A dog can be the missing puzzle piece of your life. They bring much-needed satisfaction to any home. That’s what makes the loss of a dog so hard. Losing your pooch is as painful as losing any other friend. The only difference is, people don’t take the loss as seriously. Fellow dog owners may understand your pain, but it can be hard to get comfort when grieving for a pet. Many people just don’t understand. The good news is, we understand completely! That’s why we’ve put together a list that should help you cope on those days when your loss hits hard.
ALLOW YOURSELF TIME TO GRIEVE
It’s important to give yourself the time you need after you suffer loss. There’s always pressure to keep going, but that won’t do you any good. Even if you think you can cope, you’ll be hit harder if you don’t take the time you need. If you need to take a few days off work, do it. Allowing yourself time to be unhappy is crucial before you can pick yourself up again. Don’t be afraid to talk about how you’re feeling. Those closest to you will understand. They will be aware of how much you loved your dog. If your dog belonged to you and a partner, talk to them about how you’re feeling. Chances are, they’re feeling the same way. Sharing the struggle can half the burden.
SAY GOODBYE
Taking time to say goodbye is another step you can’t skip. It’s your choice whether you have a funeral or not, though it can help you reach closure. Being able to say one final goodbye can only assist you as you move forward. Without it, you may feel as though you can’t let your loss go. If you’re getting your pet cremated, there are still ways to say goodbye. There is a great selection of urns to choose from. Once you’ve bought your pet home, hold a ceremony around the urn. Saying a few words can help, or even writing a letter. If you feel embarrassed, you don’t have to read it aloud. You could slip it inside the urn so you know it’s close to your pet.
REMEMBER THE GOOD TIMES
When the loss is fresh, it might be hard to remember the good times. The pain will be extreme, and you might not be able to cope with happy memories. As time goes by, you’ll find that those memories become a comfort to you. When that time comes, take a little time to honor the memory of your pet. Go through old photographs and talk to someone who was close to your dog, too. The more happy memories you relive, the better you’ll feel. You’ll start to think fondly of your dog again, without the pain clouding your memories. When that time comes, you’ll know it’s time to move forward. That doesn’t mean leaving your dog behind; it just means taking the best parts of them into the future with you.