I think the rose is a beautiful remembrance for such a noble friend! Last summer my boyfriend and I lost our 21-year-old cat, Tomas, the day after y boyfriend's mother died. This was not a happy time. I took two carnations from one of the floral arrangements at her funeral and brought them home and placed them on Tomas' little wooden urn. They are still there to honor a most excellent cat, as your rosebush will also be there. Happy COTD for Joe!