How to Grieve When Your Pet Dies

Your beloved companion has passed away but the memories you made over the years have not. You may have spent many years together if your pet came to you at a young age. It can be difficult losing a trusted friend and loyal companion. People can inadvertently make your loss more difficult by offering unwanted advice, or insensitive remarks. That is because some people don’t understand the special attachment that can exist between a person and a pet. I hope that you have pictures to look at to remind you of the time you spent together. It is all right for you to grieve the loss of your pet. Try not to worry what other people will think about how you grieve when your pet dies.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Pictures
• Time alone
• A quiet place
• Someone who will listen and understands
• Kleenex
• A phone

1. Go ahead and cry. Cry for as long as you want, as hard as you want, and as often as you want. Just keep the tissue box close by.
2. Call in sick to work. It isn’t a lie because you are heartsick. You probably wouldn’t accomplish much anyway.
3. Do something you enjoyed together Try to do things that you and your pet enjoyed doing together. Remember how happy your pet was during these times when you were going for a walk, a ride, or to the park.
4. Make a collage of your pet to frame and put on the wall. Choose your favorite photos of your pet, use copies, not originals. Cut out your favorite part of each photo, instead of using each whole picture. That way you can have more pictures and things in the collage. Get creative; add a piece of your pet’s favorite toy, snack, or game.
5. Call a friend to talk about your pet. Choose someone who knew your pet and understands the special relationship you had.
6. Choose a special marker for your pet’s grave. If you happen to be good at crafts then make a special marker yourself. Visit your pet’s grave as often as you need to visit.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are totally lost without your pet, give yourself permission to adopt a new companion.
• If you find yourself sinking into a deep depression, or if your grief isn’t beginning to subside after several weeks, tell your doctor.