Life in the Garden

Matters of Life and Death

Pets

Pet Tribute Charm Bracelet

Custom designed bracelet
Etsy: BusyBree

While flipping through a magazine I found this sweet charm bracelet that is a cute way to capture the memory of a pet. I did a quick count and there’s approximately 14 tags on this bracelet. So you would have to have saved all your old dog tags over the years, or maybe you’re a pet hoarder and have tags from an assortment of pets. If you are short on tags you could substitute with other charms or trinkets and design your own personalized memorial.

 

 

 

Time to Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

wolf howling t shirtThe Border Collie known as Shadow is going down. If he makes it through the summer, or even the next two weeks…I’ll be surprised. Although, he continues to surprise me. It’s 9:00 AM and he hasn’t moved. We stayed up late last night, and it’s not unusual for him to sleep late these days. But for the last month or so he acts like he’s looking for a place to lay down. Forever.  He’s always been restless, he’s a Border Collie for God’s sake. But on occasion I’ve had to nudge him to make sure he’s still with us.

Let Nature Take It’s Course

It’s been my creed for the last couple of years, and with a couple of exceptions I’m trying to let events unfold organically. As they are supposed to happen. Death is never convenient and could complicate a national holiday. But what’s a girl to do? I’ll wait it out.

 

Pet Urns

The loss of a pet can be so painful. If you’ve lost an old friend, please accept our sympathies. Whether you plan to bury or cremate your pet, you can create a fitting memorial for your furry friend. Pet urns that honor the personality of your pet are available, as well as pet memorial stones that can be placed in a memorial garden or flower bed.

There are many types of pet urns on the market today. What you choose depends on your style and the kind of pet that died. Some of the more common cremation urns for pets include:

  •  Figurine Urns: One of the more popular types of pet urns, this type has a figurine of the type of pet you lost on top of a wooden box that holds the ashes. Many companies offer engraving on a brass nameplate on the urn as well.
  •   Digital Photo Urns: These are typically small wooden urns with a digital photo screen on the front. The urn holds the ashes, and you can upload your pet’s pictures and play them when you like.
  •   Rock Urns: Normally placed outdoors in a garden or under a tree, a rock urn is made from a durable granite mixture that typically stands up to the different weather elements. These come in various sizes, depending on the pet’s size.
  •   K-9 Cottage Urns: Shaped like a small dog house, this wooden urn not only holds your pooch’s ashes, but a picture as well. They typically come in one size but different colors of wood.
  •   Candle Urns: There are several types of candle urns, but they usually are a small or keepsake urn that serves as a candle holder.
  •   Life size Urns: These figurine urns are usually around the size of the pet that died and can include a food dish or even a doghouse! These urns can be placed indoors or out.

Displaying Your Pet Cremation Urn
Urns for pets can be displayed anywhere you want: The living room, bedroom, den, or even outside in a garden. Where ever you decide, just make sure it’s where you feel comfortable having it presented. Remember, if you have small children in the house, place the urn in a location out of their reach.

pet urns

Dark Secrets of Dolphins

Back at the end of January I was reading an East Coast blogger that had stumbled upon a couple of dead dolphins on her beach walk. Now, it seems like a phenom of beached dolphins has developed in that area.  From this blog post another blogger was inspired to create a Decomposing Dolphin color palette based on Siren’s descriptions and pix. It’s twisted yet attractive and I’d like to share it with you now:

decomposing dolphin color palette

Another mystery are people who pay to swim with dolphins and stingrays. If it happens naturally, great, I’ll go with it and try not to freak. But I’m NOT going to pay to get in the tank.  I’ve been saving this article to back up my theory: Dark Secrets That Dolphins Don’t Want You to Know.

 

 

 

What I’ve Learned From My Dogs

pet urn

Every pet owner has a sad dog story. My dogs are elderly and we’re preparing for the end of the journey, as are a couple of our friends lately. Here’s a few tip from our board of directors.

pet urn

  • When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
    Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
    Allow the experience of fresh air and wind in your face to
    Be pure ecstasy.
    When it’s in your best interest, practice obedience.
    Let others know when they’ve invaded your territory.
    Take naps.
    Stretch before rising.
    Run, romp and play daily.
    Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
    Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
    On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
    On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
    When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
    No matter how often you’re scolded, don’t buy into the guilt thing and pout;
    Run right back and make friends.
    Delight in the simple joy of taking a walk.
    Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.
    Stop when you’ve had enough.
    Be loyal. Never pretend to be something you’re not.
    If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
    When someone is having a bad day, be silent.
    Sit close by and nuzzle them gently.