Tips to Coping with the Loss of a Beloved Animal Companion

Losing a pet can be an incredibly difficult and emotional experience, whether it's due to unexpected circumstances or old age. Coping with the loss of a beloved animal companion is a personal journey and people may find different strategies helpful. I'm currently writing this Loss Blog Post to help process the unexpected loss of my beautiful girl Luna. I find that writing my thoughts helps to clears my head.

I've experienced my fair share of loss with caring for and raising animals all my life. I also worked in the veterinary field for many years and have comforted many people and families going through their time of grief. Loss is one of the unfortunate experiences you go through often working in a vet clinic and it never gets any easier. Here are some suggestions that may assist you in coping with the loss of your pet:

1. Allow Yourself to Grieve:

• Understand that grieving is a natural and necessary process.
• Let it out and cry!
• It's okay to feel a range of emotions, including sadness, anger, guilt or even relief.
  • Anger is a normal reaction to an unexpected loss. However use caution in directing the anger toward someone. Accidents can happen to a pet, but more than likely no one intended a bad outcome.
  • Guilt is also a normal feeling with an accident or when you have to make the difficult decision for end of life. The "What ifs" can eat at you. Try not to put blame on yourself. (I know, easier said than done) Know that you've done the best for your pet that you can and you loved them until the end!

2. Create a Memorial:

• Build a memorial or dedicate a special space in your home or garden to honor your pet's memory.
• Consider making a scrapbook or photo album with pictures and memories.
• If opting for cremation services, a lot of companies offer memorial jewelry and blown glass pieces that infuse ashes.
• A lot of veterinary clinics work with memorial companies that will do nose print jewelry and clay paw prints.
  • We used Trusted Journey at the veterinary clinic I worked at for cremations, urns and memorial items.

3. Talk About Your Pet:

• Share stories and memories with friends or family who understand and empathize with your loss.
• Consider joining online pet loss support groups to connect with others who have experienced similar grief.
• It's okay to talk to your veterinary staff about your loss. More than likely you've been taking your pet to them for a while and they've gotten to know them. We would help families with first vaccines for puppies and kittens and then also help those same families and pets at end of life. We've gotten to know you and your pet and grieve with you.

4. Hold a Memorial Service:

• Arrange a small memorial service or ceremony to celebrate your pet's life.
  • Invite close friends or family to participate and share their own memories.
  • This can really help younger kids with the grieving process. Allow them to talk about their memories. Share your memories with them. Ask them if they have questions. They might want to participate in creating a headstone or planting a memorial tree.

5. Create a Legacy:

• Consider doing something positive in memory of your pet, such as making a donation to an animal charity or volunteering at a local animal shelter.
• Plant a tree or flowers.

6. Express Your Feelings:

• Write a letter to your pet expressing your feelings, thoughts, and gratitude for the time you had together.
• Journaling can be a therapeutic way to process your emotions.
• Have kids make a card. Something they can keep or place in or at the burial.

7. Seek Professional Help:

• If your grief becomes overwhelming, consider seeking support from a therapist or counselor who specializes in pet loss.
  • The Pet Compassion Careline - (855) 245-8214 is a 24/7 grief support helpline. They also have more in depth flyers about dealing with grief on their website.

8. Establish a Routine:

• Establishing a routine can help bring a sense of normalcy back to your life.
• Focus on self-care and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
• Do an activity that helps take your mind off the loss for a little while.

9. Consider a New Pet:

• In time, you may want to consider opening your heart to a new pet. It doesn't replace the one you lost, but it can bring new joy and companionship.

Remember, everyone grieves differently, and there's no right or wrong way to cope with the loss of a pet. Give yourself the time and space you need to heal, and reach out for support when necessary.