Wow! Thank you all for the comforting words & great ideas. It truly does comfort me to know that others go through this pain too. They really are a part of the family! We ordered a pet memorial stone for the site & I plan on planting some hostas. I'm trying to find a statue or something with a long haired dog on it. All I'm finding is short haired dogs but I'll keep searching. I like the idea of dogwood & the japanese maple. I did do some research on the database for plants with the name "Blaze" in them. There are a lot to chose from!!! Thank you, again!

Our home is in the middle of the woods. So when I say shady, it really is shady. Would a dogwood be able to grow in that much shade? I've researched it online and am finding conflicting reports.

My condolences on your loss.
Many dogwoods are understudy trees, so they should do well in shady locations.

In addition to other perennial plantings, you could try some daffodils for spring color. There are several with 'Blaze' in the name and at least one just 'Blaze'. eg. Valley Blaze, Desert Blaze, Golden Blaze. I'm sure you could find one or possibly several that would fit your need.

Plant them before you put in your perennials and they'll bloom nicely in the spring. For me, daffodils last much longer if they're in the shade.

2 dogs one called rannoch & monty

Trish, if you don't find a statue, maybe you can have a custom metal silhouette made, or a metal sign with Blaze's picture etched on it.

@lovemyhouse, Debra, this thread is from 2016, over 2 years old. Not sure why the new member posted and bumped it up. Trish has not been back to post since then.

Guess I didn't pay much attention. Thank you, Suzanne.

Lovemyhouse,. I never did have any luck finding a statue that I felt suited. But I LOVE the idea for a metal custom silhouette!! Never thought of that. Just found a guy that does them!! Thank you very much for this great idea!!!

You are welcome, Trish. If you go with that one and have time later, I'd like to see a photograph(s) of it in place.

So nice to see you are still popping in here Trish!