National Pet Memorial Day

Today is National Pet Memorial Day. National Pet Memorial Day was established by the International Association of Pet Cemeteries and Crematories (IAPC) more than 40 years ago and is celebrated on the second Sunday in September. This day allows pet lovers a moment to remember their lost furry companions and show their appreciation for the love, memories, and joys they gave them while still on Earth. Memories can help replace the empty space in your heart from the loss of a beloved pet.


I wrote a post a few days ago for Rainbow Remembrance Day with the title, "It's Just a Cat. NOT!" to address how important our pets are in our lives. Pets become members of our family and are a familiar and comforting part of our lives. When we lose a pet, the pain can be overbearing and is genuine. Everyone mourns the death of a pet in different ways. Some may plant a tree, shrub, or flower as a memorial. Others may create a stepping stone with a paw print of their furry companion or have their pet's ashes made into a pendent. 

Memory shelves that includes the ashes of Sweet Praline and Beignet

Sweet Praline Memories

We just celebrated Rainbow Remembrance Day last week and I shared stories about Praline, who was my first Persian Cat. Today is National Pet Memorial Day and I wanted to take a moment to honor her memory.The photo below is one of my favorites of Sweet Praline. This photo was taken about 6 weeks prior to Praline being helped to the Rainbow Bridge because of cancer. Praline was born on September 25, 1995 in Columbia, SC to two beautiful Persian Cats. Her dad was a red tabby Persian and her mom was a seal-point Himalayan. Praline was registered with the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) as Miss Paula's Sweet Praline. She came to live with me on December 12, 1995 when I was in my first year of graduate school working on my Ph.D. You can read details about her Gotcha Day on Sweet Praline's website. I began a blog about Praline in 2008 called Sweet Praline and it's still active today. I revisit her blog each year on special days of her life with me. 

Praline looking out the window about 6 weeks before she left for the Bridge

When I lost Praline, I was devastated! To help with my grief, I continued to write on her blog until her blogoversary and shared stories, photographs, and memories. I made a video that shared her life in photographs and posted it on her webpage the day I helped her on her journey to the Rainbow Bridge. When I received her ashes, I made a special place for her on shelves of my secretary desk. I surrounded her box with photographs, her favorite toy, some locks of her fur, and a praline figurine a friend sent me. Even though the pain was almost unbearable at times, I felt some comfort when I'd look at those shelves.

Beignet Memories

Beignet - 11 weeks old
Photo credit Terri Rogers

Beignet was Truffle's litter mate and was supposed to come live with me, but God had other plans. Beignet was born on June 2, 2011 and was the only other kitten in the litter with Truffle. Beignet's parents were two silver shaded Persians: Chloe and Jayden. Beignet was never registered (even though he was eligible) because he died on August 24, 2011 as the result of a sarcoma that developed from his first vaccination. I shared a detailed post about Beignet on this blog and I encourage you to visit it to read about my special little mancat.

It had only been 4 months (within 1 day) from losing Praline that I lost Beignet. I had visited the cattery several times that summer and already had a connection with him. When Terri brought Truffle to me and was pulling items out of the bag (blanket, toys, food, etc.) she hesitated a moment and quietly said, "I had hoped to bring you two kittens today..." She then pulled out a tiny gold and black urn and said, "I wanted to bring you a part of him." She'd separated Beignet's ashes and shared them with me. Beignet's urn was placed beside Praline's on the memory shelf. As I took photos this morning, I realized I needed to put a framed photograph of him beside his urn. The photograph above was taken only a few days before he died.

Observation of National Pet Memorial Day

Photo book of Praline

I've chosen to observe this day by sharing how I've memorialized my previous Persian cats, Praline and Beignet. Here are some possible ways you may choose to memorialize your pets.

• Memorial Tattoo. If you like tattoos or always wanted to get one, but didn't know what you'd use, you may consider getting a tattoo of a photo or the name of your cat(s).
• Create a Photo Album. Cherish those memories with a photo album of your pet(s). You may choose to make an "old fashioned" album by putting actual photos in a notebook and write stories beside each photo. You may also consider making a photo book of favorite photos and stories. 
• Write a Poem. If you love to write poetry, consider putting your memories of your special fur child to words.
• Donate to a Shelter in Your Pet's Name. Consider donating (monetary or product) to your local shelter in your special pet's name. You can also donate to national organizations in memory of your pet. This way you are helping others as you honor your pet's memory.
• Share memories of your pets on social media using #NationalPetMemorialDay. 

Remember, our pets become part of our families and we should always remember the joys and comfort they brought to our lives.

How have you memorialized your special furry family member?