Memorialization Options
Remembering your pet in the way that feels right for you
Aftercare
Options
Grief & Support
Preplanning
Memorializing our Pets
How we memorialize our pets is a very personal decision. What may feel right for one pet owner may not be adequate or appropriate for another. Recognizing this diversity among pet owners, at Thistledown we offer a number of pet memorialization alternatives.
Thistledown Memorialization
Service Placements
The content of the service will be determined by the pet’s owner in consultation with Thistledown staff.
Indoor Niche Wall Urn Placements
Many of our clients have chosen to place their pet’s urn in one of the niches of our indoor columbarium. Each niche can hold up to four “standard size” urns used by local crematoria for the cremains of dogs, cats or other small pocket pets. Urns from larger animals (e.g. horses) can also be accommodated in the columbarium. Thistledown is the final resting place of Toronto Police Service horses “Brigadier” (killed in the line of duty in 2006) and Royal Sun (2012). Many clients place one urn in the niche initially and reserve the other three spots in the niche for other pets they have at home. Other clients purchase all four spots in the niche for a single pet.
Once an urn is placed in the indoor columbarium at Thistledown, the client is still in control. If, at a later date a client wishes to remove the urn for whatever reason (e.g. moving out of the country), the urn can be returned to the owner. The price to place an urn in a niche includes the preparation of an engraved memorial plate mounted on a burled oak plate. The plate is affixed to the selected niche front. There is a one-time charge for the placement of an urn and no annual maintenance fee for this service.
Indoor Remembrance Plaques
A number of our clients have lost a pet at some time in the past and do not have an urn of cremains for that pet. For clients such as these, we have created Indoor Remembrance Plaques.
Each Plaque consists of an engraved memorial plate mounted on a burled oak plate. The plate is affixed to one of our Indoor Walls of Remembrance at a location selected by the client. There is a one-time charge and no annual maintenance fee for this service.
Outdoor Niche Wall Urn Placements
For those clients wishing to have their pet’s urn placed outside, we have established an Outdoor Columbarium. Each niche can hold up to four “standard size” urns used by local crematoria for the cremains of dogs, cats or pocket pets. Urns from larger animals such as horses can also be placed in the columbarium.
Clients have the option of placing one urn in the niche initially and reserving the other three spots in the niche for other pets they have at home. Other clients may choose to purchase all four spots in the niche for a single pet.
Thistledown Alternative Memorialization Options
Formal Urn Burial Garden
For those clients wishing to have their pet’s urn buried outside, we have established a Formal Urn Burial Garden. Unlike our columbaria, each Urn Burial compartment can only hold one “standard size” urn used by local crematoria for the cremains of dogs, cats or other small pocket pets. Cremains from larger animals (e.g. horses) may have to be placed in a different shaped urn that can be accommodated by the burial niche. With our burial niches, clients have the option of purchasing an urn vault and placing the urn in this protective container before it is buried. The price to place an urn in the Formal Urn Burial Garden includes the preparation of an inscription on the face of the granite marker.
There is a one-time charge for the placement of an urn and no annual maintenance fee for this service.
Woodland Urn Burials
Pet loss and coping with the grieving process can be difficult for many pet owners, and we’re here to help with the process however we can. You can take a look at our resources and literature compiled to help understand and cope with pet loss.
Memorial Bench and Trail Marker Program
Often, in the hours, days or months following the loss of a pet, owners find it very therapeutic to be “alone with nature” for a bit, and have a chance to reflect back on the many good times they had with their pet. It is for this reason we have created a number of walking trails through the forests on the Thistledown property for the enjoyment of our clients and their surviving pets. To enhance this “back to nature” experience, we are planning to create a Memorial Bench and Trail Marker Program. Through this program pet owners will be able to purchase a bench or trail marker that will be installed along the trail system in their pet’s name for the benefit of all Thistledown clients.
There will be a one-time charge for this service and a plaque with the pet’s name will be affixed to the bench or marker.
