The death of a pet is often a child’s first exposure to the concept of death. It is an opportunity for parents to introduce the child to what the permanent loss of a loved one means and sad as it is, it can be a valuable preparation for the inevitable loss of family members, especially grandparents.

By going through the process of the funeral, children grow to understand the meaning of life and death and how, by honouring the one who has died by giving them an appropriate end of life ceremony, we express our love. A grave with a headstone or a beautiful urn with a plaque remains a tangible symbol of a cherished relationship and many happy memories.