The unconditional love from pets is indescribable. Regardless of what’s going on, pets are almost always happy. While they cannot communicate like humans, the wagging tail, running to the door, and sloppy wet licks make owners’ hearts swell. That kind of love is why losing a pet is devastating. Discover tips that will help you while grieving if you are experiencing a pet’s death. These tips will help you through the devastation and help you honor your pet in healthy ways.
1. Acknowledge The Reality Of The Death
If you’ve ever left a vet appointment with the sad news that your pet doesn’t have much time left, you know how heart-shattering their death feels. While you may want to bury your head under the covers, now is not the time to pretend you are in a bad dream.
Instead, acknowledge the impending death of your pet. Reflect on your pet’s life and the joy your pet gave your family. Impending death is also a time for petting, stroking, and providing extra love to your pet.
Besides extra love, planning your pet’s end-of-life experience helps acknowledge the reality of the situation. Pet euthanasia is an option allowing pet owners to say goodbye their way.
According to HomeHeart Vets, which offers at home euthanasia in Boston, they are “passionate about helping our clients give their pets a peaceful end-of-life experience from the comfort of home surrounded by love.” The overwhelming feeling of impending death is less stressful when you have help and resources. Having an at-home service will make this emotional time more comforting to pet owners.
2. Know That Grieving A Pet Is Real And Valid
The feelings you have during the loss of a pet are valid. Grieving a pet is the same as grieving a family member. Grief is a journey. Instead of hiding or pushing your feelings down, feel the experience and acknowledge what you are feeling. Don’t feel ashamed for grieving a pet. If there are children in the home, talk to them about their feelings. The death of a family pet may leave children confused and feeling abandoned. Assure them that their pet would still be here if possible. Also, talk to them about the circle of life and how it is more significant than anything.
3. Don’t Let Others Tell You How To Feel
Regardless of the cause of your pet’s death, you cannot let others tell you how to feel. Some believe there is more shock and devastation in a tragic death than putting your pet down. However, that is not true. Saying goodbye to a pet is hard, and you cannot compare your grief to others. You can feel what you feel.
4. Create Memorials Around Your Home
Losing a pet means there is less movement around your home. Without the physical presence of your pet, your home may even feel cold and lifeless. One way to avoid that is to create memorials around your home. Memorials help you honor your pet in healthy ways. Besides pictures and plaques, other ways to memorialize your pet are:
- Use food bowls as plant pots
- Make a memorial box that holds all of your pets’ toys
- Plant a tree in your pet’s memory
6. Talk To Friends Who Have Lost Pets
Talking to others about losing a pet is therapeutic. It allows pet owners to share their feelings instead of holding them in. Talking to someone who has been through the experience is also beneficial. Your friends can offer insight into what you are feeling and share advice. Therefore, getting support from family and friends who have lost pets is essential.
7. Take Care Of Yourself
It is easy to forget to take care of yourself when traumatized. You don’t eat, don’t remain hydrated, and lose focus on your overall health. However, taking care of yourself during this time is vital. Some things that you can include:
- Write your feelings in a journal
- Maintain your routines
- Go for long walks
- Avoid making big decisions
Conclusion
As you have read, the unconditional love from pets is indescribable. It’s the love that makes losing a pet devastating. The six tips above will help you honor your pet and get through the grieving process.
