Losing a beloved pet is incredibly difficult on many levels. Many of our staff here at Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services know this pain firsthand. Whether a pet’s death is sudden or unexpected, the grief that follows is often intense and complex. After all, our pets become treasured members of the family. Their love is unconditional!

Every day, we help families in Flemington, Hunterdon County and the surrounding areas honor the lives of their loved ones with funeral and cremation services, and this includes their animal companions. We are here to walk you through all your choices when it comes to say goodbye to your beloved pet to make sure you give them the farewell their love and loyalty deserve. And in our experience, doing this will provide you and your family with great comfort. Here are a few ideas to help get you started:

Hold a memorial service.

Having a way to keep your pet’s memory alive is a very important step in the healing process. A memorial service is an opportunity to gather with those who mean the most to you and your pet, share stories and talk about why your pet was so important to you. Our caring staff can help arrange all of the details to help make the service meaningful and personal. You can hold the service anywhere you choose, at any place that reminds you of the special times you shared. Spending an hour or so paying tribute can bring a lot of comfort during these early stages of grief.

Remember your pet with a planting

Planting a tree, shrub, or flower is a beautiful way to honor your pet,  as it signifies life and the enduring nature of their memory. You can make this especially personal by selecting a planting that reminds you of your pet. Did your dog enjoy lounging in the shade of a maple tree in your yard? Perhaps planting a similar tree will bring a smile to your face. Did your cat have snowy white fur? You could plant calla lilies, daisies, or white tulips. Some even make a planter out of their pet’s water or food dish.

Collect items and photos to remember your pet’s unique personality

Do you have dozens of photos of your pet stored on your phone or maybe printed out and tucked away with other paperwork? You can create a beautiful album online that includes photos, stories, and quotes that memorialize times you never want to forget. You may include a paw print, a clipping of fur, or even a customized sketch. Anything that helps you reflect on the life you shared together.

When it’s time to say goodbye to these important family members, you can always turn to D.J. Wright and the entire Wright & Ford Care Team for help and support. In the meantime, be sure to request our free “Loss of Pet” brochure, filled with helpful information about how to cope with your grief. Remember: You can reach out to us anytime by giving us a call, stopping in to see us in Flemington, or filling out our online contact form. We are here for you when you need us.