Memorial Tree Planting in the Thistledown “Grove of Remembrance (2014)
A number of our Thistledown clients have expressed a desire to scatter some or all of their pet’s cremains. To accommodate these clients, a number of scattering gardens will be created at various locations around the Thistledown property. It is proposed that Walls of Remembrance and/or Remembrance Columns will be erected adjacent to these gardens for those pet owners wishing to have some form of permanent memorial to their pet.
There will be a one-time charge for placing a pet’s name on a Wall of Remembrance or on a Remembrance Column.
Off-site Memorial Tree Planting by the pet owner (2014)
Thistledown Pet Memorial is located on the Oak Ridges Moraine and much of the property is forested with oak, maple, beech and hickory. Thistledown will be establishing a “Grove of Remembrance” on the property. Thistledown clients will be provided the opportunity to plant a maple tree sapling in the “Grove of Remembrance.”
All trees used for this purpose will be harvested from other areas of the Thistledown property. A dedication marker will be placed at the base of each tree.
Scattering Garden for cremains (2014)
Thistledown will be making available maple tree saplings that have been harvested from the Thistledown property for planting at the pet owner’s home or at some other “special” place. Such plantings will provide a long-lasting tribute to that very special member of the family.
A dedication marker will be included with each tree.
Pet Memorial Urns
Many pet owners wish to place their pet’s ashes in a decorative urn that can be displayed in a prominent location. To satisfy this need, Thistledown has assembled a collection of ceramic and hardwood urns created by local craftspeople. Pewter and brass urns are also available.
A general rule of thumb is to allow 1 cu. in. of urn capacity per pound of live weight when determining the proper urn size. The actual capacity required will also be dependent upon the bone structure of the pet and the nature of any post-cremation processing of the ashes. It should be noted the urn volumes indicated in the tables presented below are approximate.
“Spiritual” Ceramic Urn Collection
- These beautiful handcrafted ceramic urns have been prepared by local Ontario artisans.
- Available in a number of sizes and a variety of colour combinations, each urn is unique with respect to the final finishing and looks more like a piece of art rather than a traditional urn.
- Combinations of beads, semi-precious stones, feathers and/or twigs create the “spiritual” feeling these urns seem to exude. Experience has shown that it is preferable for the individual to choose his or her urn rather than having someone else choose it for them. We have been told by a number of clients that a particular urn had an immediate attraction and that was the one they selected.
- The largest “Spiritual” ceramic urns, referred to as “Companion” urns are designed to accommodate the cremains pouches of a number of pets or the pouch of a single pet weighing up to about three hundred and fifty pounds. For smaller pets, owners may wish to include small pieces of memorabilia such as a collar, tags or even a small favourite toy in the urn.
- A small engraved tag of remembrance with a personalized inscription may be added.
Hardwood Picture Urn Collection
- We have assembled a selection of stunning hardwood urns for remembering your pet. Designed and fabricated by local cabinet makers, these urns reflect high quality craftsmanship and are suitable to display among your prized possessions. The urns are designed to hold a photo of your pet and an engraved brass plaque, if so desired. This style of urn is available in three configurations, in beautiful oak or walnut. If desired, for a nominal charge add an engraved brass name plate to your pet’s Hardwood Picture Urn with a personalized inscription.
Hardwood and Cherry Wood Box Urn Collection
- These beautiful handcrafted hardwood box urns have been prepared by Ontario artisans. Available in oak, walnut and cherry wood, these urns are designed to accommodate the ashes of pets weighing up to approximately ninety pounds. For smaller pets, owners may wish to include small pieces of memorabilia such as a collar, tags or even a small favourite toy in the urn. An engraved brass plaque of remembrance with a personalized inscription may be added for a nominal charge, if so desired. (please note: picture disk shown on the Cherrywood Box Urn is not available at this time).
Hardwood Memorial Urn Collection
- We have retained a local cabinet-maker to prepare Hardwood Memorial Urns in oak or walnut for us. This style of urn is available in two sizes and is designed to hold the ashes of small pets weighing up to approximately 5 pounds (small urn) or 15 pounds (large urn). These urns are available with or without a photo cutout and can be placed flat on a desk or shelf, or hung on a wall. If desired, for a nominal charge add an engraved brass name plate to your pet’s Hardwood Memorial Urn with a personalized inscription.