How to Comfort a Grieving Pet Owner

Losing a pet can be completely devastating for both adults and children. Pets can become our best friends and allies against the entire world. Pets inevitably pass away long before we are ready to let go. It is very important that you are truly there for your loved ones when they lose their beloved furry friends. Below you will find some help in being there for the grieving one you love.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Express your remorse sincerely. Be honest, and share memories that you had with both the owner and pet. Telling him specific memories and instances that you remember when he made his pet happy will be helpful. If you didn't see the two of them interact, avoid speaking about it. Sticking to honest remembrances is the best way to go. Nothing feels worse than false sympathy!

2. Listen to what the grieving pet owner truly needs to say. Ask sympathetic questions, and respond to the specific answers given. Some owners will want to talk ceaselessly about every cute thing his pet ever did. Be patient, and add cute observances of your own if relevant. The main thing to remember is you want to follow the lead of the grieving owner. Let him express his grief in the manner that feels right to him.

3. Make him laugh! When someone wants to tell you a funny story, laugh along and add to their humor. You want to keep things on an upward cycle in the grieving process. There are still reasons to smile, and you must be careful at the times when the owner is finding happiness. Build upon that, and don't let the sadness quickly return. It is in your power to build positivity when the owner is starting to cheer up.

4. Create a memory book. Invite your loved one to create a memory book with you. Offer any photographs or memories that you have of the two of them together. All photographs of the pet should be gathered, and there should be a memory sharing session over a week's time. Any time anyone thinks of a memory, she is to record it in a little journal.After a week, create a scrapbook by writing the memories in a beautiful cursive script on decorative paper. Theme the pages when possible, and make sure to include all the existing pictures of the pet. This will be a great comfort to the grieving owner. It immortalizes his pet and memories. It can get as extravagant or as simple as desired.

5. Introduce the idea of a new sort of pet. Explain it as sort of a sibling to the memory of his beloved pet. Be gentle in introducing that, and express understanding if he refuses this idea. Be quick to apologize if he is offended, and re-affirm that you are there for him. Explain that you think that moving on is important. There are some owners who feel incapable of loving a pet in the same way again, and that is perfectly valid. Some are capable of truly moving on with their lives without moving on to caring for another animal. This is often the best way to go, but you want to let your loved one know that you will support him whether he decides to adopt another pet or not.

Tips & Warnings

• Be patient and kind, offering assistance as needed.

• Don't say things such as, "Cheer up." A person who is sad will not turn their mood around simply because they are told to do so.