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THIS WEEK thousands of people across the UK and overseas remembered beloved departed dogs, cats and other pets on the second national Pet Remembrance Day.

Pet Remembrance Day was launched last year on July 5 by 3D pet sculpture specialists Arty Lobster and Pets Magazine to provide a national day for people to remember pets people had loved and lost.

A Twitter and Facebook competition to win a 3D memorial of a beloved pet attracted many poignant stories of pet loss and grief, and hundreds shared photos of their pets (see gallery photos).

The day also generated major support across social media, including from celebrities such as Peter Egan and Morgan Fairchild alongside Big Brother and Strictly Come Dancing celebs. Using the hashtag #PetRemembranceDay, several hundred people shared their stories in a national outpouring of grief over pet loss.

Pet Remembrance Day supported The Oldies Club, which re-homes dogs aged seven and over, as its charity of choice this year.

Marie Carter, Editor of Pets Magazine, said: “I am delighted at the success of national Pet Remembrance Day this year. It is both heartwarming and very poignant to hear all the stories of real and genuine grief at the loss of a beloved pet.

 “There is still a real need for relatives, friends and employers to take into account the real, and often overwhelming, sense of loss upon the death of a pet.”

Lars Andersen, Managing Director of Arty Lobster, said: “Pets are increasingly regarded as members of our family, and basically we do not remember them as we should. Pet Remembrance Day fills a real gap for people to do just that.”