When our pets cross that rainbow bridge, it can be just as sad and heartbreaking as losing any other family member. If you’ve recently lost a beloved furry friend, here are some tips for coping.
Permission to Grieve
It’s not silly to be upset about the loss of a pet. Animal people know and understand that they can mean as much to us as our human loved ones. So allow yourself time to grieve. Feel like crying? Cry. Need time away to process? Take some time. Everyone grieves in their own way, at their own pace, and that’s okay.
Think of the Good Times
You probably made a ton of good memories over the years. Memorializing your fur baby in a photo album or having a piece of art made to remember them is a meaningful way to pay tribute to them and recall those times anytime you want.
Make Time for You
Stay positive during this difficult time by making time for yourself and doing things you enjoy. Whether it’s art, fitness, writing, or puzzles, give yourself time to do activities that make you happy.
Consider Rescuing
Only pet owners who have lost a pet know what that void feels like. A new rescue animal gives you something positive to focus on, and the amount of love and gratitude a rescue animal will show you is indescribable. While some people can concentrate on another pet soon after the loss, others may need more time to grieve.
Find a Way to Carry Their Love With You
Whether it’s a tattoo, a locket, or ashes in an urn necklace, find a way to have your pet with you wherever you go. This may make you shed a tear, but eventually, you’ll look back and smile.
Seek Help if You Need It
We all handle grief differently, so while some people bounce back right away, others find it beneficial to seek professional help through grief therapy or counseling.
Have you dealt with the loss of a pet? How did you cope? Share your experiences with us in the comments below.