Unfortunately, we are often driven to memorialize our pets after they are no longer with us. These projects can be a wonderful blessing and a step forward in the grieving process, but they can also create a new heartache if that memory we wish to capture is no longer within our grasp.
When our girl Fergie died during surgery, our vet presented us with a kit that allowed us to take an imprint of her little feet. We were thankful for the opportunity to do this, but we were saddened that we hadn’t done it in a more happy time.
There are many kits available on the market for you to purchase that will help memorialize your pet.
Clays that cure when air dried or baked work great. Add colors, words, embed tags, collars, whatever your heart desires. Have fun with it.
We created our paw print memorials many years ago, and they have been displayed atop the fireplace. Recently, I decided to insert a cute ribbon through them, and hang them alongside the framed photos of our Pack.
Hope you’ve found some inspiration to make your own! Moments don’t last forever, but memories can if we seek to preserve them.
These make great gifts and can be used with holiday decorations or to add a special touch to an office.
Tips for getting a great print:
* Choose a time when your dog is alert but not overly excited. Our guys were young and full of energy when we did these prints. We chose to get a print from them when they were in need of a nap and much more accepting of having their paw pressed into an unknown material. Treats helped.
* Don’t push so hard that you hurt your pet, especially on small animals like ferrets or cats. You need some pressure on the paw, but not a ton. You don’t want to break a nail or digit in the process.
* You don’t have to make just one, making multiple prints of your pet’s paw as they grow is a great idea.
* Follow all directions on the clay product you use.
* Experiment with paint or stains to color in your words or the actual prints.
* Clean up after your print making – don’t leave clay out for your pet to eat. Wash off your pet’s paw.
