How To Deal With Pet Loss

We treat our pets like our children–a part of the family. So, losing a pet is quite a challenging experience, and their absence is painful. While dealing with pet loss can be a personal journey, some strategies will help you cope in these difficult times.

We Grieve Differently

Firstly, it should be noted that we respond to pet loss differently. Some grieve longer than others, while some try to look strong to support their family members and help them deal with the grief. Moreover, some tips may be practical to you while some are not.

Pet Aquamation Services

Secondly, after your pet passes away, you should first think about how to lay them to rest appropriately. One highly recommended service is aquamation, which involves water and a gentle process to return the body to Mother Nature.

Since aquamation doesn’t involve fire, it’s environment friendly, and the ashes are whiter. 

Aside from the ashes, aquamation services provide viewing of your pet before the aquamation and memorabilias like paw prints, teeth, hair, and keepsakes. So, consider contacting the nearest aquamation facility to check out plans for a proper way to say goodbye.

Allow Yourself to Grieve

It is essential to acknowledge that you are sad because your pet died. Allow yourself to cry and express your grief in any way you feel convenient. You can post on your Facebook account to let those emotions out.

Remember that you are only human and susceptible to sadness, especially in times of loss.

Seek Support

Talk to your family and friends to seek support during these challenging times. They will surely lend you a helping hand. You can also contact a group that shares the same experiences. Sharing the pain, especially with pet owners, can be incredibly comforting.

You can also seek help from professionals, whether a therapist, counsellor, priest, or pastor. They can give you guidance and support that will ease your pain.

Find New Hobbies

Our pets create new daily routines, and the sudden loss disrupts the habits, thus creating emptiness. Make yourself busy by finding new hobbies or activities to give you joy. This could be volunteering at an animal shelter, making a vlog or blog, hiking, or nature-tripping.

Take Care of Yourself

Grief causes stress that will affect your physical and mental health. Make sure you maintain a healthy diet, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly despite the grief. You can also do the things you enjoy to keep you engaged.

Remember, you are alive, and the focus is on you. A part of healing is attending to your needs.

Honour Your Pet

Honouring your pet is a soothing activity that will also help you cope with the death of your pet. This will help you recall the happy memories and release the artist in you. 

Here are some ways to honor your pets:

Make a Scrap Book

We always take pictures of our beloved pets, so printing and compiling them in one book is one great activity you can do while you grieve. Print out many pictures of your pet and make a memorabilia out of them.

Food Bowl to Planter

Credit: Kerrie Whiteof (Facebook)

Reuse your pet’s food bowl by turning it into a plant pot to make it a living memorabilia of your deceased pet. You can plant a cactus or other indoor plants, so you will be reminded of an extraordinary life when you look at it. 

You can decorate your new plant pot with your pet's name and wrap the collar around it.

Make a Video

Compiling your pet’s picture in one video is easy with today's technology. So, consider making a video tribute of pet so you can watch it to bring back memories you had as a reminder of a life that is filled with love.

Healing Takes Time

There’s no right or wrong when grieving after your pet dies. Allow yourself some time and process the reality in order to move forward and continue. As day goes by, you can manage the pain and the memories of your beloved pets will bring joy rather than sorrow.