Sensitive present for a bereaved dog owner

[shivvy]

My sisters dog died 6 months ago and is still quite tearful about it. For xmas I would like to get her some little thing that might make life easier.

She is a busy mum of 2 young kids and to be honest I think she hasn't had enough time for her to do her own grieving.

Before her dog died I had bought her gifts with her dogs pic and name on eg mugs etc but I would like to get her something that shows that I also miss her and understand why she is finding it so hard.

I thought about a tiny pic on a keyring but thought that she might get upset at seeing her all the time. I think I need to do something like name a star after her which would be big and memorable but might not help her on a day to day basis.

I would love any suggestions to help me in helping her move on from her sadness and bereavement.

Thanks

[atrollope]

Your sister obviously loves dogs..get her a new puppy.

[shivvy]

Oh no atrollope - thank you - but that would not be the right answer.

She is busy at work, has a 1 year old and a 2 year old, but more importantly she would see that as a total replacement of her beloved Chelsea.

Chelsea saw her through a divorce and other difficulties and I think she nearly feels as if she owes her something that she wasn't able to give her before she died.
Also, Chelsea had to be put to sleep so I understand the feelings of guilt that can go with having to make that decision.

[wolf63]

Does she have the dogs ashes? If so then maybe some sort of memorial for the dog's ashes -

http://www.amazon.co....%3Apet+memorial+ashes

Or have them made into a bit of (expensive) jewellery -

http://www.eternitycrystal.com/

Here are some more ideas -

http://www.google.co....UoAQ&biw=1280&bih=826

Dogs Trust used to have dogs for adoption that were unable to be re-homed - this way she would know that a dog's upkeep is being paid for but she won't feel obliged to re-home it herself.

Or grieve counselling for pet bereavement!

Does your sister want a cat - that way she will be guaranteed to be wakened at silly o'clock each morning because he is hungry/bored/wants under the covers. I had better go and feed him!

[chirpychirpy]

This Brighton-based lady is considered one of the finest painters of dogs, and I read in a newspaper that she often works from photos of dogs which have died: http://www.sara-abbott.com/pets.htm I've seen some of her work in person and it's many times better than reproduced on her website.

[janbee]

Morning Shivvy. When my friend's much loved dog died I gave him a present of a star named in the dog's name and in the constellation of Canis Major (latin for great(er) dog). I know it sounds quite a tacky thing to do but my friend really loved and appreciated it. Just a suggestion...

[woofgang]

Dogs trust still do sponsorship for dogs that are unlikely to be rehomed...that would be my suggestion too.
http://www.dogstrust..../sponsor/default.aspx

[daisya]

Some good suggestions here I can't add to them but just wanted to say I hope your sister can come to terms with her loss eventually, it's awful to lose such a loved pet and worse when you've been the one to make that heart wrenching decision as I know only too well.

I must say what a lovely artist Sara Abbott is having looked at the link given, a wonderful talent to have.

[masma]

Does she have a garden? If so how about a rose tree with a little rememberence plaque, we did that for Jetspoon and it's always a great comfort to go and touch the leaves and talk to her.

[murraymints]

do you have access to a photo of her with the dog ? A nicely framed photo perhaps ?

[notasyoungasiwas]

How about some beautiful candle holders and scented candles so she can light candles in her beloved dog's memory?

[Old_Geezer]

Maybe you should avoid dig related gifts completely. Since there is a chance it will just reminder her of the loss. If she wants dog related items she can buy herself them. Look for something else. Does she have another interest ? If not how about a coat or something ? CDs maybe ? Something for the car ? Perfume ? Voucher for a day out ?

[Old_Geezer]

Obviously DOG RELATED.
Why do typos only show themselves AFTER the Submit is pressed ?

[Ratty2E]

I know how she feels I have had to go through it a few times over the years. If she has a garden maybe a lovely scented rose planted as a memorial and somewhere she could scatter the ashes. We have a tree, a jasmine and a small holly type shrub where our 3 girls were scattered. A portrait is also a very good idea.

[shivvy]

Oh my goodness - so many great ideas. Thank you all so much.

I will think about them all very carefully to make sure that I chose the right one for her.

Thank you all again.
:0)

[shivvy]

janbee - could you show me where you bought the star naming gift please?

I have seen a few by doing a google search but they don't seem to specify that they are in the Canis Major constellation (which would be totally appropriate for this gifty obviously).

[lankeela]

Sponsor an 'oldie' in the name of her dog! http://www.oldies.org.uk/?p=55371

[shivvy]

I already sponsor a dog lankeela but don't give it as a gift because after the first years subscription ends the giftee has to either take on the financial responsibility or else feel the guilt of stopping the funding!

[ruthann58]

paperweight think redwings do them if you send them a photo ,

[rsvp]

I'm with a previous post -woofgang I think - a donation towards the upkeep of a less fortunate dog is a great idea.