The loss of a dog can be heartbreaking, to say the least. And often owners are stuck not knowing how to honor the pet which gave them so much joy. Dog memorial plaques can help you to pay tribute to your beloved canine companion when he has passed, and here’s your complete guide to them.
Dogs unlike other pets have an amazing ability to bond with their owners. They can sense our emotions and always seem to respond with the appropriate amount of kisses and love we need. They are our children, best friends, and biggest admirers who care for us unconditionally.
All too often that life is cut short. And even when your pet has enjoyed life until his older years, there is never a time when you want to say goodbye. While grief is a natural part of losing such an important part of your life, there is a plaque that can help to ease the pain and honor your dog at the same time.
Keep Those Memories Alive Daily
Dog memorial plaques come in a variety of types, shapes, and materials but all are designed to pay a fitting tribute to your pet. They often include things like photos, quotes, and even poems. Adding a plaque can take you to the next step in dealing with your painful loss.
It can feel good knowing that there is something physical to remember your dog by but that is also worthy of him. When you see your plaque you will instantly be brought back to the special times and feelings you shared with your pet.
Choosing A Plaque
While what you choose is totally personal, considering a few things first will help guide you to something that you’ll be happy with.
Where Will It Be Placed?
Where you will be using your plaque is definitely something to think about before you purchase. The answer will influence the material, type, and size you pick. While some are designed to be used indoors, others are made for outdoor use, and some may work in both.
Do You Want To Include Your Pet’s Details?
For some people, this can be very important while for others it’s not. Many plaques already come with quotes that are appropriate for the loss of a pet, dog-relevant designs, and images. Some may also include a space for you to add a photo.
If you would like to add specific details personalized dog memorial plaques are the best choice. You may want to include things like the name of your pet, the years he lived, special words about him, or a message to him. Let your heart be your guide.
When having your plaque personalized photos of your pet can be professionally added, or you may want to have an artist use a photo to paint an image or even engrave one. Adding multiple photos or photos of several dogs can also be an option. When choosing a photo you may want to choose one that captures the spirit or personality of your dog, a moment you shared with him, or a portrait shot.
And don’t forget you can pick one from any time in your pet’s life such as an adorable puppy photo. With the help of the internet having your dog memorial plaque personalized usually only requires a few extra minutes. Typically after ordering online you just fill in the info you’d like to have on your plaque, upload a photo and you’re done.
Is It A Gift?
Plaques can be a much-appreciated gift for someone who has just lost a pet. Something simple can go a long way. It may be easier to choose a plaque without a photo or one that allows them to add one on their own. Or if you are having it personalized you can ask a person close to them for a picture to get you a picture to keep it a surprise.
Downloading an image from one of their social media accounts could also work. If you are adding a quote sticking with something basic is usually best.
Different Material Options
There are a couple of different material choices and each one has its own advantages. Here’s what you’ll want to know about them.
Wood
One of the most popular materials for plaques is wood. Its natural look and feel of wood can offer a tribute to your pet that is warm and decorative. Wood dog memorial plaques are typically made to be used indoors where they can be hung on the wall or placed somewhere like on a desk, table, or shelf.
If you do want to use your plaque outside you will need to make sure that you purchase one that has a special finish so that it won’t be damaged by the water and weather.
There are many different types of wood along with a huge range of colors and finishes. And because it is easy to cut, you can often find plaques in a variety of shapes such as hearts, paw prints, and dog bones, but there are also square and rectangular plaques too.
Wood plaques can be engraved with writing and images which are often actually burnt into the wood. Decorative routed edges, hand-painted pictures, carvings, and adding your dog’s photo are all options with wood. Since it does offers so many ways to get creative wood is the most commonly used material for handmade and custom dog plaques as well.
Stone
Another natural material is stone. Stone is often used for outdoor dog memorial plaques because it is extremely durable and can be left outside for years without a problem. For this reason, stone plaques can also be used as actual grave markers for pets. Smaller plaques especially ones that are tile-sized are also used indoors as well.
These are usually light enough to be hung on a wall or displayed on a small stand. While stone plaques are typically square or rectangular they can also be other dog-related shapes too. Stones like granite and slate are especially popular because of their toughness, and since they look so attractive when engraved. The darkness of these stones makes the light-colored engravings stand out very well.
Some plaques are sold with engraved images of specific dog breeds already on them so all you have to do to personalize it is add your pet’s details. But of course, having stone dog memorial plaques photo engraved can make them even more special. These use a laser to produce an extremely realistic engraved image of your dog from a photo of him.
And some but definitely not all stone dog memorial plaques can allow you to include an actual photo of your pet although whether you can use it outdoors will depend. Small and lightweight memorial stones or even stepping stones can be used as plaques too.
While some of these may be made from real stone others are made from concrete or a plastic resin since they can look like authentic stone but are lighter, and easier to make into doggie shapes.
Metal
While metal isn’t a natural material option like wood or stone, it’s tough and at the same time elegant. Metal dog memorial plaques can be any one of a number of different metals ranging from aluminum to brass and come in a range of finishes such as bronze, pewter, and gold.
They often use different fonts and contrasting colors such as black and gold for added visual appeal. For dog urns and keepsakes that can’t be engraved themselves, small metal plaques can help you to personalize them with your pet’s details. Despite their small size, these can also make a big difference in presentation.
Larger plaques may have raised writing or even raised images that are three-dimensional which can offer a very unique look. They easily handle extreme weather conditions making metal dog memorial plaques garden and outdoor-safe. So much so that they can be used as grave markers.
They may even include stakes so that you can insert them into the ground allowing them to stand vertically on their own. Metal plaques are also frequently used in quiet areas in yards and gardens where you’d like to sit and remember your pet such as on or near garden benches and trees. Your pet’s favorite outdoor spots but also indoor walls are ideal locations too.
Other Materials
While they may not be seen as often there are other material choices as well. Ceramic dog memorial plaques are usually handmade and can be absolutely beautiful. Since they can be works of art, they do make excellent gifts for someone who has recently lost a pet.
Glass and acrylic are more modern in appearance and can be laser engraved. The engravings are usually frosted white in color while the rest of the plaque is transparent. Therefore you’ll want to be sure to place it somewhere that has a dark backdrop so you can see it clearly.
Helpful Additions
Plaques can be great on their own but there are a few other items that those who have lost a pet typically like to use with them. If you have chosen a plaque without a photo you may want to place a dog memorial picture frame near it that has a few extra heartfelt words.
Many people like to place figurines such as angels or dog angels near their pet’s plaque or urn to keep them company and watch over them. And when the holiday season rolls around there are even ornaments you can add to your tree for remembrance.
Dog memorial plaques are a wonderful way for you to remember your pet. And after reading this guide we truly hope it helps you to find the perfect one to honor your dog!
Start Shopping for Dog Memorial Plaques!
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