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From First Impressions to Lasting Memories
Custom Pet Memorials & Keepsakes in Reno, NV & Nationwide
Celebrating a new family member is an exciting time we want to remember forever. Yet no on prepares you for the moment you have to saying goodbye to a beloved pet, which is one of the hardest things we have to face. No one talks about what it feels like to leave the vets with nothing to hold onto… except a collar, a leash, and a shattered heart.
I understand the depth of that bond deeply. I know first hand what that shattered heart feels like. That is why I make custom, handmade pet impressions & memorial keepsakes created with care, compassion, and over 25 years of veterinary experience.
25+ Years in Veterinary Medicine Nearly 5 Years in Emergency Veterinary Care Handcrafted with Care & Compassion
About the Owner & Artist
Hi, I’m Chris
For more than 25 years, I’ve had the privilege of caring for pets and the families who love them while working in veterinary hospitals. Nearly five of those years were spent in an emergency veterinary hospital, where I walked alongside countless families through some of their most difficult moments — including saying goodbye to their beloved companions.
My own experience with pet loss eventually inspired me to create Lasting Paw Impressions Studios.
In August 2010, I lost my beloved dog, Daisy Mae. I couldn’t afford to get private cremation and only private cremation offered a basic clay paw impression. The hospital I took her to didn’t offer ink impressions, so I went home with only her collar and leash — and a completely broken heart.
Years later, when I lost my cat, Nelliel, I was able to preserve her paw and nose impressions and create beautiful keepsakes using her ashes.
What a difference those keepsakes made in my healing.
Today, I handcraft custom pet impressions and keepsakes designed to honor the unique bond between pets and their families.
Whether you’re celebrating a beloved companion who is still by your side or creating a memorial, my goal is to help preserve the love you share.
Every piece is made by hand, with compassion, care, and the understanding that this isn’t just a keepsake — it’s a part of someone’s family.
Thank you for trusting me with something so precious.
Shop Custom Handmade Pet Keepsakes and Memorial Products
A resin Tree of Life keychain crafted with your pet’s ashes as the earth and a lock of their fur forming the trunk, finished with chunky glitter or foil leaves— a beautiful keychain keepsake to keep your beloved companion close always.
Keep your sweet kitty close to your heart.
These beautiful cats are handmade with your pet’s cremains. Once I receive the ash I get to work and create something meaningful and beautiful just for you. These earrings are available in your choice of classic studs or a dangling style.
This is a lovely matching set of paw print earrings and a paw print bobby pin. The bobby pin can be made into a necklace if you prefer, please indicate that on your order. The stud earrings can also be made into dangle earrings if you prefer. This is a beautiful way to share your best friend with the world.
Beautifully honor your pet with this decor paw print.
This is a decor paw print that holds your pets’ cremains in a beautiful accent piece to add to your desk or the top of your dresser where you can see your beloved all the time. Once your order is placed, I will be in touch with you to know what colors (or no color for ash) you would like for the toe beans and the paw.
This adorable paw print is custom made with your pet’s fur and ash. The background can be customized to best honor your pet.
This is a lovely addition to any home that has a furry best friend. This canvas is painted with the colors of your choice then we get the humans handprint and after that dries we get the fur baby’s paw impression. I will then paint the names at the bottom of the canvas. Once the paint is completely dry, I apply a protective coat to the entire canvas to preserve these cherished memories. Two to three handprints can be stacked. This is and 8”x10” canvas. (Larger canvased are available with and additional price. Please call for a price quote.)
A Beautiful Tribute to a Life Deeply Loved.
This is a more personalized design featuring two colors, a simple decretive design, and your pet’s name. Each piece is thoughtfully created to beautify the impression.
Includes: Kiln-fired impression + two-colors + simple custom design + pet’s name.
Simple. Timeless.
A beautifully preserved, kiln-fired paw or nose impression left completely natural - no paint, no name, no added design. Pure gives you a blank canvas to display, paint, frame, or personalize however you wish.
Includes: Kiln-fired impression, finished and ready for you to make your own.
Your Pet’s Nose or Paw, Made Just for You.
Your pet’s impression is brought to life with two colors of your choice, along with a pop of color showcasing their name, creating a personalized keepsake made just for you.
Includes: Kiln-fired impression + two-color finish + your pet’s name.
Warmth. Bringing details forward.
Your kiln-fired impression is finished with antiquing wax, gently highlighting the natural details and texture of your pet’s paw or nose.
Includes: Kiln-fired impression + antiquing wax finish.
