Pet Declaration was founded in 2018
by Gena Norris (Hampton), a devoted pet parent who faced the
heart-wrenching challenge of finding the perfect urn for her beloved Chihuahua,
Poncho. After struggling to find an urn that truly resembled her cherished
companion, Gena had to settle for an option that did not capture Poncho's
spirit, which ultimately inspired her to create Pet Declaration. Headquartered
in Tampa, FL, Pet Declaration currently offers only the Chihuahua breed. Our eCommerce site will eventually offer a variety of unique and
personalized urns, ensuring that every pet owner can find a fitting tribute for
their beloved companions.
Grief is not just
an emotion—it’s an unraveling, a space where a beloved furry life once lived
but is now gone. It
carves through you, leaving a hollow ache where their warm presence once
resided.
At first, it feels
unbearable, like a wound that will never heal. The silence is deafening where
there used to be the tap-tap of paws, a gentle purr, or an enthusiastic bark.
But over time, the raw edges begin to mend. The pain softens, but the imprint remains—a
quiet reminder of what once was. The truth is, you never truly "move
on" from a love like that. You move with it.
The love you had
for your companion does not disappear; it transforms. It lingers in the phantom
weight of them sleeping on the bed, in the warmth of old memories, and in the
silent moments where you still look to the door, expecting to see their face. And
that’s okay.
Grief over a pet
is not a burden to be hidden; it is a natural and understandable response. It
is the deepest proof that love existed, that something beautiful and loyal once
touched your life. So let yourself feel it. Let yourself mourn the
loss of your best friend. Let yourself remember every joyful minute.
There is no
timeline, no “right” way to grieve. Some days the house will feel heavy, and
some will feel lighter. Some moments will bring unexpected waves of sadness,
perhaps when you see their favorite toy, while others will fill you with
gratitude for the years of unconditional love you were lucky enough to
experience.
Honor your grief,
for it is sacred. It is a testament to the depth of your heart and the
bond you shared. And in time, through the pain, you will find
healing—not because you have forgotten their little nose or their happy tail
wags, but because you have learned how to carry both their love and their loss
together.
In addition to honoring pets that have
passed, Gena recognized the importance of supporting living animals. This led
to the formation of Pet Declaration Cares, a 501(c)(3) non-profit
organization that wants to assist other 501 (c)(3)s that are involved in pet
rescue. A portion of the proceeds from our urn sales will be donated to this
charitable initiative, which aims to rescue and care for animals in need.
We also welcome donations to
further support our mission of helping rescue animals. Thank you for being a
part of our journey!