Honoring Our Four-Legged Friends: “Light The Night” Ceremony
On September 14, pet lovers and animal advocates across the country will gather to commemorate National Pet Memorial Day, a day dedicated to honoring the beloved pets that have crossed the rainbow bridge. This year, Where the Love Is, a nonprofit, no-kill animal shelter located in Hamden, is taking the observance to heart by hosting a special event called “Light The Night.”
Ceremony Details
The event will be held at 7 p.m. at the shelter, which is situated at 796 Old Woodin St. Attendees will have the opportunity to decorate and display luminaria—beautiful lanterns that will adorn the shelter grounds. Each luminaria costs $10, and all proceeds from the ceremony will be directed toward covering the veterinary expenses for a recent rescue named June, who sadly passed away after a valiant fight for her life.
The Legacy of June
Julia Pisani, president of Where the Love Is, shared the emotional backstory of June. “As long as June continued to fight for her life, we were going to get her all the medical care she needed,” she explained. The shelter had invested around $15,000 in June’s care during her two-week stay in the ICU at Central Veterinary Hospital in North Haven. Just days away from finding her forever home, June’s untimely passing left a profound impact on the shelter and the volunteers who cared for her. Pisani emphasized the importance of using National Pet Memorial Day to both remember June and honor all the pets who have touched our lives.
A Heartfelt Tribute
The luminaria event is designed not just to raise funds but to serve as a heartfelt tribute. Attendees will arrange these decorative bags into a heart shape on the shelter grounds, symbolizing the love and devotion pet owners feel for their furry companions. Each luminaria can be uniquely decorated, representing the personality of the pet it honors.
In addition to illuminating the shelter with glowing lanterns, the evening will feature music and poetry readings. There will also be an opportunity for attendees to share messages or stories about their departed pets. Pisani highlighted the often-overlooked grief that pet owners experience: “When a beloved animal companion passes, owners find it hard to grieve publicly in the same way as when a human dies. The grief has nowhere to go.”
Inclusivity for All Pet Lovers
For those who are unable to attend the ceremony but still wish to honor their pets, Where the Love Is offers a thoughtful alternative. Individuals can visit their website for more information, where the shelter will decorate a luminaria bag on their behalf and send photos of the display. This enables everyone to participate in the commemoration, no matter their geographic location.
Spotlight on Adoptable Animals
While honoring beloved pets, Where the Love Is also aims to spotlight the animals currently seeking their forever homes. Among them is Marshall, a stunning white German Shepherd known for his joyful disposition and love for belly rubs. Pisani noted that Marshall has been at the shelter for years but often enjoys sleepovers with volunteers, highlighting the shelter’s commitment to finding him a suitable home.
Another notable resident is Callie, a three-year-old Pit Bull mix who was rescued from a dire situation—left chained to a fence before a kind-hearted individual intervened. Stories like Callie’s and Marshall’s exemplify the shelter’s mission and the critical role they play in rescuing and rehabilitating animals in need.
Join the Celebration
Those looking to partake in this heartwarming event can look forward to a ceremony filled with love, remembrance, and community spirit. Whether through the illuminating luminaria or the shared stories of cherished pets, “Light The Night” promises to be a touching tribute to the animals that have enriched our lives.
