Pet Memory Books by Jennifer Breslow
When my cat Yoda passed away at the age of 17, she had spent more than half my life as my child, sister, and best friend (most of that time being on my lap or in the crook of my arm.) I was devastated by her loss. After all, what other relationship provides unconditional love, a never-ending capacity to forgive, an endless source of comfort, and an ear that’s always willing to listen and not judge?
In my grief, I felt a tremendous need to do something to honor and memorialize my dear friend. I wanted a way to remember Yoda that would celebrate what she had meant to me for so many years, something that would allow me to keep the joyous memories alive and help me recall all the ways in which she had enhanced my life.
Sometimes the answer is right in front of us. I split my time working as an Art Therapist and Graphic Designer. In my professional work as a Licensed Creative Arts Therapist, I have witnessed first hand the restorative and healing powers of the creative process—how in times of pain and despair there is an innate human propensity to create and rebuild that which has been lost.
As a graphic designer for over ten years, I had the skill set to create something really special, that combined words, pictures and graphics to capture the personality and essence that was distinctive to Yoda. By merging images with special quotes, choosing particular colors and fonts, I was able to create a tangible memorial book to my beloved cat that brought me joy every time I turned through the pages. Now, several years later, it still does.
The creative endeavor of making this book proved to be a significant part of my healing process. By focusing on the positive memories and having a visual to remind me of these, the painful memories of Yoda's death and last days slowly diminished. As the sadness lifted, I was left with a love and reverence for all the things I had learned from Yoda and an appreciation for all the ways in which she had made my life better for being in it. Looking through my book about Yoda lets me never lose sight of these important lessons.