Expand To Show Full Article
Our Pet Memory Garden: Honoring Furry Muses

Please note that some posts contains affiliate links & I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links Find out More

Our Pet Memory Garden: Honoring Furry Muses

by | May 19, 2022 | Cat Behavior & Care, Dog Training & Care, Garden | 10 comments

Those who follow this blog know about our rose garden tribulations. We live on 13 acres, with lots of area to landscape. It remains a work in progress, and I had several ideas for pet remembrance and plants to honor pets like my Bravo, Magic, Seren and others. Finally, I chose a location for our pet memory garden. I’m sure it will evolve in the coming months and years.

Our Pet Memory Garden: Pet Remembrance Ideas

When I shared pictures on Facebook, several folks posted their own pet memorial flower gardens. What you choose depends on the pets you honor, what plants thrive (or don’t) in your neck of the woods, and individual preferences.

I wanted something small and manageable. A couple of years ago, I created an enclosed flower bed beneath one of our oak trees at the front of the house. It originally held tulips–but in North Texas, tulips don’t repeat bloom well. Although I collected the bulbs, chilled them per instructions, and planted the following spring, nothing grew. My husband suggested roses, but we already have those everywhere else. Also, roses thrive in full sun, not in the shade.

And I wanted our pet garden filled with colorful blossoms that attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and all the critter delights that so enraptured Seren-Kitty and her canine buddies.

Pet Memory Garden Ideas

You can find beautiful pet memory garden stones and monuments. I wanted something more representative–and I’m also an Ebay junkie, browsing far too long over garden decorations. I found garden spinners, a cast metal tree surround seat, wind chimes, and many other treasures. This cast cement garden cat works purr-fectly as a tribute to Seren.

So I hunted for appropriate canine statues. Bravo didn’t look exactly like his Bullmastiff mom, and we could only guess about his dad (maybe Dane?). So I found a cast fiber-stone statue, not too heavy, that came as close as possible to represent Bravo. I don’t think he’d mind.

Honoring the Memory: For All the German Shepherds

One friend commented she’d had many cats over the years and wouldn’t have space for individual stones or statues. Maybe a rock garden, with a name inscribed for each–or a single monument with a place to include each precious name? Those of us who love multiple pets feel the same–but a single representation works for me. One kitty statue for past and future felines, and one German Shepherd to represent all our shepherd buddies.

Plants to Remember Pets

Choose the plants you love. If your current pets have access to the pet memory garden, choose pet-safe varieties. You can find tips to shoo neighbor cats away from gardens in this post.

Our Shadow-Pup doesn’t visit this area, and stays in the fenced back garden, and Karma-Kat only ventures out in his Karma Kart stroller. So I chose plants for color.

There are Asian lilies (toxic to pets!) for orange, and yellow daffodils. Bunches of blue and pink hydrangea bloom in clusters. Dahlia in yellow, orange, and red surround the outer edge. And plumbago, those clusters of blue at the center, grow tall into shrubs that will shelter my spirit pets and shower with color in the heat of Texas summers.

So do you have a pet memory garden? How do you pay tribute to the pets of your past? Do tell!

Future Garden Plans

FCC noticeOur back garden area currently looks like a forest with lots of volunteered native trees. We plan to thin that out, keeping three beautiful oak trees, and showcasing some islands of flowers and color (mostly roses).

Since Texas summers scorch us, and our pets, we may include misters to help cool the area. And also possibly some fun gazebos for future outdoor entertaining. I found these, with great sales and discounts, and love them. Click on the “clearance sale” banner for more info.



YouTube Button

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book giveaways and appearances related to my September Day pet-centric THRILLERS WITH BITE!

Amy Shojai, CABC is a certified cat & dog behavior consultant, a consultant to the pet industry, and the award-winning author of 35+ pet-centric books and Thrillers with Bite! Oh, and she loves bling!

10 Comments

  1. Caren

    I think this is wonderful and you are blessed to have the space to do that! My brother-in-law has all of their pets buried (and memorialized) in the backyard. Unfortunately, we are on 2nd floor of a condo/apt building and can’t do that.

    Reply
    • Amy Shojai

      You could still have a memorial space in a room or on a shelf. And of course, they remain top of mind and in our hearts no matter what.

      Reply
  2. Bernadette

    It will be lovely when it’s in full bloom! It can be a tweak of sadness when your memory garden doesn’t thrive and seems to dishonor your precious companions. Growing flowering plants under a tree, especially an oak tree, can be a challenge because flowering plants need water to grow and some sunlight to bloom, both of which can be scarce under a dense oak that drinks up all the water in the soil right around it. But those plants naturally grow under trees in the woods. Try growing your bulbs in containers that you can move around, place under the tree when blooming, then chill in the pots over winter and place in the sun and water them in early spring to encourage them to sprout.

