From the wag at the front door every time you came home to the way your pup snuggled up by your side after a bad day, the loss of a pet is nothing short of devastating. Having a dog that’s close to you is far more than just having a pet. They are a member of your family with whom you may have experienced unconditional love.
So how are you going to get through this? Even if your heart is open to a new pet down the road, right now, you need to work through grief and pain, feel the loss, and be thankful for the memories you shared.
That can be easier said than done. Consider these effective strategies to help cope with the loss of a beloved dog.
Your Grief Will Look Different Than Anyone Else’s
There’s no right way to grieve except for the simple fact that you need to allow yourself to go through it. Being emotionally drained, unfocused, and exhausted when your pet dies is okay. It is common to feel complicated feelings such as anger, depression, and denial. Grief often holds opposite feelings at the same time. You can feel:
- Deep sadness and gratitude
- Relief and regret
- Connection and isolation
You may even feel physical pain. You may need to scream in the kitchen and other times you’ll need quiet moments of sorrow alone. Grief is a unique and highly personal experience. Allowing yourself to process your feelings will help you heal and find acceptance for your loss.
Create a Physical Memory of Your Dog
Creating some sort of remembrance tool for your pet is a valuable way to honor them. There are many ways to create these physical memorials.
Create a simple box that allows you to hold important and meaningful items from your pet in it. Some vets, for example, will send a lock of the dog’s fur or an imprinted paw print. You may receive sympathy cards from friends. Place these simple things, along with your pet’s leash or favorite toy, into a box with a picture of your pet. That way, after a long day, you can page through the memorial box to remember their love.
Another option is to create something lasting outdoors for your pet, such as planting a tree or placing a few stones bearing memorial messages near their favorite spot.
Recognize the Value of Professional Support
Many people think of their pet as a member of their family. For some people, that pet could be the most important companion in their lives. Going through profound grief is not something you have to do alone, there are resources available for support.
Seeking professional therapy and support can be meaningful. It may allow you to learn to deal with dying and grief in a new way, one that doesn’t seem so scary. For others, coping strategies such as writing in a journal or recording a video can help you process feelings.
It will take time to go through a loss like this, and there’s no way to rush through it. Giving yourself space to experience and work through tough emotions is an important part of healing.
Maintain Important Routines
Getting back to life can be challenging, but it’s essential. It’s okay to take a few days off from work or school to focus on the loss of your pet. Don’t lose sight of your regular routines for your emotional and physical health.
- Exercise regularly. Whether going for a walk or going to the gym, exercise can help burn off the stress hormones racing through your blood, helping you to work out the anger.
- Eat a healthy diet. Your ability to cope is positively impacted by eating nutritious meals. Try not to isolate. Spending time with friends and family, maintaining daily routines are helpful coping strategies.
These are some tips for healthy ways to cope with loss, but they are not the only things you can do. Consider investing some time in yourself and in giving back. Now may be a good time to volunteer or contribute to a dog shelter. When you are ready, you may find space for new joy – whether through connection, purpose, or even welcoming another pet – as part of honoring this chapter in life and moving forward in a healthy way.
Author Bio - Lisa Huycke is the Owner and CEO of Hope Through Healing Publications, a company that creates bereavement support materials designed to help caregivers, hospices, hospitals, and families provide comfort and connection to those navigating grief. The business has been supporting grief care professionals and individuals across the United States for over 25 years with products like sympathy cards, grief journals, and grief mail series. With 6 years of leadership experience at the company, Huycke focuses on guiding the organization’s mission to offer empathetic, meaningful resources that validate the grief experience and help ease the journey of healing.