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Dealing with the Loss of Your Dog, It’s Okay to Grieve
Dealing With the Loss of Your Dog – When your dog passes away, you’re will get a lot of well-meaning advice and words of comfort. People will tell you that your pet has gone to a better place, that time will make it all better – things you already know. But none of it offers real comfort when it feels like your heart has been ripped out of your chest.
“I loved you your whole life. I’ll miss you for the rest of mine” ~ Quote for the Loss of a Dog
Grief over a pet is nothing to be ashamed of. It is normal to grieve over such a loss. When you say that your dog is like your child, you mean it – and for some people it is to the same degree. And it still hurts to realize that life with your dog is over.
Is There a Right or Wrong Way to Deal with the Loss of Your Dog
First, understand that there’s no right or wrong way for you to grieve. Some of you will run out the same day and get a new pet to love, to fill the void.
Others will have to mourn the loss slowly and honor their pet’s life carefully and methodically. Either way is right, depending on whatever helps you in your own grief. So when you get advice, see what fits you best and use that.
You’re going to feel lonely, and sad – and you might get angry when others don’t understand. Don’t expect them to. Just embrace your own feelings. Try to voice your feelings with others who are in the same boat or have had felt the same way before, whether in person or online in a group setting.
Memorial to Grieve the Loss of Your Dog
It might be cathartic for you to hold a memorial for your pet. It can be as simplistic or elaborate as you wish. You can say a few words about your dog and how he or she affected your life for the better. There are many ways you can create a memorial for your canine friend.
Let It All Out
Don’t be afraid to cry and remember the good times. The loss of your dog is painful. You can look at pictures of the happy days and immerse yourself in grief. It’s better to address it than to bottle it up and let it affect you longer.
It’s Normal to Miss Your Dog
At night, you might wake up grieving the loss of your pet, who used to snuggle up close to you. On walks, you might feel the loneliness of his absence trotting along beside you. This, as they say, will improve with time. But allow yourself to feel those feelings for now.
Let Go of Guilt If You Decide Get Another Dog
If you miss the camaraderie of a pet and are considering getting another pet, don’t feel guilty. You can adopt another one in honor of the one who passed away. Or you can volunteer at a local animal shelter to give some of the love you had for your dog to another.
When your dealing with the loss of your dog, it’s understandable that you may vow to never get another fur friend. But, in time you may change your mind – there are thousands of dogs who are longing for the love of someone just like you – it’s a beautiful way to honor the dog that you lost and love.
Keep that love alive in your heart, and consider adopting a dog from a rescue or shelter dog.