Animal lovers remember pets on National Pet Memorial Day

National Pet Memorial Day is Sept. 9. Claire Chew, certified pet bereavement counselor, said, "As pet owners, we experience laughter, joy, unconditional love, frustrations, sorrow and other human emotions with our pets. (It's like) losing a member of our family; the grief we feel for them has many layers. This day is a personal time to reflect on the loss, remember the many gifts they have brought us and to heal."

Pets can be best friends and family, according to Chew. Many people don't know how to express their grief over the loss of a beloved pet. Taking the time to remember them can be integral to the healing process, and Chew suggests it is healthy to share and honor feelings of loss and sadness.

The following are some of Chew's suggestions for honoring pets on Pet Memorial Day:

•Plant a tree, shrub or flower and burn a candle in memory of the pet.

•Put together a pet photo album or scrapbook.

•Talk about different memories of the pet.

•Compose and sing a song in honor of the pet.

•Tell children bedtime stories starring the pet, ending with "Sweet dreams, (pet's name)."

Chew was inspired to help pet lovers through their feelings of loss and grief because of her own experience losing her beloved dog, Sophie. "Sophie was my first dog, my best friend. For nearly a decade, we were inseparable through the end."

When it came time to honor Sophie, Chew commemorated Sophie's life with friends, each sharing memories of how Sophie affected them and how she inspired them to get a pet of their own.