When my neighbor’s dog died this past year,
I felt incredibly sad. Romeo was a noble shepherd-hound mix, and he had been my dog’s favorite pal. I knew that Romeo’s human counterpart, was going through a hard time, facing this loss. My own grief bubbled up inside of me when my dog, DJ, and I passed their home on our routine morning walk.

With my heart heavy and full, I needed and wanted to respond to Romeo’s passing in a meaningful way. So I sat down to write a tribute. I had to tell Romeo’s story—at least, the part I knew.   

Writing the story was a healing act for me. It was a place to express my grief, my concern, and most of all, my deep gratitude for Romeo because he had touched my life. Maybe it was as simple as that—a way to say thank you to this dignified creature for what he had given me. And to tell anyone else who cared to know, how much this sweet dog’s life had mattered.

Throughout my life I have grieved over the animals I have lost. And I’ve watched others experience heartache and sorrow after their beloved animal companion dies. We all know about the ceremonies and grief rituals that are there to support us when a fellow human dies; but the same is not so commonplace when a beloved animal passes. Why not?

It is with that in mind that Tribute Tails was born, providing a way for pet owners to memorialize and remember your deceased animal companion and beloved pet with a personalized, unique written tribute: for dogs, cats, parrots, birds, hamsters, guinea pigs, fish and all animals domestic exotic and wild.

As a funeral celebrant and a certified animal loss and bereavement counselor, I have studied and trained in this area in order to offer animal lovers a truly sacred space to acknowledge the value of their relationship to a special animal, to remember and honor that friend, and grieve their passing. (See my Biography on the the "Purchase a Tail" page)

“Wildness is the state of complete awareness. That’s why we need it.”
—Gary Snyder

From a young age, I never questioned what I knew to be true—the animals that live with us aren’t just our pets—they are our family members. They live beside us without judgment, they accept us, teach us, and keep us connected to the natural world.  They nourish our souls, feeding our primal selves—the part of us that just ‘is’— and in doing that they give us the greatest gift of all—freedom to be ourselves.

I hope Tribute Tails can be a touchstone for you, an invitation to reach out during this difficult time. With every new Tribute Tails client, I re-commit myself to listen sincerely; to learn your animal’s unique tale; and to write your story in a personal, lasting tribute that will celebrate the pure, uncomplicated love you shared with your
best friend. 

A Tribute Tail is dedicated to remembering your best friend with dignity.


Please contact Dorry Bless to learn more about
how to arrange your special tribute tail.

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dorry@tributetails.com | 908-962-0642

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