Handcrafted resin keychain preserving your pet’s ashes in a delicate paw print, set with white wings infused with ultra-fine diamond glitter for a gentle sparkle. Poured and finished by hand. Lightweight, durable, and easily attaches to keys or bags —custom-made with care as a lasting, personal keepsake.
A One-of-a-Kind Keepsake as Unique as The Life It Honors.
Our most detailed impression, featuring your pet’s name and a more intricate, personalized design. More time, detail, and artistry go into creating a truly distinctive piece that celebrates their unique legacy.
Includes: Kiln-fired impression + detailed custom design + your pet’s name.
Why I created LPI studios
Lasting Paw Impressions Studios was created so no one would have to experience pet loss without something to remember their baby by.
Every piece I create is handmade, personalized to honor your beloved companion, and crafted with compassion – because I know what it means to trust someone with our pet’s memory.
Whether you are honoring a life that has passed, celebrating a new family member, or a beloved pet that has been by your side, these keepsakes are made to preserve their unconditional love.
Each impression, each piece, every detail is created with the same care I would give my own.
Because I’ve been where you are.
And I’m here to help you hold onto what matters most.
How it works
Step 2: Choose your keepsake
Take your time exploring the different keepsake options and choose the one(s) that feel most meaningful to you.
Whether it’s a clay impression, resin piece, or ink print (locals only), each item is thoughtfully crafted to honor your pet’s unique story.
Step 3: Local or at-home process
If you are in the Reno, Nevada area:
We can arrange a time for me to gently and respectfully take your pet’s impressions or pick up cremains, depending on the keepsake you have chosen.
If you are outside the Reno area:
Once your order is placed, you will receive clear, step-by-step instructions based on your selected keepsake.
Some keepsakes may require you to create an impression at home
You will need a soft material, Play-Doh works best to capture details
Items such as fur and/or ash will need to be mailed double wrapped
You will receive specific instructions to ensure your items are received safely. Once I receive your precious baby’s item(s) I will send you a confirmation message letting you know it is safely in my possession and the approximate time frame for completion.
Please note: you will have additional shipping costs to ship these items for out-of-area orders.
Step 4: Creation & care
Once your materials are received, your keepsake will be carefully handcrafted with the utmost respect, attention, and care.
Each piece is made individually, and timing may vary depending on the type of keepsake selected. This period ensures your piece is created as beautiful and meaningful as possible. Each piece has multiple steps; some take longer than others. The clay needs to be trimmed and dry completely before being fired, firing depends on kiln space availability, then each piece is painted by hand. These pieces take the longest ranging from 8-12 weeks. Resin pieces can take up to 4 weeks depending on the order they are received.
Step 5: Receiving your keepsake
When your keepsake is ready, it will either be:
Carefully packaged and shipped to you
Or
Personally delivered (for local clients)
You will be notified when it’s on the way or ready for delivery – so you can prepare to receive something truly special.
Every step of this process is handled with compassion, respect, and understanding.
If you have questions at any point, or simply need guidance, I am here for you.
A gentle, guided process – every step of the way
I understand that this may be a tender time, or simply a meaningful moment you want to capture. No matter where you are in your journey with your pet, I’m here to make this process as simple, supportive, and comforting as possible.
Step 1: Do you need help through RUFF
If you feel that a keepsake may not be financially possible at this time, you are not alone.
You are welcome to apply for assistance through the Remember Us Furever Fund (RUFF). This community-supported fund helps provide meaningful keepsakes to families in need.
If you’re able to move forward without assistance, you can continue directly to choosing your keepsake.
Remember Us Furever Fund (RUFF)
What is RUFF
RUFF was created from a place of love and understanding.
I know what it feels like to lose a pet and not be able to afford cremation or a keepsake. No one should have to walk away from their beloved pet with nothing.
This fund helps provide impressions to families who need support during one of the hardest moments of their lives.
Who it helps
Families facing financial hardship
Emergency and unexpected loss
Pet parents who otherwise wouldn’t have a keepsake
Apply for support
If you are in need, please know you are not alone.
Apply below, and I will do my best to help provide a meaningful keepsake for your beloved pet. Apply in the contact section of the RUFF page.
Give to others
Your kindness can become someone else’s comfort.
By contributing to RUFF, you help ensure that more families can hold onto a piece of their pet – no matter their financial situation.
Contact Me
I’m here to help. I’ll get back to you within one business day.
If this is a true emergencies text (775)971-7297 and I will get back to you as soon as possible.