Finding Comfort in Memories: Honoring Pets with Love and Care
September 25, 2025
Finding comfort, honoring memories
This September, as we recognize National Pet Memorial Month, the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine's Veterinary Teaching Hospital, in partnership with the VMCVM Wellness Committee, is proud to introduce a new space of solace, the Comfort Room.
The Comfort Room was created with families in mind. It offers a quiet, private environment where clients can spend meaningful time with their pets, reflect, or grieve surrounded by warmth and dignity. With soft lighting, comfortable seating, and thoughtful touches, the room is designed to honor the deep bond we share with our animals.
The Comfort Room at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital is used for families making difficult decisions about quality of life, euthanasia, visiting a pet that is in the ICU, and more. The room offers a calming and quiet environment for those seeking a peaceful space. Photos by Madison Brown for Virginia Tech.
A living memorial: The Butterfly Project
In partnership with the Veterinary Memorial Fund, the VTH community has come together to create a meaningful art installation for the Comfort Room. During September, staff, faculty, and students were invited to paint butterflies in memory of beloved pets. Each butterfly represents a cherished bond and is displayed in the Comfort Room as a lasting symbol of compassion and connection. Families visiting the space will not only find comfort in their own memories but also feel supported by the care and love shared by the broader VTH community.
Honoring the human–animal bond beyond September
For many, saying goodbye is one of the hardest parts of the journey with a pet. Finding ways to memorialize them can help transform grief into lasting love. Here are a few gentle ideas to continue honoring your pet’s memory:
- Create a memory keepsake. A photo album, paw print, or framed collar can bring comfort on difficult days.
- Start a ritual. Light a candle, plant a tree, or dedicate a walk each week in your pet’s honor.
- Share their story. Talk about your pet with friends and family, or write down favorite memories to keep them alive.
- Give back. Consider donating or volunteering with an animal-related cause in your pet’s name.
- Make space for feelings. Grief has no timeline. Allow yourself moments to mourn, but also moments to smile at the love you shared.
The Comfort Room and the Butterfly Project remind us that the bond between people and their animals doesn’t end with loss; it continues in the ways we remember, honor, and love them.
Resources
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Veterinary Social Work , articleSimilar to hospital or medical social workers in other health care settings, the Veterinary Social Work Service is available to help owners navigate every step of their pet’s care, including talking through treatment options, facilitating communication, or offering support for decision-making.
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Veterinary Memorial FundThe Veterinary Memorial Fund, established in 1985 through a collaboration between the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine and the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association, receives memorial contributions from veterinarians, pet owners, and animal lovers. These donations honor the special bonds between pets and their owners, and they support scientific research aimed at enhancing healthcare quality for future generations.