Friday, June 7, 2013

Marking The Passing Of A Special Pet With A Dog Headstone

By Lucille Lamb


Dogs, in particular, can occupy a very special place both in families and in their owner's hearts. The death of a much loved pet can sometimes feel as upsetting as losing a human family member. Having a grave to visit can often help in dealing with bereavement, and many like to select a dog headstone to mark this special place.

If the grave is in the family garden then the only factors to consider will be size, price and appearance. However, people who are wishing to mark burials in cemeteries will need to check if there are any special requirements. Some places have restrictions on both size and appearance and it is wise to take note of these in order to avoid further upset later. Stones which do not comply with regulations are often asked to be removed.

Wherever the headstone is placed, it must be made of something that stands up to the weather, and stones are manufactured in a variety of suitable materials, such as resin and stone. The price varies depending on the material used, with resins generally being cheaper. However, these come in a range of different finishes with some being made to look like the more expensive black or grey granite.

In a cemetery the maximum size of stone may be dictated but even in a private garden, it should be considered. Few would want the grave to be the first thing you see when you look outside, and generally, the smaller the space, the smaller the headstone should be. In very small spaces, a slab or rock on the ground may look better than something more vertical.

Generally headstones for pets are made in the same range of shapes as those for people. Rectangular stones, with or without rounded edges, are popular, as are the open pages of a book, crosses and hearts. Many companies will also happily manufacture one-off designs to meet a customer's exact specifications.

Choosing the wording on the headstone can be difficult. People sometimes stick to the dog's name and dates of birth and death, but others want something more. A description might be appropriate, words of a poem, a request to rest in peace, or some indication of how much the animal was loved and is missed. Some manufacturers will include a photograph of the pet on the stone, usually in color, and silhouettes of a heart, paw print or dog are also popular.

There are many manufacturers of headstones and most of these can be found by searching on the internet. However, if people prefer a local company they can visit in person, their veterinary surgeon or local cemetery may be able to recommend one. There is no doubt that whatever type of stone is required, it will be found somewhere.

A dog headstone can be a good way to mark the grave of a much loved pet. Often people talk to their dogs and it is consoling to be able to visit the spot and continue these conversations. The knowledge that a beautiful stone has been erected can also be comforting, as can choosing it, as it is one last loving action made for the dog.




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