03 455 2128

2023 Pet Memorial

September 1, 2023

Losing an adored pet can be an incredibly difficult and emotional time. Pets are an integral part of our families. They provide us with unwavering love, and joy. When they pass away it is only natural to want to honour them. It is natural to have a deep emotional connection with our pets.


The grieving process after losing a pet can have a significant impact on mental and emotional wellbeing. It is common that, for a child, their first encounter with grief is that of losing a pet. It is here we can help to set up life long learning that will assist them later in life.


At Gillions, we have all had to say goodbye to our pets at one time or another and came to the realisation that there is no formal way to say goodbye to our pets.   That is why we hold a Pet Memorial each October for this reason.


Our Pet Memorial is to be held on Sunday 1st October at 2pm in the Gillions Chapel. Entry is by gold coin donation and 100% goes to the charities Cat Rescue Dunedin, One By One Rescue and Bird Rescue Dunedin.


There will be a celebrant, musician, Slideshow of pets that have passed and refreshments afterwards.


If you would like your pet to be in the slide show please email their photo to pets@gillions.co.nz or via our facebook page by 24th September. Please also RSVP by emailing or calling us on 03455 2128 for catering purposes.


Grief is the price we pay for love, and with our pets, we love them unconditionally.

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Grief

By Office • September 18, 2024
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By Office • September 14, 2024
It is not just children who are deeply affected by the loss of a pet.  Grief is a price we pay for love.

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Lets get talking

2024 Pet Memorial

By Office • September 1, 2024
I still remember the heartache of putting our beautiful girl, Keira, to sleep after 15 years with us. We had a deep bond. She travelled with us overseas and to different cities. Her demise was very sudden and came as such a shock. Pets provide unconditional love, happiness, and joy. When that is taken away, there is a void left in their place. They are a loved member of the family. Some may not understand the depth of your grief, but for you, it is real. At Gillions, we have all lost pets. The grieving process cannot be forced or hurried; for some, it can be measured in years. Reaching out to others who have lost pets can help ease the grieving process. Since 2019, we have held an annual pet memorial—a funeral for your pet. We include the elements of a traditional funeral: a musician, celebrant, a slideshow of all the loved pets, a memorial tree, and light refreshments afterwards. Our next pet memorial will be held on Sunday, October 6th, at 2 pm in the Gillions Chapel. Please send your photos to pets@gillions.co.nz by September 30th. If you are unable to attend in person, we will live-stream the service.  "Everything you love will probably be lost, but in the end, love will return in another way." - Franz Kafka (1883-1924)
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