Paw Prints on Our Hearts

I literally can't even remember a time in my life when I didn't have a pet. My parents had a dog, a cat, and a couple horses when I was born. And I still remember the day my mom picked me up from preschool and took me to the animal shelter to meet the dog we were adopting - my dog. I named him Reggie, and I had him from the time I was in preschool until my freshman year of college. He isn't with me any more, but he will always be my dog. There are just some pets that come into your life and your heart is forever imprinted with their adorable little paw prints.

I have been fortunate enough to have more than one special dog in my life. In 2015, I adopted (or more accurately, was "chosen" by) a very peculiar little dog whose name is now Wallaby. I say he's a peculiar little dog because he oftentimes is not interested in doing "dog" stuff and he has a very particular routine he likes to keep. He came into my life during one of the most difficult times of my life, and, while he is still with me, I know that he has already left extensive paw prints on my heart that I will always cherish.

As hard as it is to think about, I know that I will (most likely) live much longer than my pets. Knowing just how big of an impact my pets have made in my life and knowing the gaping hole that seems to be left in your heart right after the loss of your pet, I knew that I wanted to create something special to remember my pets by. I started brainstorming ways of doing this, but there was a lot to consider. I wanted a place to put my pet's things, a way to keep them somewhere I could see them. I wanted to say something special about my pet. And I wanted to have a picture of them too. It finally dawned on me that I could put all of these ideas together in a customized pet memorial shadow box. Which is exactly what I did. The peace and comfort I felt after I could finally put my pet's memorial shadow box together and hang it in my home was immense. Nothing will ever bring them back but having a way to keep them in your daily life helps mend the heartbreak you feel after they pass. Knowing what a pet memorial shadow box did for my heart, I wanted to do this for other people too. And, so I did! I turned this hobby into a small business and now I sell customized pet memorial shadow boxes. While I am always saddened by the loss of a pet, it always warms my heart to see the love others have for their pets and to see how much comfort their pet memorial shadow box brings to them.

Unfortunately, I don't have Reggie's collar or any of his toys, and I only have a couple pictures of him. But I remember him and I remember how close we were. I truly wish I could put together a special memorial box for my sweet Reggie. But I will always have memories of him. And although I hope I don't have to do this for many, many years to come, I know that I'll have a special way to honor Wallaby's memory.

They came into my life and left paw prints on my heart. And I am forever grateful for that.