What Is National Pet Memorial Day?

The International Association of Pet Cemeteries (IAPC) has designated the second Sunday in September as National Pet Memorial Day, a day set aside to remember our departed animal friends.

Special events such as open houses and remembrance ceremonies are held at many pet cemeteries. A national listing of events can be found at http://www.stonesofglass.com.

Your cherished pet will always have a special place in your heart, no matter how you choose to remember your departed friend. Below we list several ideas:

• Participate in online memorials and ceremonies or have one by your pet’s favorite place.

• Immortalize your pet in glass by the artist’s at Stones of Glass http://www.stonesofglass.com

• Put a paw print in clay that will harden with your pets name and date as a keepsake.

• Create a living memorial by planting a tree or bush at Tree Givers, http://www.treegiv ers.com/index-pets.html

• Participate in online pet loss groups to remember your beloved companions.

• Collect photographs and make a photo album or scrapbook, frame pictures or just carry them with you in your wallet.

• Start a pet loss support group in your area or volunteer your time at an animal shelter.

• Collect your favorite pictures and turn them into a screen saver for your computer.

• Make a donation to your favorite cause in memory of your pet.

• Watch old video taken of your pet with you and your family.

• Call the people who were closest to your pet and invite them over to your house and exchange stories with each other about good times spent with your pet.