I never felt like creating a dedicated space in the house for my beloved pets who passed away, because they were the heart and soul of my home. I carry them with me everywhere, and each corner of my home is filled with memories of them by my side.
So I decided to create special urns that will flow around the house and fit different spots I could be reminded of them, without the eeriness a notion of death carries. What is a body? A vehicle, a container. A home to the soul. I made urns to hold their ashes in - ones I can vibrantly place as an element of beauty wherever I flow through the day: a windowsill that catches the morning light, a bookshelf besides things I love, a table by the front door where I welcome others and myself to every day.
Not a shrine. Small, ordinary places where they’re still part of home life.
Start With a Spot You Already Visit
No need to design a new, separate space. Look at where you naturally spend time. A reading nook, in front of a fireplace mantel. Places you’ll often pass, which means the memorial becomes a lovely part of daily life rather than something set apart from it.
Pair the Urn With What Mattered to Them
Small, meaningful objects
Something like a collar, a favourite toy, a worn lead - placed alongside a piece rather than tucked away, collecting dust. These small objects add texture and soft nostalgia.
Let Natural Light Do Some of the Work
I love the spots that get light changes throughout the day. It brings a dynamic essence to the pieces. A place lived-in rather than a static spot. Do avoid places where harsh sun can cause damage over time to some materials.
Consider the Seasons
Some people like to mark the year around their pet's memorial. A vase of flowers on their birthday, a candle lit, a photo swapped out with the seasons. These small, recurring gestures can mean more than a large, one-off ritual, simply because they happen again and again.
Outdoors, If That Suits Your Pet Better
For pets who spent their life outside in the garden, on the farm, on long walks - an outdoor memorial post can feel more fitting than an indoor piece. Placed near the tree they loved running to or garden bed, it keeps their presence somewhere that mattered to them. Browse our Outdoor Memorials if that feels closer.
There's No Single Right Way to Do This
Look, I wanted to get my pets out of the cupboard and into my living space. But some people prefer a quieter memorial, a more private one. The right setup is the one that feels right. You can experiment until you find what suits you, or even mix and change where the urn is set in the house. There are no rules - only love.
