What to write on a pet memorial page: 12 ideas and short examples

1. How they came to you

Where you met, who chose whom, what you noticed first.

Example: "Mochi was the only puppy in the pen who ignored us completely. We picked her anyway. She picked us about a week later."

2. Their name and how it stuck

Nicknames count more than the real name. List all of them.

Example: "Biscuit, Bisky, Mister B, and when he was in trouble, Sir."

3. One ordinary routine

The daily thing is what you will miss most. Write it plainly.

Example: "Every evening at nine she sat by the kitchen door and waited for the last biscuit of the day. She never once forgot."

4. The sound they made

The chirp at the window, the sigh when they lay down, the click of nails on the floor at 6 a.m.

5. What they were afraid of, and what they were brave about

Thunder, the vacuum, the neighbour's cat. And the time they were braver than you expected.

6. Their favourite place

The sunny square on the carpet, the top of the fridge, your left shoulder.

7. The thing only your family knows

A private joke, a trick they would only do for one person, the way they said hello to your mother.

8. What they taught you

Keep this to one sentence so it stays honest.

Example: "He taught me that you can be glad to see someone every single day for fourteen years."

9. A thank you

Thank them for something specific, not for everything at once.

10. An apology, if you carry one

Many people do. Writing it down is often the first time it feels lighter. If you are weighed down by guilt, our support page has free lines to call.

11. Where they are now, in your words

Some people write about the Rainbow Bridge, some about the garden, some just "asleep in the sun". Use the picture that comforts you.

12. What you will do to remember them

A candle on their birthday, a walk on their route, a donation to the shelter. A small promise you can keep.