Not just a pet. A soulmate. A companion. You know exactly what I mean.
I cried the hardest I’ve ever cried in my life when I had to put my kitty Jake down (aka my Greyboy pictured below). And then I felt guilty because I cried more than I did when my some of my favorite family members passed. What IS that connection we have with these furry partners of ours?
I’ll share with you how I discovered I could remember forever my Greyboy through a pet portrait with ashes.
We talk about the unconditional love they give; the loyalty, the friendship, and companionship. Our partners are always there at our feet ready to listen and give back so much. They leave a huge hole in our lives once they pass and we try our very best to remember them in a special way.
I tried to think of a way to keep my Jake with me somehow so I’d never forget him.
- I had a photograph of him framed
- I set his ashes in the wooden box and paw print under his picture
It was okay, but I still felt something was missing.
THEN I had an idea – I had been creating handmade pet etchings for people who had their own snapshot they wanted transformed into fine art. I used my Grammy’s printing press and the printmaking etching process to start helping other people be able to remember their favorite animal companions too through fine art as a reminder of that loving partner they were so connected to.
Creating a Lasting Remembrance Using a Pet’s Ashes
I did an experiment…
…and with the help of some champagne, opened up the wooden box with Jake’s ashes and took out a TINY bit to add to the ink I’d be creating his etched art with. It worked, came out beautiful AND I knew THIS print was extremely special as it literally had just a little bit of him in the actual artwork. Jake’s artwork is preserved nicely in a frame and is treasured as a meaningful keepsake…
The ability to add a passed pet’s ashes or cremains is something I take very seriously and with due respect. If a client decides to have me add ashes to their commissioned etching, they receive a special kit in the mail which consists of:
– a tiny spoon to draw out a minuscule amount of the finest ash
– a tiny ziplock with tiny envelope
– a pre-addressed small envelope to mail ashes to me
– a special treat for you as this is a sensitive task
More Information About Infusing a Pet’s Ashes into a Handmade Fine Art Etching
I experimented even more and discovered I can also add a paw print alongside the art and make one Complete Keepsake Etching. See how the pet memorial art with ashes, paw print, and even a lock of fur or dog tag (or kitty tag) can be created for you to enjoy.
This is a great way for those who have a paw print, a lock of fur, a dog tag and maybe ashes to have a special keepsake in fine art to remember a beloved pet! By the way, a pet’s ashes can be added to ANY of the Greyboy Pet Prints etchings.
You can see the different types of etchings in the Greyboy shop.
Thank you for caring for your animals the way we do here at Greyboy Pet Prints. We truly view pets as therapy and art as healing!
