Carolyn the Celebrant
at Rites of Way
'I will tell YOUR story'
Dog Naming ceremonies
A pet naming ceremony is a way of celebrating the bond between you and your furry friend.
A ​ celebrant-led dog naming ceremony can include various elements such as readings, songs, symbolic acts, and certificates. It can include the following steps:
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Introductions and welcomes
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A reading or poem
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Storytelling about the pet, such as their arrival into your life, their personality and any quirks or interests
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A message about the role and responsibilities of pet ownership
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The parent’s promises to the pet
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Another reading or poem
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Importance of wider family and any specific people in attendance
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Appointment of guardians for the pet in case something happens to you
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Guardians’ promises
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The significance and meaning behind the pet’s name
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Blessings and or prayers
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The naming itself
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Concluding words
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You can personalise the pet naming ceremony however you wish, and add any symbolic elements that suit your style and preferences.
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Tree planting - to symbolise new life and growing as a family
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Sand ceremony - where you combine different coloured sand in a glass jar as a symbol of family unity
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Lighting candles
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Hand and foot printing
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Any other suggestions and ideas you have
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A pet naming ceremony usually lasts around 20-30 minutes and can be held in different places, such as your home, a park, a church, or a pet-friendly venue.
You can also choose myself as a celebrant to lead the ceremony for you, or do it yourself with the help of your family and friends.
How much will it cost?
My fee for Dog Naming Ceremonies is
£200
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Don't forget my service includes a free tree from Gift a Tree​.
It will be planted in your name in Tiverton, Devon 🌳🌿 with a commemorative personalised certificate to commemorate it
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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
We all know that dogs are man’s best friend, but really, they are everyone’s best friend. When they suddenly die and leave us, we can go through so many emotions; it has a real impact on us.
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It can be very difficult to know what to do when your dog dies. Our dogs have been so supportive, comforting, and helpful, our companions and real family members.
They were there for us when we felt down and also there at our happiest times. So it is completely understandable that you would want to honour their memory by holding a service or a ceremony with your nearest and dearest present.
And no, it is not silly to have a special time for your family member who has died. You would treat them as you would for any close friend or family member. You may have chosen to have a burial or a cremation, but then a ceremony will also be able to help you in your grief.
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A celebration of life led by a celebrant can provide comfort, peace, and closure to your devastating loss. A ceremony of 30 minutes to an hour in which you focus solely on the life of your beloved pet, can be so helpful to you and your family and friends in the face of devastating loss. Please contact me for a complimentary discussion about your celebration of life wishes.
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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
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Dog celebrations of life ceremony suggestions
My sincere condolences to you and your family. So after your dog dies what would be included in a celebration of life for your pet? After speaking with you, I would design a bespoke ceremony that could include any of the following , and anything else you request.
Please download your free Paws and Whiskers booklet, created by Carolyn, of poems, readings and prayers here
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Readings and sharing of memories
A Eulogy, sharing memories, your gratitude
and what you miss about your dog
Videos/Photos/ collages/pictures created by yourself, your friends and family
Letters
Prayers
Poems (chosen or written by yourself, friends and family)
Rituals such as tree planting , unveiling a sculpture headstone
Lighting of candles
Placing of flowers, herbs, treats at your pet's burial site or favourite place
Reading and sharing of stories
Going on your favourite walk
Unveiling a memorial
Having a meal
Music and songs
Having doggy friends
Scattering of ashes
Creating a book of remembrance
Time for reflection
Cultural rituals
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A closing goodbye, where you can say a final farewell to your pet and thank them for their love and companionship.
How much will it cost?
My fee for Dog Celebrations of life are
£200
Don't forget my service includes a free tree from Gift a Tree​. It will be planted in your name in Tiverton, Devon 🌳🌿 with a commemorative personalised certificate to commemorate it
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