Creating New Traditions to Honor the Dogs You Miss

7 Ways to Deal with Holiday Grief

The holidays have a way of stirring up memories especially when you’re missing a dog who was once part of every routine, every celebration, every quiet m

oment. Grief can feel heavier this time of year, but creating new ways to honor your dog’s memory can transform that ache into something soft, meaningful, and even healing. These gentle traditions can help you feel close to the d

og you loved while allowing space for both remembrance and hope.

Light a Candle of Remembrance

Choose a time each evening, sunset, after dinner, or before bed and light a small candle in your dog’s memory. As the flame flickers, reflect on a moment that still makes you smile. This simple ritual offers a grounding way to move through holiday grief with intention and love.

In addition to the candle, if you are a photo person, add a photo album next to the candle where you could look at a picture an evening and reflect on the good memories.

Hang an Ornament That Tells Their Story

Whether it’s this year’s NCCF stained glass ornament, a photo ornament, a paw print mold, or a simple ribbon in your dog’s favorite color, hanging something special on the tree can bring comfort. Every year, as you unwrap it, you’ll reconnect with the joy your dog brought into your life.

Bringing together your dog friends for a get together at your home to make special ornaments is also a healing time. The right type of community can help you to work through the holiday grief. It doesn’t have to be complicated or costly; everyone could bring a food item and a craft item and the love of dogs to create a good time this holiday season.

Create a Giving Tradition in Their Honor

One of the most powerful ways to honor a dog you miss is to help another dog in need. Consider a small donation, volunteering for a local shelter or rescue organization, or purchasing a canine cancer awareness item in your dog’s name. Giving back becomes part of their legacy.

Many people have told us that putting together a yearly fund raiser is a way to deal with all the feelings that have arisen from their cancer journey. Having a small get together at your local coffee shop or wine bar and putting together a raffle is easy and fun. Name it after your cancer warrior and it will become a great new tradition that you and your friends and community look forward to each year. There are many ideas you could create in their honor that will lead to helping future dogs on their cancer journey.

Start a “Love Lives On” Jar

Each December, write down moments, quirks, or lessons your dog gave you—one note a day. Over the years, this jar becomes a treasure of memories that remind you how deeply your dog shaped your life. On particularly hard days throughout the year you can pull out one of the memories and read it again.

Cook a Special Dog-Friendly Holiday Treat

If you’re still caring for other pets, bake a safe, healthy holiday treat inspired by your dog’s favorites. It’s a sweet way to bring their spirit into your home while spreading joy to the dogs who are still with you.

Take a Memory Walk on Their Favorite Route

Bundle up, step outside, and walk the path you once shared. Pause at the places where your dog liked to sniff, sit, or run. A holiday grief walk can be both grounding and heart-opening—a way to stay connected without feeling stuck in the past.

Share Their Story with Someone Who Gets It

Grief softens when it’s shared. Post a picture, tell a story, or simply speak your dog’s name aloud. You are keeping their memory alive and using their story not only to help you but also to help others with what you learned along the way.

A Final Thought

Honoring your dog during the holidays isn’t about holding onto pain. It’s about holding onto love. These new traditions don’t replace the old ones—they simply create room for healing, remembrance, and hope. Your dog’s story didn’t end; it continues through you.