Woman Mixes Her Late Dog’s Ashes into Eyeliner Tattoo Ink

A woman from the UK has sparked conversation after incorporating her late dog’s ashes into her permanent eyeliner tattoo. Claire Hobson, a permanent makeup artist, explained on the ITV show This Morning that the unusual choice stemmed from a desire to keep her beloved pet close, even after his passing. “He’s going to be there a long time,” she remarked affectionately about her dog, Patch.

Hobson’s decision was somewhat spontaneous. She had already arranged an appointment for her eyeliner tattoo when returning from collecting Patch’s ashes. Facing an impending move to Dubai, she pondered how best to honour her pet. “I thought, ‘I don’t want to put his ashes in a suitcase.’ Since I was getting my eyeliner tattooed and knew people have their loved ones tattooed into their body art, I thought, ‘Why not just have it in my eyeliner?’” she recalled.

Consulting a colleague who also experienced the loss of a pet, Hobson made her request. “I know this is, like, a really bonkers request,” she admitted. But her colleague was open to the idea, demonstrating remarkable understanding for Hobson’s profound emotional connection with her dog.

Hobson eloquently articulated the unique bond shared between humans and their pets. She stated, “Dogs, they’re loyal, they’re consistent, they show up every single day and they kiss you when you come home from work. It’s the purest form of love—there’s no malice. They’re happy to see you every day for 20 years.” This sentiment resonates deeply with many pet owners who cherish the unconditional love offered by their furry companions.

While the broader public has generally reacted positively to her decision, Hobson candidly acknowledged that her family may view her choice as “certifiably crazy.” Nevertheless, she believes that society often underestimates the depth of grief associated with losing a pet. She emphasised, “We underestimate actually the loss of pets and how we want to remember them.”

Regarding the longevity of her tattoo, Hobson shared her confidence that permanent eyeliner could last for several years. She also plans to incorporate more of Patch’s ashes during future touch-ups, reinforcing her commitment to keeping him near.

In the United States, questions are raised about the safety and regulations surrounding the mixing of ashes with tattoo ink. Since tattoo regulations can vary by state, some tattoo artists are required to use only unopened and sterile materials. Even though cremation renders ashes biologically safe, the act of tattooing carries inherent risks, including potential allergic reactions. According to the National Library of Medicine, skin reactions are reported in up to 67% of individuals getting tattooed, with papulonodular and granulomatous reactions being the most prevalent.

Luke Wintrip, a tattoo artist based in Essex, commented on the controversy surrounding the practice within the tattoo community. He noted, “The ink needs to be hygienic and sterile, and there is an argument that you’re putting foreign bodies in the ink.” Wintrip previously mixed ashes directly into his tattoo ink but has since sought out vendors who can provide a pre-sterilized tattoo ink incorporating ashes. “That way we know everything’s safe,” he explained.

Wintrip further shared that the practice of using both human and pet ashes in tattoos has gained popularity among those grieving a loss. “If you can do something that helps them through that process of grief, to remember those loved ones, then it’s worth doing,” he affirmed. His insights reflect a growing trend within the tattoo industry that embraces commemorative art as a means of honouring departed loved ones.

Hobson’s heartfelt journey reflects a broader narrative concerning how people choose to memorialise their pets. As she continues to navigate her grief, her innovative approach to honouring Patch highlights the unique bond shared between humans and animals, igniting conversations about love, loss, and remembrance in the age of modern body art.