Send sympathy cards with heart

When Dr. Heather Shuler, co-owner of Santee Animal Hospital in Santee, S.C., found commercially produced clay imprint memorials too costly and sympathy cards too plain, she came up with her own special memorial to offer grieving clients: a handmade paw print card.

Using cream-colored card stock, a brown inkpad, a stamp, and ribbons featuring bones and paw prints from a local craft store, she creates a special memory for clients. With each euthanasia, the team makes a print of the pet's pad on the card (the trick to a neat stamp is to shave the fur from between the pads a little). Then they add a ribbon and the pet's name. Next, the team stamps a quote on the card that reads, "Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends leave footprints in your heart. —Eleanor Roosevelt."

Hospital team members then sign the card and mail it to the client. Dr. Shuler says pet owners love this lasting reminder of their furry friend, and many even send in a note thanking team members for their kindness.