Our cat Hanna recently passed away.  She was a treasured member of our family for the past 19 years.  In fact, she pre-dated my relationship with my wife Christine.  Hanna entered her life as she went away for college.  When I met my wife, Hanna was there- always loving, always supportive of my wife.  She was much more to us than a pet.  She was a member of the family.  When the holidays arrived, Hanna was part of our celebrations.  When we'd go on family vacations, we'd make special arrangements for her care.  Now that she's no longer with us, there's a certain emptiness we all feel.

Anyone who has been lucky enough to have such special companions on life's journey knows what I'm talking about.  These wonderful creatures become part of the fabric of your everyday life.  They rejoice in your triumphs and mourn in your moments of sorrow.  When they leave us, they're mourned.  Hanna's absence is very present to all of us.

Because of the special place our pets hold in our lives, many people choose to have a pet memorial service or honor their pet's life in a unique way.  It's a fitting tribute to a beloved member of the family.  It's also a chance for those of us left behind to say goodbye and to say thank you.