The loss of a beloved pet through natural death or assisted euthanasia is a heartbreaking time. It is also one that most pet owners experience in their history of loving and caring for their pets.
Here is a ceremony if you wish to use it. Its benefits are twofold: (1) to help your beloved pet move on in his/her journey after completing his life with you; and (2) to give closure to you and to others who also knew and loved your pet. Regardless of your religious or spiritual beliefs, this ceremony honors that there is an afterlife, commonly called Heaven or the astral world.
We also refer you to Chapter 7 of Flower Essences for Animals, entitled “When a Pet Dies,” for other supportive and helpful information that can give both comfort and necessary information when your pet’s time of passing draws near. People also find that a pets consultation with Lila can help them move forward with their lives in this delicate situation.These are just several of the options available to you.
Our thoughts and condolences are with you.
Ceremony for Pets and Animals
With contributions by Paramhansa Yogananda and J. Donald Walters
Compiled by Lila Devi
Needed for Service
- One white rose
- One red rose
- Picture(s) of the departed for the altar
Song (may be chosen by the pet owner):
Opening Statement:
Brief Meditation or a moment of silent remembrance of the departed:
Talk by the facilitator, with an invitation to the pet owner to speak if he/she wishes, or to share poems or stories.
Flower Ceremony: (invite the pet owner to come to the altar and place the flowers before the picture/s of the departed)
Facilitator: The White Rose symbolizes the purity of expression of the departed’s soul.
The Red Rose symbolizes the bouquet of the love and good will of the people attending. (Ask them to concentrate on the red rose and offer their love and prayers for the evolution of the soul of the departed.)
Facilitator: (reads, asking all present to pray mentally.) We have gathered together to celebrate the life and honor the passing of (pet’s name) _________, beloved of (pet owner’s name)___________. While there are no words to heal this sense of loss, there is ever the deeper understanding of the Divine Plan from an all-loving Spirit. “It was I who came to you in the form of your animal friend. It was My love you received from him/her, and my love you gave in return.”
Many are the lessons, both learned and cherished, from a bond so deep—lessons that will remain with us forever. And many are the precious memories of such a bond, forged in mutual, unconditional love.
Now (pet’s name) _______ roams joyfully in a realm that we cannot sense but is ever near to us. Although his/her physical body has passed away, the love shared by souls is eternal. We shall miss you, but our desire is not to hold you back, but only to tell you that our love and support are ever yours, and our prayers for your highest happiness. We shall meet again! Once more we shall laugh together, rejoice together, and share in the joy of perfect love.
The great master Yogananda promises: “My dreams of Thee are gathering together to make a rainbow-bridge of Self-realization, by which I will soon reach unto Thee.” Likewise, through the sacred bond of pet and owner, (pet’s name) _______ is continuing on his/her evolutionary journey homeward, now freed from the shackles of a physical form, and ready, no doubt, because of the very love shared in this life to progress to a higher life form. Again, as Yogananda says, “God wants His children to love everything as a part of Him, and not to feel delusively that death ends all. . .The man of unattachment, he who loves others as expressions of the Lord, understands that at death the dear ones have only returned for a breathing-space of joy in Him.”
Infinite Spirit! Receive this, Thy beloved.
Purify him/her in Thy perfect light and love.
Grant him/her eternal freedom in Thee!
Chant AUM or AMEN 3 times, sending waves of light, love, and joy to the departed:
Closing Prayer and Comments:
What People Are Saying
“These essences are a blessing to me and my dear animals.Best wishes.” – Susan, pet rescue volunteer, NJ
“Hi Lila, I just wanted to let you know that I had to put Tanner down this evening. Actually I just got home from the vet. He was really hurting this afternoon and I just couldn’t let him go on hurting. He was my best friend and will always be my best friend. The other thing I would like you to know is I can’t even tell you what it meant to have someone like you care about Tanner having never met him, and that I will never forget.I also can’t express what a great loss it is and how I will miss him, but he won’t be hurting anymore. Thank you, Lila, for your kindness.” – Claudia, USA
“Pear Essence (for peacefulness) was extremely helpful for me during the time of caring for my dog in the final stages of her illness and eventual death. It helped me to remain calm so I could support her and comfort her in her final hours. It helped both of us tremendously. I am very grateful for the sense of peacefulness I felt; it helped me make the most of our time together were remarkable. They have helped him to settle in well and come out of his shell right up until our last good-bye.” Rachel, USA