The death of a beloved pet is difficult, no matter how old they are. Some families chose to honor their pets by keeping a picture of them in their home or sharing their memories online. Dog mom Tessa Highmark was walking her Saint Bernard and came across a unique way one family chose to keep their dog Cody’s spirit alive, and it’s giving people all the feels.
Tessa shared a video on TikTok of a sign in a neighbor’s yard. The sign shows a photo of a happy Labradoodle named Cody, who passed away after spending 18 years with the family. The sign reads, “Have a drink on Cody” and below it are two bowls of fresh water.
@tessahighmark I just know Cody was the goodest boy 😭🥺 #wholesome #dogsoftiktok #tobeloved #dogpeople #souldog #heartdog #saintbernard
Tessa said in the video’s caption, “I just know Cody was the goodest boy,” and we couldn’t agree more! We love this idea and know that someday, hopefully a long way from today, we can share a similar sign in our yard.
Viewers of Tessa’s video had a lot to say about it. @taralynnstoner pointed out, “17 years old … a Doodle… that baby was LOVED.” Another commenter shared what we were thinking, “I’d be sobbing the rest of the walk.” @Kenzie.janay agreed, “That would have me bawling! I lost my sweet Boy March 13, 2025. I miss him every day.” @Nellie Kruljac said, “This is incredible. Praying Cody is getting to do all of his favorite activities and indulge in all of his favorite treats in Heaven!”
Ways to Honor a Pet After They’re Gone
Many people choose to commemorate their pet to keep their memories alive in their day to day lives. We love the idea of a sign out in front of our home, but there are many other ways to do it if this idea doesn’t work for you.
An idea similar to the one featured in the video is to create an outdoor memorial for your pooch. The Animal Humane Society shared, “Put their name on a garden stone and add it to your garden, plant a tree in their honor, or have their name engraved on a bench. If you keep your pet’s remains, you can also bury them in your yard and mark their resting place in one of these ways.”
Other suggestions include preserving their paw print, getting a tattoo to honor them, donating or volunteering at a local animal shelter or rescue in their name, celebrating their birthday or anniversary of their passing by sharing memories and photos on social media, or making a scrapbook or shadow box full of memories that you can look at whenever you’re missing them.