Creating Meaning in Loss with a Memorial Donation

A guest blog from the Canadian Animal Blood Bank

Losing a pet is always hard. Our animal companions bring so much joy, comfort and love into our lives. When they die, a piece of our heart goes with them. 

Finding ways to honour the memory of our cherished pet can provide healing and purpose during a time of grief and reflection. For many people, this includes choosing to make a memorial donation to an organization that helps animals. 

At the Canadian Animal Blood Bank, we are always so touched to receive memorial donations. These generous acts of remembrance transform loss into hope: supporting our mission to save dogs’ lives by collecting, processing and distributing canine blood products from volunteer donor dogs to veterinary hospitals and clinics across the country. 

Every day, dogs need blood transfusions due to accidents, surgeries or illnesses. Together, the pets and people involved with CABB are giving dogs facing serious medical challenges the opportunity to recover and go home to their families. Memorial donations make this lifesaving work possible. They create lasting impact - and a beautiful legacy. 

There is no “correct” way to navigate pet death; grief expresses itself in so many different ways, and each of us must walk our own path. Memorial donations are one way to create meaning in loss; an opportunity to pay tribute to the special animals whose time on Earth we had the privilege to share with snuggles, playtime, treats and all the other experiences that make life with a pet so amazing. 

CABB was founded in 1996 in Winnipeg, where our head office remains. We have expanded since then to meet the ever-growing need and today, approximately 1,700 dogs in five provinces regularly donate blood to save lives. This includes more than 500 dogs who live in Manitoba, a testament to the spirit of generosity our province is known for.

As a national non-profit, it is our honour and our responsibility to use the donations we receive to support veterinary transfusion medicine and help dogs across Canada live long, happy lives. We accept memorial gifts with deep respect and gratitude, understanding them for what they are: an act of love. 

Donations to CABB in memory of your pet can be made online. Click the “Want to dedicate your gift to someone special?” box to let us know who you are honouring with your gift, or write us a private message. Your generosity will save dogs’ lives.