7 Tips on Coping with Losing a Pet ...

Alison

Coping with losing a pet isn't easy. People may say that it's only an animal, but anyone who has lost a beloved pet knows that you feel devastated. The grief can be every bit as strong as losing a person. I lost one of my cats a year ago and it left me heartbroken. So here are some tips on coping with losing a pet …

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1. Happy Memories

When you're coping with losing a pet, try to think of the many happy memories you have of the years you spent together. Look at photos of them (everyone has hundreds of photos of their pets now), and watch videos you've recorded. It'll remind you of their amusing little quirks and all the things they did to make you laugh.

2. Good Home

Be proud of yourself that you gave your pet a good home for the time they lived with you. Not all animals are that lucky. Even if you didn't have your pet very long, and they'd been treated badly before they came to you, you can be comforted by knowing that they were loved and wanted at the end of their life.

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3. Acknowledge the Loss

Don't put on a brave face and pretend you're fine; you've suffered a loss and need to let the sadness run its course. Talk about your pet, and tell people how you're feeling if they ask. If you try to carry on as if nothing has happened, you'll only bury your grief - and that will have to come out at some point.

4. Memento

It can also help to have a memento of your pet. You could have a photo enlarged and framed, or have their name tag set into a piece of jewellery. Some people also find it a comfort to make a memorial in their garden for their pet, or even to hold a funeral service for them.

5. It Takes Time

Expect it to take time for you to come to terms with the loss of your beloved pet. There's no set time that this should take; everybody mourns in their own way. You won't just 'get over it', as people sometimes tell you. The emotional pain of losing a pet you loved deeply is very real and you need time to mourn.

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6. Help Other Animals

You may not want to adopt another animal straight away, but it can be a comfort to volunteer your time to help animals, for example helping at a shelter. This allows you to be around animals without making the commitment that adoption entails. It feels comforting to know that you are doing some good for other animals, as if you were paying tribute to your pet.

7. When You're Ready …

You'll know if or when you're ready to adopt another animal. Some people aren't ready for a long time; others simply can't be without a pet for long. The new arrival will never replace the pet you lost, but it's very rewarding to know that you have given a home to another animal in need of one.

Pets are such an important part of our lives that they leave a huge gap when they're gone. I miss my cat very much, and know another cat can't replace her, but when the time is right I definitely plan to adopt again. Do you have any unusual pets?

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Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

Thank you for this post, I needed it and I'm not sure I can see the light at the end of this tunnel just yet, I'm still deeply depressed and sad

I know how you all feel and I hope that it's a consolation knowing that you gave your beloved pets a good, loving home. And that you feel able to share your lives with another animal in time.

I had to put down my poodle several year ago now. I had her cremated and keep her ashes in a fond place, her Chiefs jersey is by her ashes along with her puppy collar. I kept one family photo. My Mandi Dandi was dear to my hear and taught me so much. She was the sexiest dog you would ever meet. Now I foster cats and volunteer my time with am animal rescue making sure that other dogs go to great homes.

My poodle kahuna was 18 when he left us last night. I'm heartbroken and confused. I knew the day would come just not that suddenly. It was less than a day before he was wagging his tail, climbing on my lap, licking my face. Thanks for this article. It doesn't help yet but may in the future.

February 18, 2014, my 16 yr old Spitz/Beagle died of sinus Cancer. A couple days ago, March 12, 2015, I had to put my son's 13 yr old terrier/chow mix down due to very aggressive mouth cancer. I searched this site and I'm happy I found this article. It's NEVER easy dealing with the loss of a loved one, be it pet or person.

Great post. Many don't realize the grief people feel and this explains it perfectly. I also read a quote on what my pets last wishes would be, and it would be that another animal can enjoy the love and kindness they experienced being part of the family. Adopting another pet is making that last wish come true

Thank you! I just loss my golden retriever of thirteen years! I've had her since I was 9. It's been horrible

My baby hasn't been home in a month and I've taken it extremely hard, it's hard not to see my cat every day and he is my best friend, I will always love him and there will never be a day where I won't think of him

My husband and I had to put our 2 year old doggy down last week, one of the hardest things I've ever had to do, but all of these are true!

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