book, ‘Roly-Poly and the Light’ and a new pet storybook, “Light of My Life, Love on Your Journey’. Author website is LLeighLove.com and Spiritual website BrightStarStudio.net

Pet Honoring is part of Bright Star Studio, llc.

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