Pet Memorial Shadow Box — 5-Layer Rainbow Bridge Portrait

A story told in five layers of wood

The rainbow bridge is the idea that our pets cross from our world into another — from home into something wilder and more open, still watched over by the same sun and moon. This shadow box holds that story in wood, colour, and quiet depth.

Five layers of hand-stained basswood are stacked and spaced so that the scene has real dimension when the light catches it.

The background layers carry a home setting on the left and a nature setting on the right, with a rainbow bridge spanning the two. A sun sits on the left side of the sky; a crescent moon and stars on the right — because your pet is with you by day and by night, at home and beyond it.

At the centre is a portrait of you and your pet together, their small halo the only detail we add.

The front layer frames everything in dark wood, with your pet’s name in a banner, a message of your choosing, and their years — and at the bottom, a rectangular opening that holds a tiny glass bottle, kept for a small amount of fur.

What to send before checkout

Each shadow box is built entirely around your pet and your own photo with them. Here is what we will need:

1. A photo of you and your pet together
   This becomes the engraved portrait at the centre of the piece — you holding, sitting with, or beside your pet. JPG or PNG, minimum 800 × 800 px. Not sure if yours will work? Send it to us first — we will let you know honestly before you order.
2. Your pet’s name
   Displayed in the banner beneath the portrait. Works best up to 10 characters — longer names are possible but please message us first so we can confirm the fit.
3. Year of birth and year of passing
   Displayed at the bottom of the banner, e.g. 2018–2025. If you would prefer a single year or no dates at all, just let us know at checkout.
4. A short message — optional
   Up to 24 characters, engraved beneath the name. Examples are “Forever in my heart.” “Always my good boy.” Or leave it blank entirely.

Photo tips

What works well: A photo where both you and your pet are clearly visible, reasonably well-lit, and facing roughly toward the camera. Candid photos taken in natural light often give the richest engraving detail. You do not need to be looking directly at the camera — a natural, unposed moment engraves beautifully.

What to avoid: Photos where one of you is in heavy shadow, partially cut off, or obscured by something in the foreground. Very small or low-resolution crops where faces are not clearly defined may not engrave with enough detail.

If the only photo you have is imperfect: Send it to us anyway. We can often work with photos others would say are too blurry or too dark. We will tell you honestly what is and is not possible — before you spend anything.

Materials and making

Each layer begins as a 3mm basswood sheet — lightweight but sturdy, with a fine, even grain that takes both stain and laser engraving well. We apply non-toxic, water-based wood stain by hand, using a different depth of colour for each layer so the scene has contrast and warmth when stacked. Every layer is then finished with a matte, UV-resistant coating to protect the colour and engraving over time. The layers are spaced apart inside the frame so light falls between them, creating real shadow and depth — not the appearance of depth, but the actual thing.

What’s included:

• Black MDF frame with premium clear acrylic front
• Sawtooth wall hanger + adjustable tabletop mount
• Small glass keepsake bottle for pet fur

Size and display

The shadow box is approximately 20 × 25 cm (8″ × 10″) — roughly the size of a standard picture frame you would find at a bookshop. It sits comfortably on a shelf, a bedside table, or a mantle, and hangs cleanly on a wall. The depth, including the frame, is approximately 4.6 cm — enough for the layers to cast real shadows, but slim enough to feel considered rather than bulky. If you are unsure how it will look in your space, a standard sheet of A4 paper placed on a surface gives a close approximation of the front face.

Sending this as a gift to someone whose pet has just passed? We include a free handwritten note with every order — just leave your message at checkout and we will take care of the rest. We can ship directly to your recipient with no invoice enclosed. Sometimes a handmade thing, made slowly and carefully, says what a card cannot.

To care for your shadow box: dust the acrylic front gently with a soft, dry cloth — avoid wet cloths or glass cleaner, which can cloud the surface over time. Keep the piece out of direct sunlight where possible; the UV-resistant coating protects the wood, but prolonged direct exposure will eventually affect the stain colour.

Because every shadow box is made to order and personalised to your pet and your photo, we are unable to accept returns or exchanges. If something arrives damaged or does not match what was agreed, please reach out within 7 days with a photo — we will always make it right. Send us a message any time before or after ordering.

Questions about this piece

Does the photo have to include me, or can it just be my pet?
The portrait layer is designed to show you and your pet together — it is one of the things that makes this piece different from a standard pet portrait. That said, if you do not have a photo with your pet, or prefer a portrait of your pet alone, please message us before ordering and we can discuss what is possible.

What is the small bottle at the bottom for?
It is a keepsake bottle, sized to hold a small amount of your pet’s fur. It sits in a rectangular opening at the base of the front frame layer and can be removed and replaced. You do not need to include fur — many customers leave it empty, or place a small note inside instead.

How long does it take to make and ship?
Each shadow box takes 1–3 business days to handcraft from the time we receive your photo and details. We will send you a preview image for your approval before we start the handcraft. Shipping within Canada typically takes 2–5 business days depending on your location. Expect remote area with longer shipping time, which takes around 10 business days.

Can I order this for a pet that has not yet passed?
Yes. Some customers order in advance, to have a keepsake ready. Others want to honour a pet who is aging, or to give a gift to a friend who is grieving. Whatever your reason, we will handle your order with the same care either way.

The photo I have is old or not very clear. Will it still work?
Often, yes. Older or lower-contrast photos can engrave beautifully — sometimes better than sharp, high-resolution images, because the laser captures tonal range rather than fine detail. Send us your photo before ordering and we will give you an honest answer. We would rather tell you up front than have you disappointed.