Dog beds, fur covered blankets, dog bowls, their favorite squeaky toy – these are just a few things that can be hard to face after pet loss. I find it difficult to look at those now empty items, but also struggle to hide them away. It can be a hard battle between moving on and wanting to keep the connection with the companion you have lost.
I, myself, find comfort in hanging my dog’s collars on my rearview mirror. This reminds me of all the car rides and adventures we were lucky enough to share together. Our family also displays each pet’s ClayPaws Prints in our home. The ability to see and touch their paw impression whenever needed is so helpful. Although different for everyone, items like these are pet loss linking objects.
What is a Linking Object for Pet Loss
Linking objects are also referred to as transitional objects. A linking object is an object that someone feels connects, or “links”, them in a positive and meaningful way to their deceased pet. Often times these objects provide security and symbolic connection.
Why Linking Objects are Important
Since linking objects can help keep the feeling of connection, they can greatly aid in the healing process. For example, in her book, Guidelines for Bond-Centered Practice: Pet Loss, Laurel Lagoni says, “Too often pet owners are advised to get rid of or to put away anything that belonged to their pet so as not to create a constant reminder of their loss. This is untrue. The fact is that the majority of clients find tremendous comfort through the various ‘linking objects’ that they have chosen to keep.”
As you know in your profession, the human-animal bond is a strong connection. It can be devastating to a pet parent to feel they have lost that bond. By having a linking object that is special to them, pet parents can grieve and heal in a healthy way.
The Importance of Touch in Pet Loss Linking Objects
Although there is no right or wrong object, tangible linking objects have proven to be most effective in the healing process and offer the most comfort. Personally, touch is the thing I find myself missing most about my deceased pets. I miss the ear massages, the belly scratches, the “boops” on the nose, and the snuggles in their fur. According to Psychology Today, touch increases levels of the hormone oxytocin. Oxytocin is know to lower stress hormones. Touch can also decrease pain, isolation, and anxiety — helping to ground the receiver and decrease sensory deprivation. ClayPaws clay is meant to be touched and held. With a ClayPaws Print your clients have an immediate and tangible connection to their pet. Below is a testimonial from a pet parent on the importance of the tangibility of her ClayPaws Print.
“Today, caressing this sculpture, running my fingers over the details of the impressions and seeing the single strands of fur forever captured in the clay has helped me “hug” her memory. Every friend and relative who has seen the imprint has remarked at what a marvelous idea it is.
As time goes by, we sometimes feel as if we are losing touch with Bailey and we even wonder, ‘Was it real? Was she really here with us?’ The paw print has helped make our dog’s ‘memory picture’ more vivid and complete, her essence more tangible for us. This is one of my most cherished possessions; frankly, it is one of the things I would grab in the event of a fire!” -Judy Johnston, Pet Parent
Our New 3D Print Kit
Knowing how touch is so important, we created our new 3D Print Kit featuring our Self-Curing Molding Putty. This new tool allows you to present an elevated keepsake or “link” to your clients. First, our proprietary formula Self-Curing Molding Putty is used to make an impression of a pet’s paw or nose. In about 90 minutes, the Self-Curing Moldy Putty will be fully cured (no baking!). It can then be used with our ClayPaws clay (sold separately) to make as many 3-D prints as desired. With their convex appearance, our 3D prints allow a more noticeable and familiar feeling to the unique impression of your client’s pet’s paw or nose print.
Just like ClayPaws clay, our Self-Curing Molding Putty is non-toxic and will not break-down, crack or curl over time. So, as a bonus, the original mold made from the Self-Curing Molding Putty makes an excellent, permanent keepsake for children. It is incredibly durable and can be dropped, thrown and even washed with soap and water. Even kids who are too young to be trusted with a breakable keepsake may benefit from a tangible keepsake of their furry friend.
Some practices are making it their standard to always make a print using our Self-Curing Molding Putty when a pet dies. This allows staff the option to make a 3-D print for client right away or for their client to make one any time in the future at home. This way, there is no rush to decide and additional ClayPaws Kits can always be purchased at a later date.
Learn more!
For more information about our 3-D Print Kit featuring our Self-Curing Molding Putty, check out our New Products section! Or, check out our instructional video below!
Thanks for all you do,
Cassie McArdle
Customer Service
World by the Tail, Inc.