Avril Manderson is a silversmith based in the UK, creating limited heirloom dog memorial commissions for women who want to honour the depth of their attachment. After the sudden death of her two-year-old rescue dog, Monty, in 2020, Avril began to notice how often pet grief is quietly minimised, particularly for women in midlife.

Through her work, she repeatedly hears women describe feeling slightly embarrassed by how deeply they grieve because people still say, “it was just a dog.” Avril now writes and speaks about anticipatory grief and the emotional significance of companion animals, while creating consultation-led commissions that serve as permanent tributes.

Her work combines craftsmanship with emotional insight, offering women a way to carry memory with intention and dignity.

In December 2020, Avril’s two-year-old rescue dog, Monty, slipped away suddenly on a family day out to the beach. There was no warning. He ran across the sand dunes moments before lying down at her feet by the sea and quietly passing away.

Time stopped.

Monty had started life as part of a Harrier Hound hunting pack. Though little was known about his early years, his scars and nervousness hinted at a difficult beginning. He bonded instantly with Avril, sitting near her jewellery bench as she worked, often lifting his head to check she was still there.

His loss reshaped her business.

What began as animal jewellery gradually evolved into something more custom. Avril now specialises in limited heirloom dog memorial commissions, working predominantly with midlife women navigating anticipatory grief or recent loss.

Through her consultations, she repeatedly hears similar language:
“I know it sounds silly.”
“It was only a dog.”
“I probably shouldn’t be this upset.”

Avril believes this reflects a wider cultural minimisation of pet grief. While attachment to animals has deepened across generations, social language has not always kept pace.

Her work now sits quietly between craft and cultural observation. Each commission is shaped slowly, intentionally, and with consultation, offering clients not just an object, but a ritual of remembrance.

Avril writes and speaks about attachment, grief, and the emotional significance of companion animals, always from lived experience and observed patterns rather than clinical theory.

• Why pet grief is still minimised, particularly for midlife women
• The rise of anticipatory grief among dog owners
• How ritual and tangible objects support mourning
• Turning sudden loss into heirloom craftsmanship
• Moving from product-based jewellery to limited commission studio
• The emotional significance of companion animals in midlife transitions

While these are the core areas Avril writes and speaks about, she remains open to contributing to broader discussions around attachment, ritual, identity, jewellery, dogs, entrepreneurship and memory.