Help Build a Pet Memorial Site (1)
Part 1 of 2
This is Part 1 of a 2-part post where I announce my intent to build a massive pet memorial site on Vancouver Island, British Columbia (Canada). In this post, I share how I came to this decision and why we need a site like this. Here is Part 2 if you want to read that after this post.
About four months ago, God gave me an idea. Well, it has actually been more of a burden on my heart than an “idea.” Just as He caused me to ask the question (back in 1996), “Why aren’t we training dogs to track lost pets?” (and then had me DO something about it), He caused me to ask a new question:
“We have memorial sites where people gather with like-minded people affected by a similar loss / tragedy to process grief collectively. WHY don’t we have a memorial site like this for our deeply loved companion animals?
By “memorial site” I don’t mean a simple monument or a pet cemetery where animals are buried, a statue, or a small monument. What I mean is a large (100+ acre) memorial site known for its beauty, tranquility, amazing animal artwork, individual memorials of companion animals in various modes, and where everywhere you look, the deep love that people (and God) have for companion animals is on display.
Studies have shown there are healing effects of memorials like the 9/11 Memorial (NYC), the Hiroshima Peace Park (Hiroshima), and the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial (Washington, DC). In one study, the healing effects of the Vietnam Memorial was instrumental in the emotional healing of veterans diagnosed with PTSD. When we gather at memorials, our love is shrouded with grief. Yet we take comfort as we mingle with other people who’ve also lost loved ones that they want to honor as well. Memorial sites help facilitate emotional healing by providing a physical location where we can demonstrate and remember our bond of love.
We deserve a special place for companion animal lovers to physically visit where they can honor the missing-but-never found and/or the deceased beloved dogs, cats, horses and other species that have all impacted our lives.”
The memorial site I am spearheading will include a variety of ways that animals will be memorialized—everything from memorial bricks, memorial plaques, artwork, photos and cards, children’s drawing / artwork, pet tag wind chimes, dog and cat collar art, and so much more. In addition to dogs and cats, we’ll also memorialize domesticated birds, horses, other farm animals, wildlife, zoo animals and any animal imaginable that a person has developed a deep bond of love for. We will also honor deceased and missing-but-never-found people who deeply loved companion animals.
There will be a “tourist” aspect to this memorial site in that there will be a museum, a theatre, an outdoor amphitheater (live music and speakers) so that visitors can fill their day with things to see and do. We will also have a retreat center where we will hold pet memorial retreats. Although this dream will cost millions, there are two things that I know for sure: (1) building this memorial site is God’s will and my “life purpose,” and (2) no matter how impossible it seems that this could be built, with God, ALL things are possible!
Needless to say, I plan to start writing about the progress of this memorial site here in my Substack. However, starting March 15, 2025, access to read about the memorial construction and to offer suggestions and to participate in the planning of this memorial site will only be available for paid subscribers and founders. Free subscribers will continue to receive my serialized memoir PET TRACKER and occasional pet rescue stories. You are encouraged to upgrade (from free to paid or to founders) so that you can financially support me as well as participate in this unique journey! I want to hear your stories, your ideas, and work with others on this! Here’s a breakdown of what I’ll be offering my subscribers starting March 15, 2025:
FREE SUBSCRIBERS GET: (No cost…what a deal!)
Weekly serialized posts from my inspirational memoir PET TRACKER, the fascinating story of my journey from police detective to pet detective.
Occasional educational lost pet recovery stories from my international network of pet detectives who recover lost pets in their communities.
PAID SUBSCRIBERS GET: ($5 a month or $50 a year)
Weekly serialized posts from my inspirational memoir PET TRACKER, the fascinating story of my journey from police detective to pet detective.
Occasional educational lost pet recovery stories from my international network of pet detectives who recover lost pets in their communities.
Weekly idea exchanges with me about the pet memorial site development.
Ability to share your ideas of what might go into this facility plus opportunities to volunteer.
Quarterly pet memorial progress / update meetings.
MEMORIAL SITE FOUNDERS GET: ($20 a month or $240 a year)
Everything that FREE and PAID subscribers receive (see above) PLUS:
Exclusive monthly founder meetings to discuss / explore all memorial ideas (including those proposed by paid members).
Exclusive access to Kat live video updates.
Exclusive discounts on memorializing your companion animal.
In part 2 of this post, I will start to share details of the vision God gave me for building this memorial site—the first-ever companion animal museum, the various buildings, the artwork, the amazing memorial garden, the memorial forest walk, and the glorious beauty of what God has waiting for us all to experience one fine day.
So, tell me—who would you want to honor at a beautiful memorial site like this? Please comment and tell us who (person or animal) you’ve lost and what is the most special memory that you have of them.
To be continued…
This is BEAUTIFUL. And how did I not know you're Canadian and on the west coast? I would drive to this from Calgary and make a tribute vacation out of it. I would honor my old girl, Mojo. She was my dog before Dezi and she lived a long life full of love. Also, all the strays that have crossed my path in this lifetime and changed me as a lover of dogs, no matter how mangey they were.