Pet Sympathy Gifts In Honor of National Dog Week

I’ve found that honoring a beloved dog’s memory during National Dog Week can be really comforting for anyone who’s lost a furry best friend. At Animal Admiration Pet Care, we love the idea of thoughtful little gestures that celebrate the special bond we have with our pups. Giving pet sympathy gifts in honor of National Dog Week is a meaningful way to show love, help someone heal, and remind them that their pet’s memory will always be with them. If you’ve recently lost a pet, check our last week’s blog where we celebrate National Pet Memorial Day. If you’re looking to surprise a loved one, keep reading!

About National Dog Week

National Dog Week, held each September, began in 1928 as a heartfelt initiative to honor dogs’ loyalty and encourage better care of canine companions at the time. Still today, it’s a time to reflect on the relationship between dogs and humans; to think about the dogs who have left pawprints on our hearts, and to make the most out of the time we have with the dogs we know and love. Surprising someone with a memorial gift during this week is a way to take part in the celebration and support those working through loss, whether it’s recent or not.

Thoughtful Sympathy Gift Ideas

Here are several gift options designed to comfort and commemorate the life of a beloved dog (or any pet for that matter):

Personalized Photo Pillow: Provide a custom pillow featuring the dog’s portrait so loved ones can keep a soft reminder nearby.
Paw Print Necklace or Bracelet: Jewelry engraved with the pet’s name or actual paw print preserves the memory in a deeply personal way.
Memorial Garden Stone: A personalized stone for the garden, with the dog’s name and a special message, creates a lasting outdoor tribute.
Remembrance Candle: Lighting a custom candle in honor of a lost dog can become a healing ritual of remembrance. This company, Memory Flame, is owned by a fellow professional pet sitter who attended the Texas Pet Sitters Conference when I attended in 2024. Her candles and personalization are really special!
Keepsake Memory Box: A keepsake box designed for special mementos, including collars, tags, favorite toys, or sympathy cards, offers a place for tangible memories.
Custom Wind Chimes: The gentle sound of personalized chimes inscribed with a pet’s name can be a source of comfort during quiet moments.
Memorial Ornament: Especially meaningful for holidays or someone who likes to decorate all year, a custom ornament can help families honor their dog’s memory each year.
Sympathy Plant: Sending or delivering a fresh plant shows you care and brightens any home. A plant is especially nice for a person who loves to garden and nurture plants, so they can watch the plant grow over time.
Pet Portrait Watercolor or Engraving: Commission a portrait or an engraved keepsake to immortalize the pet’s personality and presence. There are many artists online if you search “pet portrait” and the medium you’d like such as watercolor or sketch style. Look around and see whose art best matches your loved one’s style.
Memorial Book: Books like “When You Lose a Beloved Pet” offer gentle guidance and a chance for reflection. Amazon has lots of options if you’re shipping, but I always prefer to browse local, independent booksellers like Mockingbird Books in Katy.

A Personal Touch

To make your gift truly special, don’t forget to include a note recalling a favorite memory or expressing heartfelt sympathy. All too often, people receive gifts and don’t know who they are from.

Or, skip the gift altogether and consider pairing the gift with a donation in the pet’s name to a local rescue organization, adding meaningful depth to your gesture.