One of the most common things I hear from clients; whether during a session or after, is wishing. Wishing they had booked a portrait session for a beloved pet who has long since crossed the rainbow bridge. I understand that feeling all too well.

I always say you can never have too many photos of your pet. And I don’t just say that as a photographer who makes a living capturing these moments—I say it as a pet owner. These photos become priceless memories, and no matter how many you take, you’ll always wish for just one more.

This week feels like the perfect time to talk about ways you can honor and remember the pets you’ve loved and lost. Just yesterday, I received the memorial ring I had made with Molly's ashes. There are so many beautiful, creative ways to keep their memory close.

• Commission a painting – A hand-painted portrait can capture their spirit in a truly unique way.
• Memorial jewelry – Whether incorporating their ashes, fur, or a paw print, these pieces let you carry a part of them with you always.
• Custom portrait tattoos – A lasting tribute that keeps them by your side forever.
• Fiber art sculptures – Some artists create breathtaking 2D and 3D wool sculptures, often incorporating fur or whiskers into the piece.

Thanks to today’s technology, we have access to talented artists from all over the world. And right here in Edmonton, there are so many incredible artisans who specialize in pet memorial keepsakes. I’ll be sharing a few of my favorites below, along with some recommendations from the West Coast.

If you’ve found a special way to remember a pet you’ve lost, I’d love to hear about it.

Here are a few images of some of the special ways I have memorialized my pets in addition to some links and social media handles to some talented people.

-Tattoo Artist Cien,  does amazing pet portrait tattoos. in Edmonton.

-Gems and Juniper craft stunning memorial jewelry in Abbotsford BC.

-Wooly Hoops does amazing wool portraits on the Canadian West Coast 

-Devorah Art did the custom painting of my 2 pups. Located in the Yellowhead County area.

-Whiskers and Wings from the Sherwood Park area does cremation jewelry, engravings and hand painted portraits.

-Meirako creates beautiful paw print necklaces with your pets actual paw print. You just need to upload a picture.  They are also a local company.

That is just a few of the talented people out there. I follow so many on Instagram.  If you want a few other people to watch let me know.  Find me on Instagram and I will send you some names.  Likewise if you know some artists. This is great information for pet lovers.