Honoring a Pet You’ve Lost: A Gentle Guide to Memorial Portraits

Losing a pet is losing a member of the family. The house is quieter, the routines are gone, and the space they filled is suddenly empty. For many people, a portrait becomes a way to keep that spirit close.

Debra Whelan paints portraits that help people remember someone they love, whether a person or a pet, just as they were. As one client, Sue Kies, put it, Debra’s portrait “perfectly captures the look and spirit of Portia. It is a beautiful reminder of a beloved pet.”

If you’re thinking about a memorial portrait, here is what to know.

There’s no rush

Some people commission a portrait right away; others wait months or even years. Either is fine. A memorial portrait can also be a meaningful gift for someone else who is grieving. Julie Bolen commissioned Debra to paint the family dog for a friend who had recently lost her mother, and wrote that Debra was able to “perfectly re-create the colors, manner, and personality of the family fur-baby.”

Choosing photos

Clear, well-lit photos that show your pet’s face and true colors work best. Several photos from different angles help Debra capture both likeness and personality. Look for the ones that feel most like them: the head tilt, the sleepy look, the way they sat by the door. Send what you have, and Debra will talk through which photos will work best.

Tell Debra about them

A portrait is more than a likeness. Share their name, their quirks and what you most want to remember. Clients often say the same thing about working with Debra: she listens. Allison Ebner, who commissioned a memorial portrait of a dear friend, wrote that Debra “took the time to really listen to my vision I was looking for and to learn about my friend.”

How it works

• You send your photos and talk through your vision for the portrait.
• Debra sends an agreement describing the portrait and its price, and you pay a deposit of half the total.
• She emails you the painting as it develops, with two complimentary rounds of minor edits.
• Once you approve it, the finished print ships to you, or directly to the person it’s for. It usually takes about two weeks.

Portraits start at $200 for an 8×10 and go up to $1,250 for a 24×36. See every size and price.

Other ways to remember

For a friend who has lost a pet, a print can be a gentle gift in itself. Stairway to Heaven, a white staircase rising through pink and gold clouds to radiant gates, is a comforting choice.

Some families also honor a pet by helping others. A donation in your pet’s name to a local shelter, such as the Humane Society of South Central Michigan in Battle Creek, is a lovely way to pass that love on.

Memorial portrait questions

Still wondering about something? Ask Debra. She usually replies within 24 hours.