Memorial Gift Ideas for the Loss of a Dog

When a dog dies, the house loses its routine: the walk at seven, the bowl by the back door, the sound of paws on the kitchen floor. A memorial gift for the loss of a dog works best when it honors that daily bond, not just the pet. The 12 ideas below run from a small paw print kit to a portrait worth hanging above the fireplace. Our honest top pick is a clay paw print, because it is the one keepsake that can only be made in the first few days.

Hear a real memorial song

This one was made for another family. Yours would carry your dog's name and your stories.

12 memorial gift ideas for the loss of a dog

1. A paw print, from the vet or a kit. Ask the vet before cremation or burial, because a clinic can often make a clay or ink print if someone asks. Home kits are usually $15 to $40.
2. A portrait painted from a favorite photo. Choose the photo that shows the tilt of his head or the ear that never stood up. Usually $80 to $300.
3. His collar in a frame. A shadow box holds the collar, his tags and a photo, so they are not left in a drawer. Usually $40 to $90.
4. A song about him. Share his name, his tricks, his spot on the couch and the way he greeted everyone at the door, and Songbond turns it into an original song ($39.90). Some families play it for the kids who grew up with him.
5. A garden stone with his name. For the corner of the yard where he liked to lie in the sun. Usually $30 to $80.
6. A donation to a shelter in his name. Or sponsor a shelter dog's care for a month. Usually $25 to $100, with a card that tells the owner which dog it helped.
7. A plush made to look like him. Sewn from photos, down to the markings on his face. Usually $150 to $300, and a real comfort for children.
8. A locket for a little of his fur. A small glass or silver keepsake worn on a chain. Usually $30 to $80.
9. His nose print on a pendant. Made from an ink print of his nose, which is as unique as a fingerprint. Usually $50 to $150.
10. A small book about losing a pet. One for the adults, or a picture book for the kids. Usually $10 to $25.
11. A calendar of his photos for next year. Twelve of his best pictures, so he is on the kitchen wall all year. Usually $25 to $40.
12. Company on his old walking route. The first walk without him is hard to take alone. Offer to go along, same time, same route.

How to choose for a dog owner

Think about what the dog was to them. A child's first pet, a working farm dog and an old companion who lived with someone alone each leave a different kind of quiet.

• If they want to see him every day: the portrait, the calendar or the collar frame.
• If they want something to hold: the plush, the fur locket or the paw print.
• If they would rather give back: the shelter donation in his name.

Ask about the paw print first

If the loss is only a day or two old, the most useful thing you can do is ask one question: has anyone asked the vet for a paw print or a clipping of fur? A vet can usually make one before cremation, but only if someone asks, and the chance is gone within days. After that, the timing is gentler. A card within the week that names the dog means a lot. A small gift on the first anniversary shows you remember he was family. Say his name. People often avoid it, and dog owners notice.

A song for your dog

Make a memorial song for a dog. Tell us his name and his habits, and it is ready within 24 hours. Express delivery gets it to you in about an hour.

Also in the Journal: songs about losing a dog and rainbow bridge songs for a pet memorial.