Grieving for a Pet Loss: How Should You Go Through It?

It’s always hard to lose a pet. They become part of our lives, and their loss can leave families feeling devastated. The grieving process is often complicated because feelings may be intense and hard to take in.

There’s no "right" way to grieve a pet loss. You may find yourself feeling angry, guilty, or even numb. It’s important to give yourself time to mourn and to understand that your emotions are normal.

The death of a pet can be especially difficult for children. They may not fully understand what has happened and may need extra support during this time.

Here are a few tips that may help you through the grieving process:

1. Talk about Your Pet; Share Memories with Friends and Family

It’s natural to feel sadness and grief when losing a pet. They’re such an important part of people's lives, and people love them dearly. 

The pain of pet loss can be quite intense and overwhelming. It’s essential to allow yourself to grieve and express your emotions. Talking about your pet and sharing memories with friends and family can be very helpful. It can help you to remember the good times and feel closer to your pet.

2. Write Down Your Thoughts and Feelings

One way to help express your thoughts and feelings is to write them down. It can be a cathartic exercise and help you to process your grief. It can be in a journal, blog, or even just a piece of paper. Just get your thoughts and feelings out there, even if you can’t make sense of them yourself.

It can also be helpful to write about your pet or to create a photo album or memory box. There are many ways to honor your pet's memory and keep them close to your heart.

3. Spend Time Outside

One of the best things you can do to help heal your broken heart is to spend time outside in nature. Being in nature can help you feel connected to something bigger than yourself and can help you find some peace and solace.

Here are some ways you can grieve your pet loss by spending time outside in nature:

• Take a Walk in the Park: Surrounded by trees and fresh air, a walk in the park can help you feel calmer and more at peace.
• Visit a Beach or Lake: The sound of the waves can be very soothing and help ease your pain.
• Sit in Your Backyard: If you don’t feel like going too far from home, simply sitting in your backyard, garden, or nearby park can be helpful. Being in nature can help you feel connected to the cycle of life and can help you realize that your pet's life was a significant part of the bigger picture.
• Go Camping: Camping can be a great way to get away from it all and find peace. Spending time in nature can help you to feel closer to your pet and can allow you to appreciate the time you had together.

No matter how you choose to spend time in nature, doing so can help you heal your broken heart and start moving on from your pet's loss.

4. Seek Support from Others Who Have Experienced Pet Loss

Talking to others who understand can be a huge help. You may reach out to a pet loss support group. Many online and in-person support groups are available for people grieving the loss of a pet. Talking to others who are going through the same thing can be very helpful and healing. 

Remember that feeling sad, angry, and guilty is normal after your pet dies. These are all typical reactions to loss. If you are finding it hard to cope, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional for help. Talk to a counselor or therapist if you have trouble coping with your loss. They can help you deal with your grief in a healthy way.

5. Do Something to Honor Your Pet

There are several ways to honor your pet after they die. You might choose to have a funeral or memorial service. It can be a small, intimate gathering with just close family and friends or a larger public event. You can also scatter your pet's ashes in a special place or bury them in your backyard.

Another way to honor your pet is to make a donation to a pet charity in their name. That’s a great way to keep their memory alive while helping other animals. You might also choose to volunteer in your pet's name at a local animal shelter.

Whatever you do to honor your pet, make sure it’s something that brings you comfort and fulfillment. 

6. Give Yourself Time to Grieve

Grief is a journey, and there’s no right or wrong way to grieve, so don’t put pressure on yourself to "get over" your pet's death. Allow yourself to grieve in whatever form and for however long you need to. 

Some people may feel the need to mourn for a long time, while others may not feel as emotional. It’s essential to allow yourself to grieve in whatever feels right for you.

Don’t rush yourself. It’s okay to take your time to mourn. Grief is a process that happens in stages. You may not feel all the stages at once, or you may not feel them in order. Just allow yourself to go through the process and feel whatever you feel.

What to Tell Your Children

It is never easy to lose a pet, and it can be especially difficult for children. Here are some tips on what to tell children when their pet dies:

1. Be Honest: Being honest with children about death is essential. Explain that their pet has passed and will not be coming back.

2. Be Gentle: Avoid using words that may be confusing or upsetting, such as “euthanized” or "put down."

3. Answer Questions: Children may have many questions about death. Take the time to answer their questions as best you can.

4. Offer Support: Let children know that feeling sad, angry, or scared is normal after a pet dies. Offer your support and encourage them to express their feelings.

5. Recall Happy Memories: Help children recall memories of their pet by sharing stories, looking at pictures, or making a memorial.

6. Plan Ahead: If possible, plan for your pet's death. That can help make the process easier for both you and your child.

Conclusion

The grieving process is different for everyone, and there’s no right or wrong way to grieve the loss of your pet. Some people may find comfort in talking about their pet, while others may prefer to grieve privately. Many resources are available to help people through the grieving process, and it is vital to reach out for help if needed.

Earthwise Pet Supply & Grooming Bentonville believes in your strength and supports you. Should you decide to start over and get yourself a new pet, know that we are your local pet store where you can get all the necessary pet supplies in Bentonville, and we will be with you throughout this journey.