    My memory garden is also a WIP for the changing light as trees have grown and fallen, and includes hardy native plants and bulbs that bloom with greens that gather sunlight before the trees are fully leafed, and flowers that tolerate shade. Yes, too many kitties to represent them all, but I have one favorite sleeping kitty statue that’s napped in the garden for about 30 years, and I sprinkle cremains underneath kitty. I figure I’ll take a big shovel full of soil from underneath if I ever move and I’ll be able to take them with me.

    Reply
    • Amy Shojai

      Yes, I selected these plants for their love of shade, and they get about 4 hours in the afternoon and evening. I love the idea of the kitty caretaker in the garden. Sweet, poignant memories, indeed.

      Reply
  3. cakiann

    What a beautiful garden that you have created Mary. It looks like it was created with much feeling and love for your furbabies.

    Reply
  4. mollystar

    What a beautiful garden you’ve created, Amy – filled with love and wonderful memories!

    Reply
  5. Andrea

    Hi, Amy, like your decisions but, of course, any garden is a WIP! I don’t know if I told you this before but I started out planting a peony for each pet and each human I’d lost. Soon, though, I had so many losses I couldn’t afford any more peonies. I wasn’t sure where I would put them anyway. I’ve decided this year though that all of my peonies would pay tribute to everyone I’ve lost and I’m looking for more colors again this year.

    Reply
    • Amy Shojai

      Oh Andrea, your garden must be glorious when the peonies bloom. What a beautiful memorial. So sorry for the numbers, though.

      Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Categories:

Recent Posts

Author Audio Books: How to Self Publish Audio Books

Do you love audio books — and thrillers? Yep, I also self publish audio books, including my nonfiction and my thrillers. And since my latest thriller DARE OR DIE released yesterday on all Ebook platforms, plus paperback and hardcover, I’m now planning the audiobook version.

And, that’s MY voice reading the story. How (and why) am I the one reading the book? And for authors out there, how can you do it? What mic do you need, what software…and if you want to hire someone, where do you find the perfect person to “voice” your book?

Read on! Here are the highlights. And if you want or need more step-by-step details, you can check out my on-demand webinar on the subject.

Adopt A Shelter Pet Day: Tips for Cat Adoptions & Dog Adoptions

Will you adopt a new furry friend soon? There are many things to consider when adopting a pet. With Adopt A Shelter Pet Day on April 30th, I wanted to share some sobering adoption facts. In the ASPCA alone, 6.3 million dogs and cats enter their shelters each year, and only about 52% get adopted. I wrote about my pets’ adoption days here, and they chose me more than I chose them. But you don’t need to wait for happy accidents to get your pet, and can adopt shelter pets anytime all year long.

Dare Or Die RELEASES: Amy Shojai Thriller Book #7

DARE OR DIE RELEASES

It’s a book baby birthday today–DARE OR DIE releases, thriller #7 in my THRILLERS WITH BITE series featuring September and Shadow. Get your copy from any of the Ebook platforms.

Or if you prefer physical copies, I gotcha covered with trade paperback and also hardcover versions, available on Amazon, Barnes and Nobel, or (maybe) if you ask your librarian nicely to order a copy. For all the audiobook lovers out there–yes, in the works, so stay tuned. I hope to have the recording finished and sent to the editor for a late May release on all audiobook platforms.

ADVANCE PRAISE FOR DARE OR DIE!

“Wow—what a ride! I cannot express how much I loved DARE OR DIE. I enjoy thrillers, but you gave new meaning to the genre with this one. Now I have to go back and read the entire series!” ~Mary H.

“Such a great page turner. Twisty.” ~Carol S.

“This might be the best one yet! As always, you are the queen of the (chapter ending) cliffhanger…” ~Kristi B.

“Another great addition to the Thrillers with Bite series.” ~Nicola A.

Get your copy now…Ebook, paperback, or hardcover. Ya know ya want to…

Cat Urinary Blockage, Feline Urinary Tract Disorders & The “Stoned” Cat

Do you know the signs of a cat urinary blockage? Do you know about FLUTD? Maybe you’re puzzled why your cat suddenly pees outside the box? Or maybe he strains and strains but can’t elminate. Is it constipation? Or does he have a cat urinary blockage? How can I stop my cat from peeing on the carpet?

If you’re asking these questions, you’ve come to the right place. Feline lower urinary tract disorders (FLUTD) can cause deadly cat urinary blockage. It frustrates cat owners—and also the cats! A cat urinary blockage can be deadly, so it’s vital to recognize the signs of a feline urinary tract disorder. This post is dedicated to my friend Susan Richardson-Cripps and the memory of Heathcliff, her fun-loving orange kitty boy.

