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Pet funeral words for families of any faith

These are the funerals for families of any faith at Bridgeside, with every step in order and the words they use. The host can change or leave out any of them.

A simple goodbye

A short, simple gathering with no religious language: a moment to arrive, your own words, memories from everyone, a moment of silence and a goodbye.

The order of steps

  1. GatheringPeople are still arriving. There's no rush.
  2. Opening words (optional)The host welcomes everyone.

    We're here to remember [your pet's name]. Thank you for coming.

    Source: Written for Bridgeside

  3. In their own words (optional)Share what you wrote.
  4. Memories (optional)Anyone can share a memory in the chat. Each one will show up in turn.
  5. A moment of silence (optional)A quiet moment together, for as long as feels right.
  6. FarewellYou can light a candle or leave a flower, if you'd like.

    Thank you for the time we had with [your pet's name].

    Source: Written for Bridgeside

A quiet goodbye alone

For when you'd rather do this by yourself. No guests, nothing to organize, and nobody to put on a brave face for. It doesn't matter how long it's been. About 10 minutes.

The order of steps

  1. ArrivingNobody can come in unless you share the link. You can stop and leave anytime, and come back another day.

    There's no rush here.

    Source: Written for Bridgeside

  2. RememberingLook at your pet's photo, or hold something of theirs if you have it. Whatever comes up is okay.
  3. What you want to sayWrite it, say it out loud, or just think it. Nobody else needs to see it. Things you never got to say are welcome here.
  4. A candle (optional)Only if you'd like one.
  5. Sitting quietlyAs long as you like.
  6. When you're readyEnd it whenever you want. You can also just stay a while.

    That's all there is to it. You said goodbye.

    Source: Written for Bridgeside

A letter and a song

Built around one letter to your pet and one song that always makes you think of them. Small enough for two people. About 12 minutes.

The order of steps

  1. Settling inRead this or use your own words.

    We're here to listen to a letter and a song for [your pet's name].

    Source: Written for Bridgeside

  2. The song (optional)Share the name of the song and why it matters. People can play it on their own phones, since there's no shared audio in the room. Please don't paste the lyrics here.
  3. A letter to your petYou might write about what they gave you, what you gave them, and what you still wish you could say. Read all of it, part of it, or just keep it to yourself.
  4. Anything to add (optional)Anyone with you can add a memory, or just be there with you.
  5. A quiet moment (optional)About a minute.
  6. ClosingRead this or close in your own words.

    Thank you for listening.

    Source: Written for Bridgeside

A simple remembrance for any family

Stories and quiet time, with no ritual from any faith or culture. If your community has its own ways, you're welcome to add your own words or invite someone you trust to lead. About 10 minutes.

The order of steps

  1. Coming togetherRead this or use your own words.

    We're together to remember [your pet's name].

    Source: Written for Bridgeside

  2. What we rememberInvite anyone who wants to share.
  3. Words from the family (optional)Anything you or someone you invite would like to add. We don't provide any text here.
  4. A quiet moment (optional)About a minute.
  5. ClosingRead this or close in your own words.

    Thank you for being with us today.

    Source: Written for Bridgeside

Bringing the ashes home

A small family moment for the day the ashes came home: a few words, a spot for them, and some memories. No religious language. About 10 minutes.

The order of steps

  1. Coming togetherGather near the spot you have in mind, if you have one. There's no right place, and you can always change it later.
  2. Why todaySay why you wanted to mark this day, in your own words or with these.

    Today [your pet's name]'s ashes came home. We didn't want today to go by like any other day, so we're marking it together.

    Source: Written for Bridgeside

  3. A spot for the ashes (optional)Tell everyone where the ashes will stay, if you've decided. Anyone who'd like to can light a candle or leave a flower here.
  4. Life at home (optional)Invite people to share a small, everyday memory of your pet at home. Short is fine.
  5. A quiet moment (optional)Stay quiet together for as long as feels right, then keep going when you're ready.
  6. ClosingThank everyone, and let people stay or go when they're ready.

    Thank you for being here today.

    Source: Written for Bridgeside

A small goodbye

A short goodbye for just a few people in a quiet room, with your pet's photo up front. You don't need ashes or a burial for this, and there's no religious language. About 10 minutes.

The order of steps

  1. Getting settledGive people a minute to find a seat, then read this or use your own words.

    Thanks for being here. We wanted to say goodbye to [your pet's name] with the people who knew them best.

    Source: Written for Bridgeside

  2. A few wordsSay what you'd like people to know about your pet. A couple of sentences is plenty.
  3. What we remember (optional)Invite people to share a favorite story in the chat. Funny ones count.
  4. A quiet moment (optional)About a minute. Move on whenever it feels right.
  5. Saying goodbyeRead this or use your own words. Anyone who'd like to can light a candle or leave a flower.

    We're so glad [your pet's name] was part of our lives. Thank you for being here today.

    Source: Written for Bridgeside

When you are ready

Choose this funeral when you hold one, and change any of the words to fit your pet.

Hold a free funeral with these words