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Some Helpful Suggestions After the Loss of a Pet Friend

• Be kind to yourself and accept that you are going to feel sad for a period of time. Simplify your life as much as possible, rest when you can, and try and maintain good nutrition. Allow yourself a half hour a day to cry and to be with your own thoughts about your loss. Accept that you may be distracted and forgetful for some period of time – this is normal.

• Initially you may think you see or hear your deceased pet and that he or she will be coming into the room at any moment. It will take time to adjust to life without your pet friend. This is normal – be kind and patient with yourself.

• A ritual (funeral) may be helpful in finding closure, especially if this is a child’s pet or the pet was part of a family with children. Family members can write a letter to the pet or say some words (recall a memory) at the funeral. Favorite toys or objects can be buried with the pet. A Marker or Stone may be placed at the gravesite or you can Memorialize your pet.

If the pet cannot be buried, then a place can be found in the house to place a photo of the pet and a ceremony performed. This can be left for viewing for a period of time. Or this can be done at a special place outside and a special marker placed in the memory of the pet. 

• Create a memorial scrapbook that includes photos, letters, and special memories related to your pet friend. This will honor the memory and the activity will help with the process of closure.

• Accept that some people will understand your grieving, while others may not. Some people do not bond with animals and cannot understand what you are going through. Although I cannot imagine a world without dogs, some people can. So find friends or family who also appreciate animals and can offer you support.

• Finally, listen to yourself as only you know when you are ready to move beyond your feelings. Don’t heed any suggestions that don’t feel right to you. Only you know how you feel and the place your pet friend played in your life and you played in his or hers. Remember, in time, you will be able to re-experience life and the possibility of a new pet friend, when you are ready.
• It is also helpful to find a support group, if available, in your area. Possibly your veterinarian will know of a group in your area or may offer other helpful information. There is available a Compassionate Telephone Support for Pet Owners in Grief, called Pet Friends. The toll free number for this telephone support is 1-800-404-PETS.
• See  also  Losing a Pet in Our Pet Friends and Loss and Grieving.

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