Can I make an altar for my pet?
By Laurie S.
When a beloved pet passes away, the feeling of loss and grief are so immense, it is difficult to know how to navigate the grief. We have lost a life that we were responsible for, as well as a companion, friend, family member. There is no timeline for grieving and each one of us navigates this very important journey in our own way.
Memorializing our beloved pet by creating altars is one way to allow ourselves a means of honoring our pet and connecting to those that have passed.
What are altars or shrines?
Archeologists have found evidence of altars in nearly all places where there is evidence that humans have lived. Altars are a reminder of love. In many Buddhist traditions and African religions, altars have a permanent space in a home, so that those that have passed can be honored every day. In México, “Ofrendas” (altars) are created for “Dia de Los Muertos” (Day of the Dead). Yes, it is valid to place an altar of the dead for a pet according to Mexican tradition.
Are there differences between altars and shrines? “For the purposes of personal healing from grief, or your own personal spiritual expression, you can use whichever term you like (shrine or altar). One can think of an altar or a shrine as a memorial, memory box, memory space, remembering space for example. “* In other words, your space can be called whatever you choose to call it. For our purposes, here we will use the term altars. Altars can be for everybody, one does not have to be religious, or part of any particular culture to create an altar for a loved being.
Creating your altar
Before creating your altar, it is a good idea to think about the following: What are your intentions in creating an altar? Why do you want to connect with your pet? Your why does not have to be spiritual, having gratitude for them just because they existed is enough of a reason.
- Choose a special spot. For example, the altar I created for my boy is in my meditation room. I also created a memorial garden for him as well. Shadow boxes, tables, shelves, even a special box. Any location that feels appropriate to you is the correct spot, it just needs to be a designated, “intentional” location.
- Display objects that are special, that have meaning. An urn with cremains, a paw print, photos, collars, a painted rock, a favorite toy. Again, anything that has meaning, and memory is okay. There are no rules here.
- Be creative, include the entire family.
- Start a ritual. Daily offerings of their favorite treat, lighting a candle on anniversaries and other important days.
Creating an altar can be so healing. Our pets are always with us. An altar provides a physical space to recognize that, a place to still be with them as they are with us. An altar is an opportunity to create with family this important space.
References
- *Creating Shrines and Altars for Healing from Grief – Good Therapy Blog, https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/shrine-altar-grief-healing