Carolyn the Celebrant
at Rites of Way
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on Instagram @rites.ofway
Dog Naming ceremonies
A pet naming ceremony is a beautiful way to honour the bond between you and your furry friend. Whether you choose to lead it yourself or invite me as your celebrant, it’s a heartfelt moment to welcome your pet into the family.
Ceremonies typically last 30 minutes and can be held anywhere meaningful—your home, a park, a church, or a pet-friendly venue.
Here’s what it can include:
Warm welcomes and introductions
Readings or poems
Sharing your pet’s story and personality
Reflections on pet ownership
Promises from you to your pet
Acknowledging family and friends
Appointing guardians and their promises
The meaning behind your pet’s name
Blessings, prayers, and the naming itself
Closing words
You can personalise it with symbolic touches like:
🌳 Tree planting – symbolising growth and new life
🕯️ Candle lighting – for warmth and love
🖐️ Hand or paw printing – a keepsake moment
🌈 Sand ceremony – blending colours to represent unity
Got your own ideas? Let’s make it yours.
No Dream too Amazing!
Carolyn the Celebrant is an animal lover who has empathy and creativity and dreams all day of how we can make the world a better place.
She cares deeply about our animal friends and wants us to celebrate the joys of life with our pet. Carolyn the Celebrant also appreciates and honours all of those who have been there for us with love and support.
Carolyn is the proud parent of her cats Jess and Maisie and proud Grandpawrent of Teddy, a Mini Golden Doodle, with whom every moment is a pleasure.
Please get in touch with Carolyn for a free discovery call to see how she can help you create a beautiful ceremony to honour your pet.
Dog Celebrations of Life
Honouring the Life of Your Beloved Dog 🐶💛
Dogs aren’t just man’s best friend — they’re everyone’s. When they pass, the grief can be overwhelming. They’ve been our comfort, our joy, and our family.
If you’re unsure what to do after losing your dog, know that it’s perfectly natural to want to honour their memory. A celebration of life is a meaningful way to reflect on the love and companionship they gave you.
Whether you’ve chosen burial or cremation, a ceremony can offer comfort, closure, and a space to share memories with those who knew and loved your pet. Led by a celebrant, it typically lasts 30–60 minutes and focuses entirely on your dog’s life and the bond you shared.
You’re not alone in your grief. I offer a complimentary discussion to help you plan a heartfelt ceremony that truly honours your furry friend.
You are not alone. There are organisations that are here to help you also, such as:
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Pet Bereavement Support Service: 0800 096 6606
https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-bereavement-and-pet-loss
Open every day 8.30am-8.30pm
email: pbssmail@bluecross.org.uk and they will usually reply within 48 hours
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Cats Protection Paws To Listen and Grief Support: 0800 024 9494
www.cats.org.uk/grief
Confidential phone line providing emotional and practical support to owners experiencing the loss of a cat. -
Books that you can share with children to help them in their grief and understanding, see A Gentle Goodbye with Cinnamon the Rabbit an hand drawn and beautifully illustrated book written by Holly Lyon-Hawk
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There are also helpful podcasts by Pet Bereavement Support Specialist, Angela Garner , which can be found here
A Celebration of Life for Your Beloved Dog 🐾
My sincere condolences to you and your family. Losing a dog is losing a cherished companion, and it’s only natural to want to honour their memory.
After speaking with you, I’ll design a bespoke ceremony that reflects your pet’s life and the love you shared. You’ll also receive a complimentary Paws and Whiskers booklet, created by
Carolyn, filled with poems, readings, and prayers.
Your ceremony may include:
📖 Readings, poems, and prayers
📝 A eulogy expressing gratitude and memories
🎞️ Photos, videos, collages, and letters
🌳 Rituals like tree planting or unveiling a memorial
🕯️ Lighting candles or incense
🌸 Placing flowers, herbs, or treats at a meaningful spot
🐾 Going on your favourite walk together
🎶 Music, songs, and time with doggy friends
📚 Creating a remembrance book
🕊️ Scattering ashes
🌍 Cultural or spiritual rituals
💬 A closing goodbye to thank your pet for their love
This ceremony is a space for reflection, healing, and connection — a way to say farewell with love and honour.