How To Give Pets As Gifts

Giving pets as gifts prompts discussions every time the subject comes up. Most recently, we got our “gift puppy” and “gift kitten” when they adopted us, and we’re so glad Karma-Kat and Shadow-Pup are part of our holidays. But for many folks, this year means a new puppy or new kitten for Christmas. Learn how to gift pets–and please share your experiences in the comments!

The professionals used to say that the holidays were a TERRIBLE time to get a new pet–that impulse adoptions could leave the cat or dog without a home after the cute-holiday-thrills wore off. More recently, though, the ASPCA conducted some surveys and discovered that when done properly, these adoptions can be lasting, loving adoptions. So I had to re-think my advice.

Holidays tend to be hectic times when normal routines go out the window. Whether a baby, adult, or senior rescue cat or dog, new animals need the stability of knowing what to expect. In fact, some holiday schedules may allow you to be home more during this time to help the new kitty or pooch adjust.

Holiday pets take more work, true. But just think: you’re not only giving the pet to a person—you’re giving a special human to a waiting cat or dog, a fur-kid hungry for a loving, permanent home. Happy holidays, indeed!

How to Get the Most from Vet Visits: What to Ask & How to Ask

When I worked as a veterinary technician many years ago, pet parents ask questions all the time, but rarely to the vet. Folks often acted embarrassed, or waited to telephone from home hours or days after the appointment. Perhaps they felt intimidated by the doctor when they take pets to the back, or feared their questions were foolish. Maybe the busy schedule of the clinic offered little opportunity to ask.

Whatever the reason, remember that there are no foolish questions for your beloved cat and dog. Does your dog hate the vet, or is your cat fearful of vet visits? That can increase your own worry and stress.

As your pet’s top advocate, it’s up to you to arm yourself with expert advice and information to provide the best care possible. Here are some tips to be fear free when asking your vet questions.

Calling All Pet Professionals: What to do about Dr. Google

Many years ago when I worked as a veterinary technician, I spent much of my time “translating” the doctor’s medical-speak into language that pet parents more easily understood. I can’t complain, because that gave me my career. But why turn to the vet tech instead of the doctor? Well, clients felt intimidated to ask the veterinarian for clarification, embarrassed they didn’t understand, and reluctant to “waste the doctor’s time.”

My, how times change. Today, many pet parents arrive at the clinic with the leash or carrier in one hand and a printout in the other, courtesy of “Dr. Google.” Pet professionals applaud their advocacy and determination to self-educate and provide the best care for their animal companions.

But pet professionals become frustrated when this information is at best inapplicable, and at worst, downright dangerous. Yet, you don’t want to appear condescending or “hiss off” your clients, so they stop coming altogether. And pet lovers–you don’t want to be discounted in your hunt for best practices for your cats and dogs.

Don’t bump heads. Here are some ways to manage Dr. Google without driving each other away.

Earth Day for Pets: How to Celebrate Responsibly

It’s Earth Day! Now, we have to be responsible because the Earth is the only place that has dogs and cats. Am I right? So how will you make Earth Day for pets a fun celebration? Shadow-Pup, Karma-Kat and I are encouraging everyone to do their part to help take care of this gorgeous planet we share.

4 Eco-Friendly Ways to Enrich Your Cat’s Environment

Do you get bored? How do you know when your cat feels bored, just like we do? Cats may sleep more (and they already sleep a LOT!). If you free feed leaving out food all the time, a bored cat fills up their empty feelings with a full tummy. Or, they may act out by scratching the wrong object, or–in my Karma-Kat’s case, he torments the dog.

I’m a huge proponent of environmental enrichment for cats. Think about it–while dogs more typically get outings with walks in the park or car rides, we keep cats safe inside. No wonder they get bored. With Earth Day coming up on April 22, think about some eco-friendly ways to enrich your cat’s environment.

You don’t have to spend a bunch of money, either, or a lot of time. Here are some easy and fun “green” projects to try and see if that turns on the kitty purrs.

4 Eco-Friendly Ways to Enrich Your Dog’s Environment

Dogs, cats and other pets can get bored just like we do. I struggle not to binge on snacks and bad TV. Keeping our minds and bodies active is important for our health, and environmental enrichment elevates your dog’s physical and emotional health.

When Shadow-Pup feels bored, he terrorizes Karma-Kat. Oh, they love to play together, but he overdoes things and can get too rough when he feels bored. He’ll also demand more attention from his humans. That takes the form of staring and barking at us (READ MY MIND!), or bringing toys to play, or even indulging in zoomies–racing around and around the house l

There are many ways you can add some stimulation into your pet’s world. That doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. Check out these easy and green pet-parent projects you can try this spring.

Visit Amy's Website

Amy Shojai CACB is an award winning author.  You can find all her publications and book her to speak via her website. 

On Demand Writer Coaching

AmyShojai.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com http://amazon.com/.

Awards

Memberships