The loss of a pet often hits unexpectedly hard. Although your feelings of loss are valid, it’s sometimes hard for other people to understand. After spending years together, you and your pet formed a close bond. Naturally, you’re going to experience some challenging emotions once they’re gone. Although your pet can’t be replaced, you can use these strategies to begin the process of healing from your loss.
Allow Yourself Time to Grieve
Grief isn’t a linear experience with a defined beginning and end. Instead, most people experience grief in waves. If you find yourself smiling during a cherished memory of your pet one minute and feeling profound sadness the next, try to remember that this is normal. Over time, you should eventually begin to feel the pains of grief lessen. But, it’s important to allow yourself the time and space you need to work through the different stages of grief. Telling people in your life that you are grieving can help them know how to provide you with support.
Seek Individual Counseling
Talking to a professional counselor provides you with a new perspective on how to work through the grieving process. During an individual counseling session, you’re able to focus solely on your experience. You might share memories of your pet with your counselor or ask for feedback regarding how to cope with sudden waves of sadness. Over time, you’ll find that using the strategies you learn in counseling helps you to accept the loss and retain your happy memories of the time you and your pet shared together.
Create a Special Memorial
A pet memorial can be as simple as a framed photograph or as extravagant as a grave with a tombstone. The choice is ultimately up to you, and it helps to have a place where you can honor your special animal friend. Some pet owners plant a tree to honor their loss. If you have your pet cremated, then you might choose to have their ashes placed in customized jewelry. Pet owners can also compile a photo album of their furry friend, or you could create a keepsake box that contains their favorite toy, blanket and collar.
Donate Your Time or Resources to Other Pets
Although some pet owners quickly find a new animal companion, others may prefer to wait until they finish grieving. If you’re opting to wait, then it helps to have a place to share your love for animals. Volunteering at an animal shelter is one option that can help you begin to honor your pet by caring for other animals. If you don’t have the time to volunteer, then you might choose to donate extra pet food, blankets and other supplies. Knowing that your time and energy can benefit other animals helps you to heal.
The grieving process after losing a pet doesn’t have a defined timeline. But, you should feel your grief gradually lessen over the upcoming months. Reaching out for help, creating a memorial and volunteering your services all work together to help you develop a healthy perspective on your loss as you move forward.