How can you make a funeral service for my dog special for our family?
Many believe that a funeral service is for the deceased individual, and although it is to remember them, primarily the service is for the living who are gathered at the service.
When the service is planned effectively, including an important discussion with the family to determine characteristics of the dog and other information, hope is brought forth for the living. In order to make this hope present to those gathered and have a “teaching moment”, the presider should consider the following:
- Offer comfort and consolation for the loss of their dog in the prayers that are selected and/or written and the sermon.
- Inspire them with some characteristics and life lessons from the dog.
- If possible and appropriate, bring in some light moments to make those gathered smile.
- Conclude with some ideas of how the world can be a better place if those gathered and the community were to mirror some of the lessons from the deceased dog.
Most important is to be a comforting, yet confident, presider who welcomes all present and sends them forward feeling spiritually nourished, at peace, and inspired to add value to others.
Members are encouraged to submit questions to Joe at
info@iaopc.com
, which will be answered in upcoming issues of the News & Views.