Celebrate World Pet Memorial Day The 2nd Tuesday of June
On the second Tuesday in June we remember and celebrate all the companion animals who have left us to cross the rainbow bridge. It’s World Pet Memorial Day, a day to remember the joy they each brought to our lives.
The time they spend with us is always too short. But the pain of losing them is overshadowed by the daily unconditional love they show us.
And despite vowing never again, eventually we’re ready to adopt our newest bundle of (furry, scaly, feathery, etc) joy.
Why do we keep putting ourselves through it? Probably because pets are a mood brightener. Who can stay in a bad mood with a floppy puppy, ungainly kitten or contentedly purring cat in the room? Only a true curmudgeon, that’s who!
They’re also good for our health … It’s scientifically proven!
World Pet Memorial Day is different from National Pet Memorial Day, designated by the International Association of Pet Cemeteries (IAPC) and held the 2nd Sunday in September.
But the concept is the same for both days: remembering our beloved pets.
Scroll down for some ideas on celebrating this unofficial memorial holiday.
Ideas For Celebrating World Pet Memorial Day
Obviously, spend some time remembering your pet and the love you shared:
- Find old photos to help you remember. Maybe even make a collage with some of them.
- Create a small memorial, either in the house in a spot that was your pet’s favorite or in the yard.
- No place for a memorial? Frame a favorite photo and display in where you’ll see it often.
- Plant a tree as a memorial.
- Make a donation to an animal protection group or shelter in memory of your pet. If you got your pet from a shelter, consider giving to that one.
- Volunteer at a shelter.
- Apply to foster homeless animals to help them find their own loving furever homes.
- Share your memories of your pet on social media. Encourage your friends to add their own memories to your post—memories of your pet or their own.
- Did you bury your pet? Visit the grave. Bring a favorite treat to place on the grave.
- Did you have your pet cremated? If you haven’t yet picked a nice urn for the ashes, do that for the day.
- Do you have any keepsakes from your pets, like a favorite toy or blanket? If yes, take them out and remember your furbabies playing or sleeping with them. Vow to always keep at least one thing to remember each pet by.
- If you have current pets, talk to them about your previous pets. No, they won’t understand your words. But they’ll understand your mood. And they’ll enjoy the extra attention and pets. You’ll feel better, too!
And remember the Rainbow Bridge
We’ve seen this in poem and in prose form. The words are often slightly different. Some have an author attached. Most are labeled author unknown. We suspect the original author is unknown, but some people have used the idea to create their own versions.
We’ve reproduced one of the author unknown versions here.
Remember to have tissues ready. No matter how many times we read it, it always brings tears to our eyes.
The Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face, your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together …
–Author Unknown
