Pet Remembrance Day, a national day set up for people to remember deceased pets is backing a charity that finds ‘forever homes’ for older dogs.

On national Pet Remembrance Day (Tuesday July 5), pet lovers are being asked to dig deep and pledge support to The Oldies Club, a national charity, which rehomes dogs aged seven and over.

Pet Remembrance Day, which launched in 2015, is the inspiration of Pets Magazine and Arty Lobster , a company that specializes in 3D pet sculptures.

Pet Remembrance Day, or #PetRemembranceDay on social media, provides a valuable opportunity for people to celebrate the lives of departed pets and the increasing number of ways in which we can commemorate them.

Marie Carter, Editor & Publisher of Pets Magazine said: “Last year, we held the UK’s first-ever National Pet Remembrance Day and we were delighted that the day really captured peoples’ hearts and imaginations. Hundreds of people shared their feelings, memories and photos of their departed pets on social media. It is clearly a day that people have been waiting for and it just seemed right that this year we combine it with helping to raise money for an important pet charity.

“Grieving for a pet is gradually becoming widely accepted, and acceptable, but many people still don’t understand that for many pet owners, dogs and cats in particular, are now regarded as family members. National Pet Remembrance Day helps people to remember beloved companion animals.”

Lars Andersen, Managing Director of Arty Lobster, who co-founded the day, says: “Pets are increasingly regarded as members of our family, and we do not remember them as we should. Pet cremations in the UK are still a slowly growing market and pet memorials tend to be very ‘samey’ with the best you can hope for being an urn featuring the pet’s name.

“Pet Remembrance Day is proud to support The Oldies Club, which is a wonderful charity that makes a huge difference to the lives of our beloved companion animals.”

Olive Armstrong, The Oldies Club, explains: “Our pets are members of our families too, and to dedicate a special day to remember them is a great idea.

“At The Oldies club, we have so many older dogs desperately in need of new forever homes in which to see out their final years. Older dogs can be the most loving and special dogs and they crave love and a nice spot in a warm home to snooze. We have so many people who have adopted an older dog and say they would definitely do so again, as they have had such a good experience with the dog. We are also looking for people who would like to foster an older dog, so please do get in touch with us via our website if you can help.”

Celebrities including TV vet Emma Milne are already lining up to support the day.

Emma explains: “As a vet and a pet owner, I have experienced the devastation of pet loss from every angle. One of the hardest things for any vet is helping owners through the most difficult times of their lives but it is also our most important job. Having had to make the decision to end my own pets’ lives as well as those of my clients’ pets I completely understand the incredible sense of guilt and the mix of other emotions we all go through.

Emma adds: “For me, like everyone else, animals are part of the family. My ‘boys’, Pan and Badger, were with me for 15 years through thick and thin and their loss utterly crushed me. Events like Pet Remembrance Day are hugely important to bring people together through shared anguish and unite them to help them remember the great times with their pets rather than just the final moments.”

How can people get involved on Pet Remembrance Day?

Pets Magazine and Arty Lobster have come up with several ways in which people can remember deceased pets on National Pet Remembrance Day, including:

-Give to The Oldies Club and help to support an older dog.
– Take part in a Twitter Chat to share stories and experiences and win a 3D sculpture of a beloved pet.
– A memorial service in a place where the pet liked to walk or play.
– A memento mori such as a sculpture of the pet
– A living memorial by planting a tree or flowerbed
– A pet portrait featuring the pet or their image printed on a coaster or other accessory
– A scrapbook, blog or social media channel, with photos and other reminders of the pet.
– A poem about the pet

Other ideas include:

– Keeping the pet’s favorite toy, collar or blanket
– Volunteering at an animal rescue centre in remembrance of the pet

To donate to The Oldies Club, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/oldies/donate