How Our Dead Family Pet Became A Tree

Our 13 year old Pekingese "Popup" died a couple of weeks ago. While she was very old, it still came as a shock, and has been something we have needed to continually process together as a family.

I decided to purchase a "Bio Urn" to help teach my daughter and her friends about the cycle of life, and as a way of creating a sense of closure for our family.

It is recommended to plant seeds in the Bio Urn on top of the ashes, mixed with soil, but we decided to get a baby plant instead. We chose an indoor plant, something domestic and cosy, as it felt like a good representation of Popup's personality/character.

It was healing and almost..."fun" setting up for the memorial ceremony as a family. We printed out some photos of Popup to display and created a sweet space to host our guests.

My daughter invited her closest friends, and we invited a few neighbors. When everyone was here I read a short prayer aloud...

Then we took turns sharing memories and stories about Popup. The kids were so sweet sharing their funny and silly memories of our old dog.

Once this was complete, my daughter poured Popup's ashes into the Bio Urn and then added the plant on top.

The kids and adults took turns adding water and saying goodbye. I explained that in nature, there are no endings. Everything moves in cycles and this was our way of allowing Popup to continue to be part of nature, in a new way.

As the ritual finished, we felt a calm descend on the group. It was a beautiful ceremony and I think the reality of our loss sunk in a little further.

The cycle continues...