A Guide to Healing: One of the hardest parts of having pets is coping with the heartache of losing them. On the 1 year anniversary of losing one of our sweet dogs, I reflected on how I got through the past year. Losing a pet is an extremely difficult situation, whether you were prepared for it or not. If you lost a pet recently or have an older pet and preparing for the inevitable, keep reading to learn more about coping with pet loss.
1. Acknowledge Your Grief
Often the first step with any type of loss is actually acknowledging the loss. After getting over the initial shock, you may not know what to do next. Allowing yourself to go through the grieving process is important in order to be able to heal yourself. Don’t let anyone rush the process of coping with pet loss or call you crazy for grieving over a pet. After all, for pet lovers, these pets are our family. You will likely go through many emotions during this time from extreme sadness, possibly anger, or guilt, questioning over and over what you could have differently to prevent this. You may feel like crying all the time, which is a perfectly normal emotion to have. Take time to go through all these emotions and go through the entire grieving process.
While it may not seem like it initially, with time your heart will start to heal and you will eventually be able to look back and smile at all the memories.
2. Create a Keepsake
Once you’re ready, look for keepsakes to remind yourself of your dear pet. This might be something you buy or could even be framing their leash and collar to remember them by. There are many wonderful items online that will help you remember your pet. This might include a custom painted picture, jewelry with their name or picture, or custom printed blanket. You can also make something at home simply by printing out your favorite picture of them and framing it or even planting a special plant in their memory and getting a remembrance stone. Creating a keepsake is an excellent way to help coping with pet loss.
3. Focus on Self Care
You will likely be emotionally exhausted during the grieving process, so be sure to have plans for self-care to help yourself heal. While you might not want to get up off the couch at first, have a plan to keep your mind busy. For some, this might be as simple as staying in your normal routine and going to work each day. For others, you might require a few days off work at first to be emotionally ready to start working again. Don’t be hard on yourself either way.
Try to get in a little bit of exercise to keep yourself feeling good and try to get in healthy foods if you can. You might not feel like eating much at first, but try to nourish yourself still. Try to find a support system, whether it is with family members or a close friend. They will help you cope during this time, giving a shoulder to cry on or someone to tell stories to of your pet that make you smile. A good online support system is a pet loss support group. Look on social media sites to find these groups to join. The other members may be able to help with coping mechanisms or at least help you see that others go through the same process and come out whole again. Coping with pet loss is possible with some self care and a good support system!
4. Reflect on the Joy Your Dog Brought You
After the shock wears off and you have had time to grieve, you will start to be able to look back at the time spent with your dog with fondness. Look back at old pictures and videos and reminisce about all the times you spent together and the fun you had. Consider writing stories or drawing pictures of your pup or even making a scrapbook to help you cherish the memories. This may help bring closure to the loss. You’ll never forget your dog and with time you will be able to celebrate the life your dog lived.
5. Stay Open to Love Again—But on Your Terms
Thinking about having another dog in the house after the loss of a pet can seem impossible to imagine at first. Take the time you need to heal, whether it is several weeks or several months. As the pain from your loss starts to ease, you may start to feel ready to bring a new dog into your life. However, this can often come with pangs of guilt, as it may feel like you are replacing your friend. But no matter much you’d like, this won’t bring back your beloved pup. It is not wrong to start to think about giving a home to a new pup.
You could start by searching online and see if there are any puppies (or older dogs) available that spark your interest. While they will never replace your previous dog, you might see someone that immediately seems like a fit. This might include rescue dogs or puppies from a breeder. You could even start by volunteering at an animal shelter or fostering dogs without a home. If after doing this it still seems too soon to bring home someone new, then take more time for yourself. When you do feel ready, your new pup will get to experience all the love and joy you showered your old pup with. While it may not seem like it now, the day you meet your new pup will be the the day a whole new chapter begins with a new friend.
Moving Forward
Losing a beloved dog is one of the hardest experiences a dog mom can face, but with time, support, and self-care, healing is possible. You will never forget the bond you two shared even while bringing a new dog into your life. You may have several cherished pets throughout your lifetime, each of them special in their own way. Your dog will always be a part of your heart, and their love will continue to guide you as you move forward.
Have a favorite memory of a beloved pet you lost? Share below!
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